Mobile-Net

Jailbreaking vs. Unlocking

What is Jailbreaking?

Geek Definition:

Jailbreaking is a process by which iPhone firmware is modified to allow unsigned code to be run to gain access to files that Apple wouldn't normally let you access.

Less Geeky Definition:

Jailbreaking adds unofficial application installers to your iPhone such as Cydia or Icy which let you download many 3rd-party applications previously unavailable through the App Store.

Is Jailbreaking Legal?

At one point it was very ambiguous as to whether or not jailbreaking your iPhone is legal or not. Most iPhone owners think that since we own the iPhone, we should be able to do whatever we want with it. And that's exactly what the U.S. Copyright office ruled on jailbreaking the iPhone or any other mobile device – that jailbreaking your iPhone is officially legal.

Why Jailbreak Your iPhone

Jailbreaking allows you the freedom to install applications that are not available in the Apple iStore or approved by Apple. Many of these applications have quite a bit of potential but will never make it to the App Store due to Apple's stringent restrictions.

You would want to jailbreak your iPhone for the following:

• Install 3rd party applications rejected by Apple for various reasons (ie. nudity)
• Video recording (now available on the iPhone 3GS)
• Changing the look and feel by installing custom graphics and themes
• Free tethering
• Get access to cracked App Store apps for free (not endorsed by me, but still worth noting)
• Be able to Unlock Your iPhone

Why Not Jailbreak Your iPhone

There is really only one downside to jailbreaking your iPhone. Apple frowns upon those who jailbreak the iPhone and since they don't have the authority to tell you not to jailbreak, they do have the power to void your warranty. This is not really a problem as you can always restore your iPhone to its factory settings via iTunes. If you go this route when you have problems with your iPhone will ensure that Apple will never know that your iPhone was jailbroken at some point.

In the past, jailbreak methods were not as reliable as they are today and would sometimes turn your iPhone into an iBrick (aka an expensive paper weight). Jailbreak methods are now very stable and I have yet to hear about someone bricking their iPhone while jailbreaking. In other words, jailbreaking is safe and you have virtually nothing to worry about.

How Do I Jailbreak My iPhone?

Jailbreak iPhone at Apple Iphone Unlock.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

It's very unlikely that something will go wrong… If you have a problem, simply plug your iPhone to your computer, launch iTunes, and click "restore". As I mentioned above, it will restore your iPhone to factory settings.

Why Are You Still Reading This?

What? You're still aren't sure about this whole jailbreak thing? You're missing out big time. An unjailbroken iPhone is a plain, boring iPhone! Jailbreaking is the best thing that has happened to my iPhone and I seriously can't live without it.

What Is Unlocking?

Unlocking is the removal of SIM restrictions on the modem, allowing the use of the iPhone on any carrier. There are 2 types of iPhone unlocks:

• Software Unlock: the iPhone is unlocked by using a software
• Hardware Unlock: modification have to be made to the actual hardware to unlock the phone

Software unlocks are much safer and much more common because they do not modify your device and can easily be reverted back. Soft unlocks are mostly developed for free by the Dev Team, an international group of iPhone hackers. Hardware unlocks are a little tricky and usually cost money. In short, if you want to unlock your iPhone, you can do it easily by following this iPhone Unlocking Guide.

Is Unlocking Legal?

According to Wikipedia, "unlocking a phone without the permission or unlocking code from the provider is usually in breach of the agreement with the provider, though most countries do not make specific laws prohibiting the removal of SIM locks. In the United States the DMCA formerly was claimed to criminalize unlocking. However, an exemption that took effect 27 November 2006 specifically permits it."

Why Unlock your iPhone

The main reason to unlock your iPhone is if you want to use it with a different service provider (i.e.: Rogers, Sprint, T-Mobile). An unlocked iPhone also has a better resell value.

Why Not Unlock your iPhone

If you're good with your phone carrier and will not use your iPhone internationally, there is absolutely no reason for you to unlock your iPhone.

How Do I Unlock My iPhone?

Unlock Iphone at Apple iPhone Unlock.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Although unlocks can sometimes mess up your settings, they are constantly improved to fix errors and bugs. If something goes wrong, you can always restore your iPhone to factory settings.

In Short…

If you're still unsure about the difference between jailbreaking and unlocking iPhones, let me put it this way: Jailbreaking an iPhone means that 3rd party applications can be installed on it (ie. apps from developers other than Apple). Unlocking an iPhone means that any Sim Card can be used on it, which allows you to go with any carrier in the world.

If you have questions or anything you want to say, feel free to contact me at admin@appleiphoneunlock.net

About the Author

Unlock iPhone 4 at http://www.appleiphoneunlock.net

Unlock & Jailbreak 3.0.1 - iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPhone 2G