Why You Have To Jailbreak the iPhone
If you own an iPhone and you're fairly technical, then you've no doubt gone through the steps necessary to "jailbreak" your iPhone - the process that opens up the phone to allow for the installation of unapproved third-party applications. However, for the non-technical consumers who are now purchasing the iPhone in droves, this final, critical step in making the device more usable is often unknown or overlooked.
Jailbreaking vs. Unlocking
Simply put, "jailbreaking" is a straightforward process that allows you to install unapproved third-party applications on your device. It is sometimes confused with "unlocking" - the process that makes the phone capable of working on other carriers besides AT&T (in the U.S., that is).
Although very different from each other, both processes are unapproved by Apple and will void your warranty. Still, a non-jailbroken phone is only half the phone it could be. The extra functionality it allows for makes it worth the risk. Besides, if you ever do need to return it for warranty repairs, you can always wipe it clean and reinstall the firmware. (Just call Apple tech support and have them walk you through the process, explaining that you're sending it in for repairs and are concerned about privacy. Ask them to help you reinstall it to its original, out-of-the-box state.)
Why Jailbreak?
Apple, in their infinite wisdom, locked down the iPhone in a number of ways, hampering its ability to do basic tasks like record video, zoom in when taking photos, or apply a theme to your homescreen. They may have been right to do so - many cell phone owners have had devices with this functionality for years, but could never understand how to access those functions. Those features made the phone "too confusing" to use, complained cell phones owners.
However, for the most part, those who were struggling with the technicalities of recording a video on their phone were from an older generation - ones who didn't grow up with cell phones and their "new-fangled" capabilities. For everyone else, these types of features are somewhat expected in modern devices, especially those as advanced as the iPhone. And the fact that Apple's smartphone doesn't include these options is something that's often surprising to new owners.
How To Jailbreak
To learn to how to jailbreak your phone, you can simply do a web search, but the sites indexed are sometimes either out-of-date or a bit confusing for the less technical users. However, I personally found the steps at iphone-hacks.com very easy to follow thanks to the screenshots that accompanied the step-by-step directions. The full instructions are too detailed for a post like this, but you can follow the steps yourself using these provided links: Steps for Windows users / Steps for Mac users.
The Best Jailbroken Apps
Obviously, a list of the best apps for jailbroken phones is one that is entirely subjective. However the apps listed here are the ones that add functionality to the phone that we wish had been included out of the box.
Record Video
The iPhone is capable of recording video, but there is no way to do so without an "un-jailbroken" device. One such application that allows you to record video is the Cycorder application. It records videos formatted as QuickTime (.mov) files which are stored in the iPhone at /var/mobile/Media/Videos. To get the videos off the device, you'll need another application as described here, such as the iPhoneBrowser for Windows.
Upload to YouTube
If you upload all your videos to YouTube anyway, you may want to forgo Cycorder in favor of iPhone Video Recorder. There is both a 2G and 3G version of this application. With this app, you can record video, select your video mode (orientation/size), choose your encoder (MPEG-4 or MOV), and share the videos. Videos can either be uploaded directly to YouTube or shared via email.
Record Video and Stream it Live
Another video recording option is to stream live video directly to the internet. Two applications are available for this: Qik and Flixwagon. We've covered both of these applications before, including this "how-to" guide to using Qik. My personal preference is Qik, since I was already a member of the service. Qik also offers a higher resolution and frame rate.
A Zoomable Camera
The camera on the iPhone only does one thing: it takes pictures. Even though the iPhone camera is not the best, a few more options would be nice for those of us who are regular cameraphone photographers. An app called Snapture is a much better camera application. The free version adds 12 advanced camera features like gesture zoom, color modes, and multi-shot. A Premium version ($7.99) removes ads and enables an advanced QuickView System which allows you to sort through, delete, and email photos easily. Premium users also get access to the beta features first.
Use A Modem
If you're used to tethering your smartphone to your computer as a backup or emergency internet connection, the iPhone leaves you without the option because, by default, tethering is not permitted. The iPhoneModem is an application that can help. With this app installed, you can share your iPhone's internet connection with either your Mac or PC. It can even run in the background while you run other apps. If you make heavy use of this application, you'll want to also download the helper app that automatically configures your computer and then reconfigures it back when you disconnect.
