The internet is full of questions and queries about jailbreaking. Methods and pros and cons of jailbreaking. But what does jailbreaking actually mean? Is it safe? And more importantly, is it legal? So, First of all, jailbreaking is NOT an illegal thing! Since 2010, Jailbroken devices have been legal in the USA and many European countries, including India and New Zealand. It is simply an act of removing Apple restrictions on its phones and making them more customizable and user-controlled. In this article, Phones Counter will explain to you some basic Jailbreaking iPhone Pros and Cons.
Jailbreaking iPhone Pros and Cons
People are often hesitant about jailbreaking their phones because jailbreaking an iPhone doesn’t break any national laws in the United States, but it does violate the iOS end-user software license agreement. In other words, Apple doesn’t directly support jailbreaking. However, they also won’t pursue legal action against anyone who decides to do so. But before you jailbreak your phone, don’t forget to take a look at the ever-changing digital rights laws in your local area.
Jailbreaking iPhone Pros
By jailbreaking your phone, you will technically be the administrator of your device of choice instead of Apple. So, let’s take a look at Jailbreaking iPhone Pros.
Enhanced Customization
Jailbreaking allows you to:
- Install custom themes, icons, fonts, and animations beyond Apple’s limitations.
- Replace system fonts, icons, and animations with custom designs.
- Add features like displays and lock-screen widgets that are not supported by Apple.
- It even allows redesigning the Control Center and Notification Center.
- Add features like gesture-based navigation.
Access to Unofficial Apps and Tools
Jailbreaking allows the user to use third-party platforms like Cydia or Sileo to download apps/tweaks banned from the App Store (e.g., emulators, ad-blockers).
It enables users to access the file system and screen recording without restrictions or automation via tools.
Region Freedom
By jailbreaking your phone, you can overcome network restrictions. Users can use any carrier worldwide, bypassing Apple’s carrier-locked devices. They can use any SIM card globally (e.g., AT&T-locked iPhone on T-Mobile). It also helps you overcome Region-Specific Features so that you can access apps/services geo-blocked in your area (e.g., international streaming platforms).
Performance Tweaks
By jailbreaking your phone, you can adjust the CPU/GPU performance of your phone, Which allows optimization for gaming. You can even delete pre-installed Apple apps to free up your storage and reduce background processes.
Cons of Jailbreaking an iPhone
Security vulnerabilities
Jailbreaking increases malware risks. Jailbreaking can increase security risks entering your phone. The App Store won’t and can’t screen any apps that you download and install on a jailbroken device, which means that you’re taking a risk just by downloading the apps in question.
Data Privacy Risks
Unofficial apps may harvest personal data (e.g., banking info messages). Instability & Bugs.
Crashes and Freezes
Most jailbreaks disable the OS and many applications. Apps like FaceTime, iCloud, iMessage, and Apple Pay may not work as intended on jailbroken devices. Freezes and crashes caused by the jailbreak make it less stable.
Battery Drain
Background processes from jailbreak tools often reduce battery life significantly. It shortens the battery life.
Loss of Warranty
Apple does not offer any warranty for jailbroken devices, even if the issue is hardware-related.
Update Blockages
Most jailbreaks prevent iOS updates until removed, leaving devices exposed to unpatched vulnerabilities. The most prominent issue that comes with using a jailbroken iPhone is that you won’t receive automatic iOS updates. These updates are designed, first and foremost, to enhance the security features of your phone.
Regional Illegality
Though legal in the USA, jailbreaking is still illegal in some countries like Canada; in these areas, they put heavy fines on jailbreaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a phone is jailbroken?
You may try to look for a third-party app, such as Cydia, on the device. Only a jailbroken iPhone can access such apps.
How can you un-jailbreak your iPhone?
You can un-jailbreak an iPhone by placing it into recovery mode, connecting it to your computer, and restoring it to Finder or iTunes.
Does jailbreak delete data in your phone?
This isn’t necessarily the case, but there are high chances of data loss.
Does jailbreak stop updates?
Yes, jailbreak stops all kinds of updates.
What will I lose if I jailbreak my iPhone?
You may lose access to the built-in features and syncing abilities that make the iPhone so usable.
In a nutshell, Jailbreaking makes your phone more customizable and less Apple administrative. But it also poses a threat to your phone’s security and stability. So, it’s not a win-win, but a lose-to-win offer. You must thoroughly search the pros and cons before you opt for it.
You might also like to read about how to use dual WhatsApp for iPhone.