Jailbreak - what is it?

Many Apple users talk about jail breaks. But very few people know exactly what such a jailbreak is. We clarify it.

Jailbreak for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

The term jailbreak first appeared in connection with the iPhone and other mobile Apple devices and is only used in this regard. Android smartphones are called rooting.

• Definition: A jailbreak, in English "prison escape", describes the change in the operating system (iOS) to incorporate certain functions. iOS is a so-called closed system. Only apps approved by Apple can be installed. This means that you can only personalize the system to a limited extent. However, it also makes it safer. Jail breaks break the barriers and give you more options.
• Function: The jailbreak gives you full access to the file system of your iPhone and gives you so-called root rights. With these permissions, you can, for example, install apps that have not been authorized by Apple. However, you need special software for this. The best known is "Cydia". Via Cydia you can install and manage various extensions on your jailbroken device. However, Cydia has not existed since the end of 2018, corresponding alternatives have a much weaker offer.
• Procedure: For a jailbreak you need a PC or Mac and a program that executes the jailbreak. The jailbreaks Pangu, evasi0n, Absinthe and redsn0w are known. Jail breaks are also possible via the Safari browser. However, these only scratch the surface of the system, for example by making apps disappear that cannot actually be removed.
• Types of jailbreak: There are two different types of jailbreak: the tethered and untethered jailbreak. A tethered jailbreak needs a kind of jump start every time the device is restarted. If your iPhone has crashed or you have switched it off, you must first connect it to the computer and start it with the appropriate jailbreak program. Otherwise the screen remains black. Tethered jailbreaks are usually the forerunners of untethered jailbreaks that start on their own without help. Current jail breaks are always untethered jail breaks.
• Topicality: The topic of jailbreak has lost its relevance in recent years. The huge need for a jailbreak just doesn't seem to exist anymore. Apple has adapted the only advantages of jailbreaks over time, so jailbreaking doesn't make much sense with current iPhones. Although iOS 13 is already in the starting blocks, the current jailbreak from Unc0ver and Chimera does not yet work on all devices. Only the jailbreak for iOS 11 is stable, but most users already use iOS 12 or iOS 13, so that a downgrade to iOS 11 and the use of the jailbreak is no longer possible.
• Conclusion: With a jailbreak you have all the freedom that Apple users can wish for. However, the whole thing has its downsides. We will inform you about them in the next paragraph.

Problems and dangers of the jailbreak

• Viruses: The risk of catching a virus via Cydia is high. Since everyone can set their own apps in Cydia and nobody can check them, there are many black sheep hiding there. Therefore, stick to apps that are downloaded by numerous other users - even if this does not promise absolute protection.
• System stability: A jailbreak often leads to crashes. But they are usually harmless. If too many apps are installed via Cydia, the system slows down considerably. The apps often have a poorer performance than those from the iTunes Store and take up a lot of storage space because they are usually not developed by experts.
• Fake offers: As with any popular term, you will also find malicious search results on the subject of jailbreak. They offer you software for jailbreaking - but only to inject viruses. Once you've decided to jailbreak, just download it from a secure source.
• Loss of guarantee: By installing a jailbreak you are tampering with the system of the device. Apple declares in its terms of use that this invalidates the manufacturer's guarantee. However, since you can reinstall the normal iOS via iTunes, this should not be a problem in the event of a warranty claim. However, if the iPhone can no longer be started, you can no longer install iOS. If it is discovered during the repair that you used a jailbreak, your warranty claim will expire.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to install the Pangu jailbreak for iOS 9.