Jailbreaking, A History

Imagine a time when iPhones were the way they were, from the time you take them out from the box until eternity. There was no such thing as applications. No other developers but Apple themselves. You might think you’re in a dream but in January of 2007, when the first iPhone was unveiled, this was the way things were.

A group of people called “hackers” saw this as an opportunity and created the process we now know as iPhone jailbreaking. The goal is to modify the system to the user’s needs. This includes removing restrictions set by the wireless provider and the manufacturer. Don’t get me wrong, these people don’t hate Apple, in fact they loved Apple and the iPhone 3GS but they did not like the fact that everything was just too bland and boring. They saw the endless possibilities and they wanted it to become a reality.

Jailbreaking Today

Today, the Apple App Store carries hundreds of new apps and many more are added each day. And yet, there are still many clamoring for their iPhone 3G, 3Gs or iPod Touch to be jailbroken and the business of third party iPhone apps continues to boom. Doesn’t the new iOS and App Store give us enough customization and fantastic apps? I guess not.

Some small time developers also have a difficult time getting their apps onto the App Store due to its strict rules and guidelines, and of course the $99 developer fee. Which is a hefty price for a young developer who only wants to share his talents and sometimes may even not want to charge others for downloading his app.

So depending on your needs and wants, different people have different reasons for wanting to jailbreak or not wanting to jailbreak their iPod Touch or iPhone.

Getting the Facts Straight

For those of you who are still skeptical or merely have questions, we have 3 rumors that we would like to settle.

1) iPhone Jailbreaking is illegal

False. The U.S. Library of Congress made the formal statement last July 2010 that jailbreaking is entirely legal. In fact, it is every iPod, iPhone, and iPad owner’s right to have their iPhone jailbroken if they want to. Jailbreaking the iPhone was seen as a process similar to that of “unlocking” or making a phone “open-lined.”

2) Jailbreaking The iPhone will void the warranty

True. Tampering with a device outside of the manufacturer’s direction will logically result in the forfeiture of the warranty. Apple’s explanation is that to ensure smooth interface capabilities and quality applications, it must subject these things to certain rules and regulations.

These are all in the interest of the user for error-free usage. Some users have been able to get around this though by returning their iPhone to factory settings so that the device will have no trace of ever being tampered with.

3) It will destroy your iPhone

Possible. Remember that you are putting in software and applications that haven’t been tested or approved by anyone but the developers. So it is always important to research on the things you wish to install. Check for reviews online if others have tried and if the developer is trust worthy.

Jailbreaking is a right and maybe even a privilege. But it can sometimes come at a price and no one can force to you jailbreak your iPhone. It is a world of endless possibilities and there is so much more to explore.

Tell us your jailbreaking experience or your opinions on the matter.