Add Themes
If you like making things your own, you may be disappointed that the only customizations you can make with your iPhone are changing the background and reorganizing your apps. Out of the box, the iPhone background only displays when your phone is locked - it does not show up behind your applications like desktop wallpaper would. To really customize your iPhone, you need an application like WinterBoard or SummerBoard.
We're not sure what's with the season-inspired names, but WinterBoard is definitely our favorite, as it replaces the apparently abandoned SummerBoard. With this app installed, you can change the entire theme for your iPhone including the homescreen's background, the icons themselves, and the status bar. There are tons of themes to choose from, from your favorite movie to a stylized bookshelf. (Hack that Phone shows some screenshots as does Apple iPhone School - also check their related links for more).
Customize More
An app called BossPrefs is a replacement for the preferences settings on the iPhone. One of the most useful settings the application provides is a quick way to shut off the iPhone's 3G service - a real battery drainer. With BossPrefs, it's only one tap away from the homescreen whereas the iPhone native Settings app has it buried several layers deep. The other key feature of BossPrefs is its ability to hide icons - even the ones that shipped with the phone. Not everyone wants "Stocks" for example, so it's nice to be able to clear some space for other apps you use instead. BossPrefs lets you configure a lot more, too, but we think those are the two best features it offers.
Enjoy!
We realize this guide is far from a comprehensive listing of apps, but these are just some of our personal favorites for making the iPhone more usable. Feel free to share your favorites with us, too.
Image credit: Jailbroekn iPhone screen, Phil Campbell
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Recording video is really the only compelling reason for me to Jailbreak but I still haven't really wanted to just for that. Perhaps I can be swayed if I hang out with someone who's done this.
Posted by: Mark Krynsky
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January 12, 2009 11:08 AM
Funny, all my iPhone toting friends are technically inclined but I don't know a one that has jailbroken their phones.
The reason for the seasonal theme apps is that Apple's native iPhone "desktop" is the Springboard. So all the jailbroken variants have played off of that name.
Great post btw!
The only reason I haven't jailbroken my phone is because I'm worried that it will make development of iPhone apps more difficult. Any word on whether it's still possible to develop iPhone apps on a jailbroken phone?
I used the jailbreak for Qik, but I finally gave in and installed a winterboard app that changes the background image.
Posted by: Phil Glockner, Free Agent
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January 12, 2009 12:09 PM
meh
Great article explaining why folks should jailbreak! Cycorder/Podcaster was one of the main reasons for me jailbreaking the first time. Ever since, the Winterboard themes have taken me over. Here are a couple of must-have jailbreak apps that make it worthwhile to do that:
Categories - No more pages & pages of apps. Categorize them into folders.
Quickgold - Quicksilver for iPhone. In fact, it moots the last app as you can just type a first few characters to get to the app, contact, website with the touch of the Home button.
If you have tried BossPrefs, SBSettings also is a great app that lets you quickly toggle between 3G/Edge/Wifi, change your brightness, etc with a quick swipe of the top bar. Stumbled!
Missing from the list of reasons to have a jailbroken iPhone - Watch your TiVo's content anywhere:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8Cdl546xEQ
great post. i have jailbroken my iphone since the first jailbreak on the 2.5g phone. it adds SO MUCH functionality. other must downloads other than cycorder and snapture and winterboard include the console emulators (NES is awesome) and the intelligent shuffle app from Instinctiv.
@Jordan ahhh, but of course...I didn't put two and two together until you said that! D'oh!
@shriya @Todd @jason thanks for the suggestions - excellent!
@dan :P pffft
I jailbreak for a handful of apps, but mostly for BossPrefs and Kate. Kate is found in Installer and blocks pop-ups along with a few other goodies including changing the system font.
If I jailbreak my phone, can I still download apps from the Apps store? and still sync my phone with iTunes?
@Robert oooh, Kate sounds awesome!
@Chad yes and yes
Video recording and camera zooming will happen soon as an official iPhone feature, I'm sure. Why should I jailbreak my phone and, as the article ploints out, void my Apple warranty, when my iPhone works just fine as is?
