Recently the U.S. Government declared that Jailbreaking your iPhone is perfectly legal, but Apple is still not a fan of Jailbroken “I” devices. Following are four reasons Apple doesn’t want you to Jailbreak your iPhone – that’ll only make you want to Jailbreak them more.
1. Free Wi-Fi Hotspots
One of the most popular apps – and uses for Jailbreaking an iPhone – is MyWi. MyWi is a third-party Jailbroken iPhone app that allows iPhone users to turn their iPhone’s internet connection into a mobile hotspot – meaning that you can share your iPhone’s internet connection with other devices like laptops, netbooks, and other mobile devices.
MyWi sounds like a great iPhone app for consumers, but Apple doesn’t want iPhone users to have access to this app. Why? Apple charges an additional $20 a month aside from your mobile phone plan bill to have the exact same functionality that MyWi gives Jailbroken iPhone app users for the one-time fee of $9.99. $240 a year or a one-time payment of $9.99 – you be the judge.
2. Free Apps
While I don’t condone pirating iPhone apps, it’s still a very popular reason that iPhone users Jailbreak their iPhones – and why Apple hates Jailbreaking. A certain Jailbroken app – that won’t be named – allows Jailbroken iPhone users to download and use iTunes store apps without paying a dime. It’s obvious why Apple wouldn’t want an Apps like this floating around, but I’ve used the unnamed app to try apps before I buy them after I paid over $30 for an app that didn’t do what it claimed and Apple refused to give me a refund – after contacting Apple and the developer of the app.
3. Third Party Apps
Even when it comes to free apps that aren’t found in Apple’s iTunes store, Apple is still not a big fan. Apple claims that unofficial iPhone apps may make iPhone users vulnerable to malicious hacks, which may be true, but even the underground app stores enforce rules that prohibit these kinds of apps. Apple recently removed all of its previously approved “Sexy apps” from the iTunes store and these and other unapproved apps can be found in underground iPhone app stores – only found on Jailbroken iPhones.
4. Tweaks and Added Functionality
In another case of things that should be free that Apple charges for; added functionality and tweaks added by Jailbreaking your iPhone can serve to make using your iPhone a lot easier. Apps like infiniDock, infiniBoard, Dashboard, MyWi, WinterBoard, and Activator, all provide solutions to problems or needed functionality of the iPhone.
For more read The iPad 3.2.1 Update is a Big No No for Jailbroken iPads, 5 Must Have Cydia Apps After You Jailbreak Your iPad, and 4 iPhone App Brands You Won’t Believe Made it on the Top 15 List.
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