There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to jail breaking and unlocking iPhones. Many people do not know the differences between the two and if it’s legal to do. One allows you to run any cell phone carrier on your phone while the other allows you more control over your phone. Which is the right one for you and is it your right as a consumer to do it?
Unlocking your iPhone is the process of making it usable by a cell phone carrier of your choosing. Usually when you buy a cell phone from a certain carrier you’re locked into using that carrier. There are a few exceptions to that rule; you can buy phones that come unlocked. Some companies like ATT and T-Mobile also let you unlock your phone if your account is in good standing. However, many consumers are opting to unlock their iPhones on their own terms so they can use it on any provider. There are a variety of services that provide easy AT&T unlocks, and no shortage of people to use them.
Unlocking phones in the United States is legal due to an exemption in the DCMA which specifically permits it. However, this is largely not a controversy anymore as almost all carriers voluntarily unlock phones after a certain amount of time. Verizon, ATT, T-Mobile, and many other carriers will unlock phones whose users are in good standing and have been a customer for around two months – sometimes less. Each carrier does have varying rules.
Jail breaking is the act of installing customized firmware on your iPhone. This is done so you have more control over your iPhone and the applications you can install. By default you can only install applications that are allowed by Apple in the iStore. However, with jail broken iPhones you can install any type of 3rd party software you want.
A commonly asked question is if jail breaking is legal. Well it just so happens that yes, in the United States it is fully legal to jail break your iPhone. Up until 2010 the legality of jail breaking your phone was a grey area. However, a 1998 law that previously restricted it was reviewed and determined to no longer be necessary.