Sometimes it is truly amazing what one has to do to gain full access to the piece of technology they bought. I can remember in college when a laptop was bought from the bookstore, half of the harddrive was filled with the university's software that could not be removed! Let us have our fun!
Jesse W.
http://www.subprimeblogger.com
Qik is why I jailbroke to begin with, Modem has potential but I hate you have to register it, and Winterboard is just awesome. Jailbreaking isn't as intrusive as some people think and... it is easily undone.
Posted by: Michael Ellis
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January 12, 2009 4:34 PM
@jason Thanks for the Instinctiv shout-out! Yes, the Instinctiv Shuffle is available on the iPhone again as of yesterday. Glad you are enjoying it.
Hi Sarah and thanks for including flixwagon in your post ! just wanted to share the following :
- to the best of our knowledge, the flixwagon app (which is a thin 100kB app only, compared to more than 1MB from other providers..), offers the highest frame rate in the market for live video streaming. resolution can be set from 176 X 144 all the way to 300 X 224.
- with flixwagon, you can also upload your broadcast to YouTube and Nokia's Share On Ovi. no need for a separate app to do that. you can also set twitter and e-mail alerts, set privacy (public, private or specific groups like work and family) and much more. check out blog (blog.flixwagon.com) for full feature set, latest and greatest etc'.
thanks,
sarig.
While I do not own an iPhone, those reasons don't really seem all that compelling aside from tethering to a PC.
I do like the look of that screenshot. I had no idea that messing with the background of the iPhone desktop could result in a cooler looking home page... Tonight there's gonna be a jailbreak!
I do like the look of that screenshot. I had no idea that messing with the background of the iPhone desktop could result in a cooler looking home page... Tonight there's gonna be a jailbreak!
I found the jailbreaking process remarkably easy, and don't see any reason NOT to give it a try. It opens up a ton of new avenues for apps and personalization!
As long as you have backed up your data beforehand, you have nothing to lose.
One app you haven't mentioned is Backgrounder. It's a meta app, in the sense that it enables any other app to work in the background. There's a post about it here:
http://www.allaboutiphone.net/2008/12/three-reasons-to-jailbreak-backgrounder/
Cheers
Matt
@buster : yup! in fact, as well as video recording, that's one of the reasons I did the jailbreak on mine : so I could learn to develop apps for it and test them on the device. (though there are some tricks you need need to know to get them on there : good resource here : http://hackint0sh.org/forum/showpost.php?p=342736&postcount=53 and http://hackint0sh.org/forum/showpost.php?s=7080c546638b6e9f9acbfd41f6fcf90d&p=343126&postcount=3
then you can learn how to create a 'self-signed' .ipa file and simply drag it in to iTunes and sync it over. Easy once you've done it a couple of times. (Also you need to install some patches from Cydia)
@chad : yup! no problem there either.
fyi: I just had my prepaid Australian iPhone legitimately unlocked from the carrier and the Jailbreak didn't mess that up either - phew! ;)
So, now I have a device I can learn to program with the freedom to use whatever carrier I like and also install whatever I like.
(the camera still sucks though!)
Great to see an article about jailbreaking iPhones that explains the "why should I?" part so clearly.
I guess the thing that would get me to jailbreak is for the iPhone to be a first-class citizen on a wireless network. Why, if it's got wi-fi and all its other great connectivity shouldn't I be able to interact with it? Oh, wait... iTunes.
Hmmmm. I've been avoiding this. Thinking about the tethering, however.
Posted by: Kevin
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January 13, 2009 3:47 AM
I had jailbroken my iPod Touch but since 2.x I returned from jailbreaking. Besides of opening up services to the public like SSH (yes I know you can change the root-password), it'll void warranty. When something goes wrong with the device (not because of the jailbreak - that's pretty save, bricking is afaik impossible (in contrast to unlocking where you can brick you phone) Apple can deny me easily warranty-services. As long as my phone is under warranty I won't do anything with it. I don't open my Macs as long as they are under warranty, too - if something goes wrong (let's say dock connector defect...then it will be hard to virginize the phone) I have a real problem...
I use QIK.com .. for my Iphone ,,, its amazing
Posted by: johnpiercy
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January 13, 2009 3:57 AM
I am yet to be impressed by any of the so called benefits of jailbreaking my iPhone.
