Jailbreaking is one of the most fascinating concepts for many iPhone users. While Apple’s iOS operating system is designed with strict restrictions on security and functionality, jailbreaking allows users to work around these limitations and unlock new possibilities that otherwise would be inaccessible.
But what does jailbreaking actually mean? Is it safe, and more importantly, is it legal?
In this guide, we are going to take an in-depth look at everything related to jailbreaking—from what it does to your device to the security risks involved.
For organizations concerned about the threats posed by jailbroken devices, Verimatrix XTD’s iOS jailbreak detection feature ensures apps remain secure from vulnerabilities and malware attacks. Check it out here.
What does jailbroken mean?
A jailbroken iPhone refers to an iPhone that the restrictions that Apple puts on the operating system have been removed by the owner. When one jailbreaks an iPhone, it does allow users to do things that it otherwise would not do, such as install unauthorized apps and change the look and feel of the iPhone.
Jailbreaking effectively bypasses Apple’s security measures, giving users full control over their devices. However, as interesting or tempting as it may seem to have this kind of control over your device, there is some consideration regarding serious security implications.
What does jailbreaking an iPhone do?
Install unauthorized apps |
While Apple prohibits some applications from being sold via the App Store, jailbroken iPhones can install a great deal of applications from third-party sources. In fact, these apps are often referred to as “jailbroken apps.” |
Customization |
Users can customize their iPhone aesthetically and functionally beyond those made possible through Apple. This can range from icons and sprites to themes to even the behavior of the operating system itself. |
Bypass carrier restrictions |
Some users jailbreak their iPhones to unlock them, allowing them to use the device with other cellular carriers. |
Security risks of jailbreaking
Malware and viruses |
Jailbreaking evades strict app vetting processes put in place by Apple, therefore increasing the chances of downloading malignant apps that could intrude into your personal data or even damage your device. |
Weaker security |
The process of jailbreaking actually extracts and removes many of the security measures of Apple in place, therefore making your iPhone more susceptible to being hacked or to other forms of cyberattacks. |
Unreliable performance |
With your jailbroken iPhone, you are also more prone to crashes and freezing; generally, it becomes unstable because of unapproved software and tweaks that might be incompatible or not optimized for your device. |
Warranty void |
Jailbreaking usually voids your Apple warranty, which means you’re all on your own if something goes wrong with your device. |
How jailbreaking differs across Apple devices
While it is the most common device to jailbreak, the iPhone is by no means the only Apple device capable of being jailbroken. Each Apple device has its own pluses and minuses in the context of jailbreaking, and these are things that should be weighed up with regard to whether the benefits outweigh the risks on a device-by-device basis.
iPads
Jailbreaking works exactly like it does with the iPhone, enabling iPad users to install third-party applications and to customize the user interface.
However, jailbreaking iPads is less common, primarily because the fact that iPadOS is already capable of managing a few of the more popular flexibilities for which users jailbreak. Yet, users who intend to expand their iPads capabilities can do so through jailbreaking.
Apple Watches
Jailbreaking an Apple Watch is theoretically possible, but it’s far less common than with iPhones and iPads because watchOS is highly controlled, and the advantages of jailbreaking is far lower than those for iPhones. The customization options were also rather limited, and the security risks were high.
Apple TVs
Jailbreaking an Apple TV allows users to install apps that aren’t available in the tvOS App Store, such as media players or file managers. This can be helpful for users who wish to access content restricted in their region. However, the jailbreaking community for Apple TV is very small.
Apple AirPods and HomePods
Normally, jailbreaking doesn’t relate to AirPods or HomePods because they run much more simplified operating systems with limited user interaction. For these, customization typically involves basic tweaks to the software rather than full-scale jailbreaking.
Is jailbreaking illegal?
There is one question to ask: Is jailbreaking an iPhone illegal or not? It is all dependent on where you are and what you want to do with your jailbroken iPhone.
In many countries, it is not considered illegal, although it can be considered a violation of Apple’s terms of service. This possibly will mean that Apple may refuse to service your device.
In the US, as an example, it is considered that jailbreaking an iPhone strictly for personal use falls under specified exceptions to copyright law. However, the application of jailbroken apps to pirate software or workaround paid services is considered illegal.
Always check if it’s allowed within your country’s laws and regulations before trying to jailbreak an iPhone.
How to tell if your iPhone is jailbroken
If you suspect that someone might have jailbroken your iPhone without your knowledge, you should do the following checks:
- Look for apps like Cydia: Cydia is the most typical app installed post-jailbreak. If you find it on your device, then your iPhone is most probably jailbroken.
- Unidentified apps: Most jailbroken iPhones have applications that are not in the App Store. When some applications are unfamiliar, it may be a sign.
