What is iPhone jailbreaking and is it safe?

Apple’s iPhones are a closed ecosystem. You’re only permitted to install apps from the App Store (unless you live in the EU), and the design of the OS can seem restrictive if you’re coming from Android.

What is iPhone jailbreaking?

Jailbreaking describes any process that bypasses all or most of the security features and restrictions that Apple bakes into iOS. This process essentially gives a user administrator-level privileges (i.e. they can modify whatever they want on the phone).

Advantages of jailbreaking

Jailbreaking is primarily used for gaining access to third-party app stores and apps that Apple doesn’t allow on the App Store. It is also possible to unlock a host of customisation options not available on iOS by default.

Problems with jailbreaking

For a start, jailbreaking your iPhone will instantly void its warranty. Secondly, once jailbroken, your device will no longer receive critical security updates from Apple, which virtually guarantees that your jailbroken iPhone will become an ever increasing security risk with the passage of time.

Another issue is the lack of oversight over the apps you’re installing from outside the App Store. Such apps might offer functionality unavailable via the official App Store, but they might also pose additional security and privacy threats. Unvetted apps might steal your data, use your phone for illegal activities, and more. When installing such apps, you’re doing so entirely at your own risk.

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Should you jailbreak your iPhone?

If you have an older device that’s out of warranty, it can be worth the risk. If nothing else, it’s an interesting learning experience. Jailbreaking your primary device is, however, a risk you shouldn’t take unless you fully understand the consequences of your actions.

Jailbreaking is not illegal and gives you far more control over your iPhone than you could have dreamed of, but the cost of doing so, from a security standpoint, is very high.