14 DAY TRIAL // Last modified on April 16, 2010, knowledge base article HT3743 reveals that, “[The] unauthorized modification of iPhone OS has been a major source of instability, disruption of services, and other issues,” according to Apple. The Mac maker is referring to a well-known practice of hacking the iPhone software, widely referred to as jailbreaking. Apple recommends that customers stay on its good side, otherwise it may not offer its services.
In the document, the company outlines some of the issues that may arise from jailbreaking, not only for iPhone and iPod touch customers, but also for owners of an iPad, which also runs a version of the iPhone OS. “This article is about adverse issues experienced by customers who have made unauthorized modifications to the iPhone OS (this hacking process is often called ‘jailbreaking’). Issues that have been encountered include instability, disruption of services, and compromised security,” the company states.
“As designed by Apple, the iPhone OS ensures that the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch operate reliably. Some customers have not understood the risks of installing software that makes unauthorized modifications to the iPhone OS (‘jailbreaking’) on their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch,” Apple stresses. “Customers who have installed software that makes these modifications have encountered numerous problems in the operation of their hacked iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.” The Mac maker then proceeds to enumerate some of the issues caused by these unauthorized modifications to the iPhone OS.
The infamous iPhone Dev Team, a group of hackers notorious for their free jailbreak tools, is known to be making progress on the iPhone OS 4.0 front. Its redsn0w jailbreak tool can effectively hack the original beta software, although it is not the most reliable build it could come up with. The hackers claim redsn0w is aimed at “JB developers” – jailbreak developers. Needless to point out, registered Apple devs are just as advised to stay away from hacks.
“Apple strongly cautions against installing any software that hacks the iPhone OS,” one final paragraph from the Support document in question reads. “It is also important to note that unauthorized modification of the iPhone OS is a violation of the iPhone end-user license agreement and because of this, Apple may deny service for an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that has installed any unauthorized software.”