Contents
What is jailbreaking?
Jailbreaking is the act of taking ownership of your device by modifying it to be able to run packages that are not authorized by Apple. Your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad will become truly yours, no longer locked down and limited only to what Apple thinks you should see or use. You can decide whether or not to install, delete or purchase any application you wish, on your own.
Jailbreaking requires some technical skills but is generally considered safe and mostly used to customize the iOS interface with themes, widgets, etc., run apps that are not authorized by Apple in their App Store, or simply increase performance on older devices. Visually these modified interfaces will often remind of other well-known operating systems such as Mac OS or Windows.
Demerits Of Jailbreaking
A jailbroken device is extremely vulnerable to damage and we all know that Apple products are not cheap. If you have spent a fortune on getting an Apple phone, the last thing you want is for it to break down because of a faulty iOS update so why take such a risk?
Let’s consider what happens once your device has been jailbroken:
- It can cause damage to your phone.
- You are not entitled to free support from Apple if you have jailbroken your device.
- Using a tool to unlock the operating system so it can work on another network is illegal in some countries, including the UK and the US.
- A pirate app offers no support or guarantee and may cause damage to your device.
- Using pirated apps could put you at risk of viruses and malware.
- Your warranty will be invalid if you jailbreak your phone.
- Jailbreaking can void the insurance of your phone if it gets stolen or broken. Because Apple won’t honor the claim if it’s been jailbroken.
- Jailbreaking can cause app errors or slow down your device.
- You may not be able to perform updates on your phone if you jailbreak it so you won’t benefit from any new features or security patches Apple releases in the future.
- Using a jailbroken device might mean that iCloud stops working properly.
- Using jailbreaking to unlock your device for use on another network is illegal in the US (AT&T) and UK (O2).
- Jailbroken devices can’t be sold on Apple’s official store because it breaks their terms and conditions.
- When you jailbreak your phone, you lose its security features, which could make it easier for a thief to steal your data.
- You won’t be able to sync your music or other files properly with iTunes if you jailbreak your device as the program will detect that it’s been altered and not allow you to access those files.
- Jailbreaking doesn’t guarantee that all apps will work on your device.
- Jailbreaking can cause apps to be buggy, slow, or even stop working entirely.
- If you jailbreak your phone and then get a new one, you’ll have to perform the process again if you want to use it on another network.
- You won’t be able to record videos or take screenshots using your phone’s camera without jailbreaking it.
- If you jailbreak, the warranty on your device will also be void and Apple won’t honor any fault that’s caused by having a jailbroken device.
- Some apps you might want to use only work on certain models of Apple devices so if you jailbreak and get one that isn’t compatible, you’ll need to jailbreak again.
- Using an unsupported version of iOS could mean that your device doesn’t work properly (if it works at all) and can lead to crashes or unexpected behavior.
- You won’t be able to sync apps, music, or any other files over USB because iTunes will recognize the altered operating system.
- If you have a PC, you won’t be able to use iTunes without installing all of the software required for jailbreaking so it’s not worth it unless you have a Mac.
Knowing demerits is not sufficient. If may change your mind. So make sure you check out the benefits of jailbreak, It’ll give you a complete idea of is jailbreaking beneficial for you or not.
Conclusion
If you want to be able to use your device on a different carrier or have more control over the operating system, jailbreaking is not for you.
Jailbroken devices are also vulnerable and will not receive free support from Apple if they break down because of an iOS update. It is illegal in some countries so it may affect the warranty on your phone as well.