Brief Description
iOS jailbreaking, or simply jailbreaking, is the process of removing the limitations imposed by Apple on devices running the iOS operating system, which was known as "iPhone OS" prior to iOS 4.0. Such devices include iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and recently Apple TV. Jailbreaking allows users to gain full access (or root access) to the operating system, thereby unlocking all its features. Once jailbroken, iOS users are able to download additional applications, extensions and themes that are unavailable through the official Apple App Store, via installers such as Cydia, one of a number of current means for older iPhones. A jailbroken iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch running iOS can still use the App Store and iTunes and other normal functions, such as making telephone calls. Unlike rooting an Android device, jailbreaking is necessary if the user intends to run software not authorized by Apple.
At its core, jailbreaking a device gives access to its root filesystem, allowing modification and installing Third-party software components. This gives the user more control over the device and may enable features that were previously unavailable. In many cases, jailbreaking also voids the device's warranty.
Under the DMCA of 2010, jailbreaking is legal in the United States, although Apple has announced that the practice "can void the warranty." It is also legal in many other countries including those of the EU.[citation needed] However, the jailbreaking process does not include any modification to the hardware, so it can be quickly and easily reversed simply by restoring the operating system through iTunes. Cydia creator Jay Freeman estimates that more than 10% of all iPhones are jailbroken.