- Unusual behavior: A jailbroken iPhone might show signs of instability, such as frequent crashes, slow performance, or apps behaving erratically.
If you find any of these clues, your iPhone is probably jailbroken, and you should take some action to make it secure.
Jailbreaking and device performance
One of the less discussed consequences of jailbreaking is what it might do to the overall performance of an iPhone. You may not know, but by jailbreaking your device, you basically strip away many of the safeguards Apple placed in to make sure performance is at peak levels. This, in turn, can cause a variety of problems:
Jailbreaking allows users to install third-party apps and tweaks that may not be optimized for iOS. In return, these cause running processes in the background or result in consuming system resources. This reflects in noticeably slow performances. Secondly, jailbroken devices are inefficient in managing memory, which can lead to lagging or system freezes.
What jailbreaking does is allow users to change system settings on their iPhones and run apps not optimized for battery efficiency. For instance, it could be custom animations, themes, or unauthorized apps running in the background that really suck battery life.
Jailbroken devices are more prone to crashes and freezes, especially if some unverified tweaks or customizations have recently been installed. Some of these tweaks may have a conflict with iOS updates or even other apps, causing the entire system to become unstable.
Although these performance impacts are by no means certain to occur with each jailbroken iPhone, they are common enough to be considered a concern for everyday users of their devices.
Can you use the App Store while jailbroken?
A common question from users seems to be whether you can use the App Store while being jailbroken. Yes, you can still access the App Store on a jailbroken iPhone. No doubt, some apps may malfunction since these apps may identify the jailbreak and refuse to work.
Moreover, many developers do not support jailbroken devices; hence, this may lead to crashing or improper working of apps.
How jailbreaking affects iOS updates
Arguably the most major consideration that any person looking to jailbreak their device needs to consider is how this is going to be able to affect iOS updates. Jailbreaking basically modifies your iOS operating system. This will render updating to do new versions of iOS such a complex activity or impossible to do. Here are some key points to consider:
Apple actively fights against jailbreaking, and most iOS updates patch up exploits used by jailbreak tools. What this means to you is that a jailbroken device might not be able to upgrade to the latest version of iOS until such time as a new tool is released for that particular version.
If you are able to update your jailbroken iPhone, the upgrade will erase the jailbreak and leave your device at its original settings. A user has to wait for an updated jailbreak tool so that he or she can rediscover the process, which may be difficult and quite time-consuming.
The tweak, apps, and all jailbreak customization are lost when an update is applied. While a few data can be restored with backups, in many cases, it’s just not possible to keep jailbreak modifications after the update.
In cases where features available with jailbreaking trump being on the latest version of iOS, the solution is often to skip updates, but that comes with its own set of risks, not the least of which is missing critical security patches and new features.
If you jailbreak an iPhone, can you undo it?
Yes, if you decide that jailbreaking isn’t for you or if you experience issues, you can undo the process. Here’s how to remove a jailbreak:
1. Restore your iPhone
The easiest way to undo a jailbreak would be restoring your iPhone to the factory settings using iTunes or Finder. With this method, your device will be erased, so you must back it up beforehand.
2. Update to the latest iOS version
Upgrading to the most recent version of iOS often removes the jailbreak by overwriting modified software.
3. DFU mode
If you’re having trouble restoring your device, you can use DFU mode to restore it to its original, non-jailbroken state. Undoing a jailbreak in this way should restore your iPhone’s security features and warranty (in some cases).
iPhone security tips
Whether you have a jailbroken iPhone or not, the security of your device should always be a concern. Here is how you can further strengthen your iPhone’s security:
- Avoid jailbreaking: The easiest thing you could do to keep your iPhone safe is to avoid jailbreaking it in the first place.
- Keep your iPhone updated: Make sure to install the latest iOS updates regularly because Apple does regular security patching.
- Use a strong passcode: Set a strong, unique passcode to prevent unauthorized access to your phone.
- Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your Apple ID.
- Handle apps with care: Never download apps from untrustworthy sources, even if your iPhone has been jailbroken, and stay away from third-party app stores.
- Monitor your device: Ensure from time to time that there are no sudden machine crashes or slow actions, which is a probable indication of malware.
Secure your iPhone today
The possibilities are endless when it comes to jailbreaking an iPhone, but that doesn’t come without its own set of risks. For those concerned about security, keeping away from jailbreaking is perhaps the best option. This being said, if your application or business operates in environments where jailbroken devices are common, then you should take additional precautions.
Verimatrix provides a jailbreak detection solution for businesses with its XTD platform. This solution identifies and mitigates the chance of risks associated with jailbroken phones. It means your apps are protected from malware, data theft, and unauthorized access. Learn more here.
