You have probably heard of the word “jailbreaking” before – but you always wondered what it meant. Does it mean breaking out of a jail because you committed a crime? No. It doesn’t mean that. Jailbreaking refers to the process of removing all tightly confined regulations and restrictions Apple places on its iOS devices. These devices include the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, to name a few.
By jailbreaking an iPhone, for example, you can manipulate the iOS software to install apps outside of the Apple App Store, customize the look and feel of your phone by installing custom themes, icons, layouts, animations, and so much more. Ever had a friend with an Android phone who wouldn’t shut up about the custom themes and animations they could install on their phone? Now, with jailbreaking software, you can do the same. Keep reading to find out how to jailbreak the iPhone…
Is Jailbreaking Illegal?
According to the current laws, jailbreaking is perfectly legal in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. You are free to jailbreak your Apple devices and customize them however you want. You do not have to fear prosecution for “hacking” your phone and installing custom software on it. However, jailbreaking is only legal as long as you do not use it to install paid apps to use them for free; otherwise, you are breaking copyright law.
What Does Apple Say?
Because the iPhone and other i-devices and iOS software is proprietary technology of Apple, the company is vehemently against jailbreaking. Apple’s support document regarding jailbreaking says that it “may deny service for an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that has installed any unauthorized software.” This means that if you jailbreak your device and run into any issues, don’t expect Apple to help you. Even if you have a warranty for your Apple device – you are on your own. Jailbreaking will void your warranty.
READ MORE: How To Keep Your iPhone Safe From Hackers
What Devices Can Be Jailbroken?
Most Apple devices running iOS can be jailbroken. Here is a current list:
- iPhone X, iPhone XS and XS Max?, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 2nd generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 1st generation 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad 5th generation, iPad Mini 4, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 2
- iPod Touch 6th generation
The Risks Of Jailbreaking
When you’re installing a custom software that is not supported by Apple, you risk damaging your device. Does this mean if you jailbreak your iPhone for the first time that it will stop working? The chances of this happening are slim – as long as you follow jailbreak software instructions properly.
So then what are the risks? The biggest risk is that jailbreaking your iPhone opens your device up to all sorts of security threats. These security threats include: malware that can take control of your phone, track your activity, and record your information; Trojans and other viruses that can infect your device; and hackers could install secret software on your device that can steal your valuable and intimate information.
READ MORE: How To Remove A Virus From Your iPhone Or iPad And Protect Them
A risk even greater than security threats is the possibility of “bricking” your device. Bricking means that your iPhone or iPad could stop functioning, freeze, or completely stop working or powering on – forever. Lastly, jailbreaking can cause you to lose valuable files such as pictures, videos, documents, and music. This is why it is critical to backup your valuable data and use a data recovery program – even if you don’t plan to jailbreak.
How Can I Jailbreak My Apple iPhone?
There are a handful of jailbreaking tools on the Internet such as Yalu102, zJailbreak, and Electra. At the time of writing, only Electra supports jailbreaking on the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. With this post we are exclusively sharing information and we are not advising anyone to jailbreak their phone, at any time.
READ MORE: How To Backup Your iPhone And Restore To A New One
What About iOS 12 & iPhone XS?
There is currently no jailbreak solution for the upcoming iOS 12 and the newly released Apple iPhones. Because these are new releases, it may take some time until intrepid hackers exploit a way to jailbreak them. According to a YouTube video by iCrackUriDevice, a solution to jailbreaking iOS 12, iOS 11.4 and iOS 11.4.1 might be available before the end of this year.
Until then, you just have to wait.
