Decide whether whiz bang features are worth the extra risks

Apple maintains complete control over theApp Storein itsiOS.

A jailbroken iPhone can run unauthorized code without restrictions.

Apple locks down the iPhone iOS to hackers, but occasionally they find a way tojailbreak the iPhone.

It is more difficult to jailbreak an iPhone than it used to be.

A full jailbreak is rare, but occasionally a bug in an iOS software update makes it possible again.

Is jailbreaking worth it?

Here are some things you should consider before you decide to jailbreak your iPhone.

Information in this article applies to all models of the iPhone and all versions of iOS.

They use theCydiaapp store, which comes as part of the jailbreaking process.

These alternative outlets provide a home for the games and utilities that Apple rejected.

Apple frowns on the practice of jailbreaking for business-related reasons.

However, the practice of jailbreaking has some legal support from the United States Copyright Office.

The jailbreaking community was able tosync iPhones over Wi-Fifor a while before Apple added that feature in iOS 5.

Internet providers such as Time Warner prevent jailbroken iOS devices from using their iPad-accessible TV app.

Others may follow suit, making jailbreaking less appealing to people who view media on mobile devices.

Malware developers may also createiPhone-specific viruses, spyware, and other malware disguised as legitimate apps.

It’s your decision whether the potential hazards are worth the perceived benefits of jailbreaking.

However, that flexibility may introduce complications that aren’t worth the risk.