Most iPhone & iPad users are usually happy with their device, but there are a few who want to install apps that are not on the App Store and even change the performance of their device outside of what Apple allows. The only way to do this is through jailbreaking. This article will discuss what jailbreaking is and its potential consequences.
What is jailbreaking?
Jailbreaking or rooting is the process of removing manufacturer and/or carrier restrictions from an iPhone or iPad. It uses a privilege escalation attack to replace the factory-installed operating system with a custom kernel. This allows users to install third-party software and change system settings that would be impossible to do in an iPhone or iPad’s default state.
While jailbreaking gives you greater control over your iPhone or iPad, it comes with certain risks, including:
1. Warranty problems
Apple considers jailbreaking a breach of contract. So, the moment you jailbreak your iPhone or iPad, its warranty becomes invalid and Apple will no longer provide any support for any hardware or software issues.
2. Decreased battery life
Jailbreaking an iPhone or iPad can lead to faster battery drainage. This is because most of the apps created by the jailbreaking community are not optimized properly and tend to use more power than Apple-approved software.
3. Increased security risk
iPhones & iPads run apps in a closed environment or sandbox. This prevents official and licensed apps from affecting the rest of the system. When you jailbreak your iPhone or iPad, these sandboxes are removed, allowing unauthorized apps to make unrestricted changes to your device's operating system and gain access to your private files.
Jailbreaking also opens up your iPhone or iPad to attacks. Without Apple’s built-in security framework, your device becomes more susceptible to malware and other forms of cyberattack.
4. Update issues
Once you jailbreak your iPhone or iPad, you’re stuck with its current iOS version. This means that automatic updates for the operating system, official apps, and security features will no longer be available. You’ll be forced to rely on the updates developed by the jailbreaking community and other independent developers.
5. Device instability
Because apps for jailbroken devices aren't properly tested and optimized, jailbreaking your iPhone or iPad will make it more prone to crashing. This can also cause built-in and third-party apps to freeze and, in some cases, brick your device. A bricked iPhone or iPad can no longer boot or respond to any sort of input.
How to check if your device is jailbroken
If you purchased a secondhand iPhone or iPad and want to know if it’s jailbroken, here’s how you can check.
- Unlock your device and invoke the search function.
- Type “Cydia,” and if it appears on the search results, it means the device is likely jailbroken.
Jailbreaking your iPhone or iPad may seem like a good idea, but jailbroken devices experience frequent performance issues and are easy targets for cybercriminals. If you want to learn more about the dangers of jailbreaking, call our specialists today.