Just what is jailbreaking? This term is the process of modifying the operating system of an iPhone or iPod Touch. Why? Apple products such as the iPhone and iPod Touch have an operating system exclusive to the brand.
These iOS-based products are restrictive to download free and paid apps only from the official AppStore. Jailbreaking an iPhone or iTouch means the user is now free to install apps sourced from alternative sites.
Is jailbreaking an iPhone or iTouch sensible? Jailbreakers rationalize that the iOS is limiting and that it robs the users the freedom to customize their gadgets and to install apps from other sources. Before jailbreaking your iPhone or iPhone Touch here are 3 top reasons not to jailbreak such Apple gadgets.
1. Stability And Safety Are Compromised
Jailbreaking leaves you with a lot of options and functionality on your Apple device but it becomes more susceptible to crashes. The add-ons and extension apps could cause unexpected quirks and irks and even total wipe-out of your system called “bricking” when in the process of jailbreaking. It is easy enough to restore the system but be ready for more crashes in the future.
Why? Jailbreaking somehow converts the iPhone or iPhone Touch into a traditional computer and is therefore more prone to the problems encountered when using a PC. It goes without saying that whatever warranty your iPhone has is now void. Apple will no longer be responsible for any damages or system failure of your “iDevice”. Jailbreaking opens an iPhone or iPhone Touch to new vulnerabilities.
2. Trouble with iOS Upgrading And Restoration
It is not easy to upgrade a jailbroken iPhone or iPhone Touch. When you do upgrade, the device is no longer “jailbroken” so you need to re-jailbreak then re-install all extensions and apps. There are tools that facilitate easy restoration but it is still a far cry from an actual OS update.
If your iPhone or iTouch is jailbroken, you can’t readily update iOS which could be frustrating more so if there’s a feature or bug fix that you badly need. Jailbreaking fails in some instances so the process has to be repeated over and over again until it works. This process is not tedious but restoring all your files is.
3. If your major concern in jailbreaking your phone is to source for free and amazing apps, think again.
If you have qualms paying for apps sourced from iTunes, then you’d probably don’t want to pay for apps from the Cydia Store. There are plenty of great apps for jailbroken iPhones and iPhone Touch but most do not come free. The best extensions and apps at Cydia often cost more than those found in iTunes. In some instances apps and extensions that you got from the Apple Store do not work seamlessly and sometimes do not open. There is a high probability of you receiving a popped up message that says a particular app or extension you are accessing will not open and run on modified iPhone and iPhone Touch.
There’s a growing community of jailbreakers and developers who are committed to fixing issues and bugs pertaining to jailbroken iPhones and iPhone Touch.
Are you willing to jailbreak your iDevice?