SummerBoard was a play on Apple's "Springboard" - which has a more literal meaning.
WinterBoard replaced SummerBoard when Apple moved to 2.0.
This article doesn't even list the best reasons to jailbreak..
off the top of my head
SBSettings - Toggles for Wifi, 3G, SSH etc accessible from anywhere with any app open
Notifier - Puts notification icons in the top corner for Mail, Text, Missed calls and voicemail
NES, GBA, PSX and Genesis Emulators
Soulseek Client with a media player, download music from soulseek over 3G... screw the Itunes wifi-store
IRC clients
Doom and Quake
A tweak to be able to have an exchange account active without having to type a password in to unlock the phone
MXTube - lets you download Youtube videos for keeps, also lets you force it to use the wifi stream over 3G for better quality
SpoofApp - lets you record phone calls and also includes voice changers and call ID spoofer
Thats just the stuff I have off the top of my head... you really have nothing to lose with jailbreaking and i'd go as far as saying you'd be stupid not to.
http://themostfunsite.com/riptones/
I did it just for the tethering ability!
Jess
www.PRivacy-Center.net
The "season inspired" name Winterboard is a spoof on Apple. The launcher that you see on your iPhone's home screen is called "SpringBoard" (possibly because apps "spring" open.) An earlier Theming app for 1.x (one that worked way better, btw) was called "SummerBoard" as sort of a joke. "WinterBoard" just continues that joke...
I was hesitant at first about jailbreaking as I did not want to harm my phone, but I've since done it on several firmware versions on my original iPhone and now on a couple on my 3G iPhone... The process is exceptionally straightforward, entirely reversible, and causes no adverse effects to the phone at all that I have noted. With the advent of the App Store, a lot of the things I once had to jailbreak to achieve are kind of moot, but Winterboard is a god-send for those of us looking for something as simplistic as changing the background of a home screen. I am a network administrator for a web development firm (translation: computer nerd) and so once over my initial hesitation, I have tried out numerous "features" added by jailbreaking, and the worst damage I've done so far is to lose all my contacts and text message conversations. Luckily I had my contacts sync'd so no big deal. I definitely recommend it to all iPhone users!
I want to buy IPhone, but i have not money...
The home screen on the iphone where you launch apps is called the springboard by apple. Hence the apps that mod the springboard by appearance and functionality played off that name...ie: summerboard and winterboard.
The reason you have Winterboard and Summerboard is because the unjailbroken iPhones run Apple's native Springboard UI.
Check out jailbrokenapps.com. Please feel free to add to it. I agree w/ the article though, jailbreaking is a definite plus to the iPhone. It's unfortunate Apple (a company which I do enjoy) locks us out of so many good possibilities w/ apps.
again.. www.jailbrokenapps.com .. please add to it to make a better jailbroken community.
HELP... I have been unsuccessful jailbreaking my iphone 3G (running 2.2) on my mac. It was bought used off Craigslist, and I have no sim card for it (it still has AT&T in the carrier settings, but no network listed, so I believe its still activated). I ultimately want to jailbreak/unlock so I can run T-mobile. QUESTION: Can you jailbreak without a sim card inserted?
During the Quickpwn process, when I put it into DFU mode, my iphone screen goes all white and stays that way for 10 minutes and then turns itself off. I never get the pineapple logo on my phone. Quickpwn says DFU mode was enabled and transfers the files to the phone, but I get no cydia or installer logos on my phone.
For those who are worried, a very simple iTunes Restore will instantly revert your iPhone back to being "jailed." If you already use iTunes, it will also restore all of your contacts, music, apps, and you name it.
Please note, a few applications may lose some data if it was not developed properly.
In terms of application and usability of a jailbroken iPhone, there are several benefits which I will list below. Please note that this list is incomplete and includes several of those listed above:
1) Cycorder - Video Camera to record those times which you would not like to forget and have come to expect in a personal phone/management device.
2) Backgrounder - What is the purpose of applications such as Facebook, AIM, and so forth without having the application run in the background. Do we really intend to keep AIM open and running in the foreground leaving us unable to email, browse the web, and so forth?
3) Winterboard - Individuality. Uniqueness. This is something we have come to expect from Apple as a brand that we know and love. "Be Like Lil Wayne." Be like J-Money. Be LOUD.
