What is Jailbreaking?

There seems to be a lot of mystery surrounding the idea of "Jailbreaking" one's iDevice (iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad). Hopefully, this article can help to clear up some of the smoke and mirrors associated with it.

The first part of the process is to truly understand what the definition of Jailbreaking is. Jailbreaking is defined as a hack that allows users access to the root files of their iDevice, therefore freeing users from the limitations placed on the device by At&T and Apple. What this means is that it removes the constrictions placed on the iDevice allowing for more freedom in your choices as a user.

Upon performing a jailbreak on an iDevice, you are then given access to an app (application) called Cydia. Cydia allows access to a number of other apps and installers that give the user many options, the least of which include changing system icons, backgrounds, themes, fonts,and much more.

Disclaimer: Jailbreaking an iDevice voids the warranty

UPDATE: As of right now, 8/30/2010, if you have updated your iPhone to 4.0.2, then there is not a jailbreak available yet. If you already jailbroke your iPhone on iOS4, then there is a PDF Patch that you can install to fix the PDF. The next jailbreak will not be handed down until 4.1 is released, which is currently in it's 3rd Beta release with Dev's so it should be within weeks.

Is Jailbreaking your iDevice going to land you in jail?

On July 26,2010 the U.S. Copyright Office handed down the decision stating that using computer programs to run lawfully obtained programs on your phone that you would otherwise not be able to use, is in fact legal. Note that is states "lawfully obtained". This means that hacked or pirated programs are still illegal. They also stated that "unlocking" the phone for use on another carrier is legal as well, though I don't advise this to be done for a number of reasons. Mainly the fact that the iPhone already has minor performance issues on it's primary network, At&T, so putting it on another network magnifies those same performance issues.

While Jailbreaking is now considered legal, is it advised? The answer to that depends on you, the user. If you are the type of end user who likes to have a nice, sleek phone that makes and receives calls, allows access to your emails, gives you games and music, and allows HTML rich web access, then the "stock" iDevice is for you.

If, however, you are the type of user who likes a little more flexibility, freedom, and customization options, then Jailbreaking is the way to go. Here is a small list of the things you are able to accomplish on your iDevice by Jailbreaking it: Custom wallpapers, icons, fonts, ringtones, text message tones, etc. It also allows for full system customization in the form of themes, widgets for time, weather, notifications, and many more. There are many more things that you are able to do with a jailbroken iDevice (like enabling multitasking on a 3G), however the list is very long, and it is more fun to discover the endless possibilities on your own.

There are a few drawbacks to be aware of prior to jailbreaking. The most important thing to remember is this; prior to beginning any jailbreak procedure, BACKUP your device in iTunes. That way if it "bricks" (doesn't work), you can restore from that backup. Another thing to keep in mind is that it helps to be somewhat computer savvy to do it. There are many step by step tutorials available, however, a good, full understanding of exactly what they say is highly recommended before you start. Jailbreaking your phone can cause performance issues, depending on what programs are installed, so it is a good idea (especially at first) to install programs one at a time to "test" their performance. Doing so will ensure that if you run across performance issues, you will know exactly what to uninstall.

Overall, jailbreaking your iDevice is an enjoyable experience, if you don't mind messing up along the way and have the patience to do it over again when this happens. It will open up a whole new world of Apple's mobile operating system that most users aren't aware of, and it will allow for limitless customization. If you have a little bit of tech savvy, the patience, and the motivation, it is a very easy process and has many benefits. If you are happy with your iDevice the way it is, then I wouldn't mess with it at all.

The root of the debate is all about the choice to jailbreak or not, but remember, jailbreaking gives you more choices than you knew you had. For more information on just how far the iPhone has come, read about The iPhone Revolution