You hear it often: jailbreaking. But what is it actually? In this article we explain jailbreaking and we list the pros and cons. Want to know more about a jailbreak for iOS 4.3? Then look here.
Jailbreaking
Jailbreaking is taking advantage of a vulnerability in iOS that allows you to bypass Apple's security measures. For example, Apple has protected many files on the hard drive of your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. These files can be reached by jailbreaking the device. With a jailbreak you actually hack your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad so that you get more control over it.
In addition, in Cydia, the App Store of the jailbreak world, you can download apps that would not be approved by Apple. For this you often have to pay a few euros, which you can transfer via PayPal.
Hackers groups
Several hacker groups are active with making jailbreaks. These groups make jailbreaking an Apple device easy for users by writing a software program for it. This allows you to jailbreak the device by following a small number of steps. The iPhone Dev Team and the Chronic Dev Team, among others, are involved in the development of jailbreaks.
So you don't have to be an expert in the field of computers. It is important to realize that jailbreaking an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad does not always go smoothly. So always make a backup before you start, so that you do not lose data, photos or other files.
SHSH blobs
SHSH blobs are codes issued by Apple when you download and install iOS on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. This code is unique per device and is normally not important. However, when jailbreaking, SHSH blobs are crucial! To perform most jailbreaks, you need the SHSH blobs from the previous iOS version. So do you want to jailbreak iOS 4.3? Then you probably need the SHSH blobs from iOS 4.2.1. So always save it! This can be done with a program like TinyUmbrella.
Advantages
Jailbreaking iOS has a number of pros and cons. A jailbreak gives you more control over the operating system, which means you can customize more and access all files on the device. This actually bypasses Apple's security measures. This has a number of advantages. For example, you can install new themes on iOS, giving the operating system a new look. You can also, for example, store more apps in the dock, you can let the dock scroll or you can adjust the lock screen.
MyWi is an app that turns an iPhone into a WiFi router. This allows you to share the iPhone's 3G connection with other devices such as an iPad. For many iPhone users, MyWi is a major reason to jailbreak iOS. With iOS 4.3, Apple introduces Personal Hotspot, a service that is basically similar.
extra options
However, MyWi offers a number of additional options. This way you get detailed information about the battery consumption, as this is significantly increased by sharing the internet connection. The WiFi network you set up can protect you with a password and you can view which users are active on the network.
You can also download a file explorer like iFile. This gives you access to the entire hard drive of your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. This is especially useful if you want to be able to move files on the device while you are on the go.
Cons
Bypassing Apple's protections also comes with a number of drawbacks. This gives you access to all files on the hard drive of the device, and therefore also to files that are necessary for the operating system to run properly. This carries the risk of discarding or overwriting a wrong file, causing damage to something in the operating system.
Incidentally, you can always restore the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad via iTunes and provide it with a completely new operating system. The device is therefore not actually broken, although you can lose data or photos.
Cydia
Apps that you can find in Cydia are apps that would not be approved by Apple for its own App Store. So you will have to be a little more careful than in the App Store, where you can download fairly safely because all apps are checked by Apple.
In addition, developing a jailbreak takes time. Once Apple releases a new operating system, it usually takes several weeks before a new jailbreak is developed. You will therefore have to choose between keeping a jailbreak or updating to the new operating system.
By the way, files that you have purchased in Cydia can be downloaded again for free as soon as you have provided the device with a jailbreak.
