If one chooses, they can Jailbreak their iOS device; this is the process by which one can remove the limitations that Apple has put on the device that runs the iOS operating system. Devices that can be jailbroken include the iphone, iPod touch, iPad, and the Second generation Apple TV. Jailbreaking allows the user to gain root access to the OS, which in turn allows the user to download additional apps, extensions and themes that are normally not available on Apple's App Store. Although jailbreaking is legal in the United States, Apple has warned that this action will void the warranty on the device. The main reason for jailbreaking an iOS device is to expand the number of features a device running the operating system has.
There are an untold number of advantages to jailbreaking your device running iOS. The main reason to jailbreak an iOS device is to obtain greater freedom from the limitations that Apple places on the device. Jailbreaking your iOS device will allow you access to deep customization of the operating system, a rich feature set that Apple does not offer and access to exclusive apps that Apple does not offer. Many different developer teams have created tools to help user's jailbreak their iOS devices. Most of these tools are free and can be found on the development team's official website. Tools that can be used to jailbreak a device running iOS include JailbreakMe, seas0npass and redsn0w. Although there are some risks involved, most of these tools are relatively simple to use if you have some experience with computers or you thoroughly follow the detailed walkthrough's that they provide.
Although jailbreaking is relatively safe and straight forward, there are a number of security issues that might affect a jailbroken device. There has been a number of malware created and spread due to jailbroken device, although they have had no major implications on the devices. The first ever iPhone worm, named iKee was first spotted in early November of 2009. The worm was created by a 21 year old Australian college student who wished to raise awareness of security issues. Later in November there were reports of a malicious worm that stole bank details from jailbroken iPhones in the Netherlands. Apple themselves have denounced jailbreaking for this very reason.
Many people have taken to Jailbreaking their iOS devices due to their opposition of Apple's strict limitations. Jailbreaking has become widespread among the community of tinkerers and hackers or just enthusiast who wish for a more intimate customizable experience with their iOS device. Stop, before you attempt anything, read the do's and don'ts associated with unlocking your Phone or other devices.