Jailbreaking

Jailbreaking is the process of removing limitations imposed by Apple's mobile operating system through the use of software and hardware exploits. Jailbreaking permits unsigned code to run and gain root access on the operating system. The most common reason for jailbreaking is to expand the limited feature set imposed by Apple's App Store and to install unapproved apps. Jailbreaking can aid in forensic acquisition, but will void the user's warranty, could brick the device, and may not support being restored to the factory settings.

Many publicly available jailbreaking tools add an unofficial application installer to the device, such as Cydia, which allows users to install many third-party applications, tools, tweaks, and apps from an online file repository. The software downloaded from Cydia opens up endless possibilities on a device that a non-jailbroken device would never be able to do. The most popular jailbreaking tools are redsn0w, sn0wbreeze, evasi0n, Absinthe, seas0npass, Pangu, and TaiG. Not all iOS versions are jailbreakable. The following table will help you to choose the appropriate jailbreak tool according to the device you have and its iOS version:

In October 2012, the US Copyright Office declared that jailbreaking the iPad is illegal, while jailbreaking the iPhone is deemed legal. The governing law is reviewed every three years and has yet to be changed.