4) 5 Icon Dock - Just as the name states. I have the default iPhone icons such as Phone, Mail, iPod, and Safari. With this little modification, I have added SMS.
5) NES - Please proceed with caution on NES. You must own a license for each and every title you have on your iPhone. Do not distributed ROMS to others unless they also hold a valid license for each and every title. Indisposable gaming platform for the iPhone. I totally suggest Apple and Nintendo work together to completely obliterate the competition on a handheld gaming platform built into an iPhone. After all, with a multi-core iPhone on the way, we know it can handle it.
6) Massage - Forces the iPhone to vibrate continuously.
One of the major things I noticed about an iPhone is that, although the plan and device itself are quite expensive, you suddenly become able to cut costs in other ways. For instance, with Ambiance on the App Store, you no longer have to purchase a separate nature sound machine. With all these games, you no longer have to purchase a PSP or other gaming device. With sound recorders, you no longer need recorders. In fact, with an iPhone period you don't have to cop s***. But, now with jailbreak, you don't have to buy a vibrator either. Not sure what the use of this is for, but maybe I'm too innocent.
7) Battery Level Indicator - Allows you to see the actual percent of battery you have left. This is good if you don't have a way of changing the battery yourself ^_^.
8) Cydia - I browse the App store all day. Now there's Cydia too.
9) Terminal - This is like a full fledged UNIX machine in your pocket pimps. screen, irssi, you name it. You even get apt from Debian. You get COMPILERS. Man, you get the WORKS. You can EVEN run 'top' to KILL PROCESSES! Of course, I just hold down the HOME button for 5 seconds and kill safari which stays open all the time to free up like mad RAM.
10) BossPrefs - If you actually use your iPhone and don't just have it to act hard, then you will need this to ensure maximum battery life. You will actually be able to disable/enable 3g, wifi, EDGE and so forth with the swipe of a finger. A short swipe too.
11) Change Signal Status Indicator to the Apple logo.
12) Cut/Paste
Also, of course you can still sync with iTunes. This doesn't change anything. They even have dTunes which lets you have free music. I do recommend, however, that you do support the artists in any way possible. Go to their concerts.
Of course you can still develop Apps.
Of course you can still use your phone/etc.
Yes, no lie its easy, these people who wrote above are not joking.
Yes, it really only takes a few minutes but only a few seconds of your own interaction.
Yes, it's kind of fun following those directions and doing it.
Yes, you feel kind of accomplished after doing it.
You have nothing to lose.
It's almost like Apple has provided this method and made it really easy to get out of jail free. Maybe it's their clear, LOUD, and bold statement that they are the kings, the monopoly, the lions. And rightfully so, Steve Jobs and his team have changed our lives forever, for the better.
Apple is synonymous with technology just like Little Wayne is synonymous with rap prodigy.
Apple iPhone makes RIM Blackberry Bold/Storm, HTC Touch Pro, Palm Pre, Sony Ericson *, Nokia N98, and so forth look like jokes. Serious jokes.
Eddie, you need to try again. It seems as though it never entered Recovery mode. T_______T
If anything, listen to Lil Wayne and you will find a way.
Isn't it fraud or unethical to have your iPhone replaced under warranty after you void your warranty by jailbreaking it?
What's the duration of the warranty anyway?
I wish you could jailbreak the ipod touch 2G. But I will have an iphone soon enough so its all good.
A five icon dock is yet another reason to jailbreak. I like having sms down there with the other most used items.
I think I'll do this right away! Thanks
Most people want a smartphone to make their life easier. Apple has made a successful business selling tech products that are easy to use, right out of the box. If you wanted an open source phone, you should have bought the Google phone.
Stay away from Kate, it wreaks havoc with your iphone. A quick google search on it's problems will probably be enough to convince you not to install it.
How about getting any app I'm the app store for free? I personally have iron man, crash bandacoot, ishoot, deal or no deal, and pipes that I got for free by installing an app that tricks the app store into thinking you have already downloaded it before. I can't remember the source I added to cydia but if you do a search on YouTube for any iPhone app for free you can see how to do it pretty easily.
What theme is that at the top with the red and yellow "sun" or whatever it is? i really like the look of it
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