iPhone / iPad jailbreak - legal or illegal?
A jailbreak affects the operating system in a way that is not desired by the manufacturer. Another question remains whether this is legal or illegal. We clarify it.
What changes a jailbreak on iPhone?
- If you install a jailbreak on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, Apple's rigid system is broken up. Apps can now intervene much more deeply in the system so that new functions can be used.
- Previously, you could only download applications from Apple's official app store. Now you also have access to the unofficial store Cydia. Apps that are otherwise only available against payment can also be downloaded here for free.
Jailbreak for iOS: is this legal?
In the video, lawyer Christian Solmecke explains the risks of jailbreaking.
- A jailbreak itself is completely legal under German law. You only gain access to the system on the device you have purchased. You cannot be prohibited from doing so.
- However, you are on the legally somewhat more uncertain side when downloading some apps. More specifically, for those apps that are usually chargeable. This is a copyright infringement.
- Most importantly, jailbreaking will void your warranty. Jail breaks are developed by professionals. However, errors creep in, especially in early versions. If you want to make a warranty claim, you should first remove the jailbreak before you take the iPhone for repair.