Apple is known for insisting on tight control on their developments and on all products that belong to them. Developers at Apple Inc. insisted that everyone who purchased and wanted to use an iPhone had to use AT&T as the carrier. Also, the user was expected to download apps only from the Apple App Store.
After tampering with the phone, users found a way to bypass the need for the AT&T service. A new term called ‘jail breaking’ was given to the iPhone and any device that could be serviced outside of specifications and used in ways other than those intended by the manufacturer. These items were freed from the restrictions of the warranty. Jailbreaking an iPhone will even allow it to act as a modem, to connect to the Internet.
For several years, Apple fought hard to make it ‘illegal’ to jailbreak one of their phones and to retain the right to charge as much as $2,500 per violation, on July 26, 2010, the United States Copyright Office ruled that it is not illegal to hack an iPhone. The ruling handed down by the judge in the case does not mean the fight is over.
The only real difference the ruling made is that it lifted the threat of being hauled off to jail because an iPhone is carried by Verizon. Also, the threat of a lawsuit has been lifted. Other than that, Apple plan to continue to try to make their iPhones impossible to jailbreak, while the hackers are busy trying to jailbreak the technologically advanced iPhone.
The iPhone is an amazing phone with a full screen that can stream video, download apps, play music and completely entertain the user. All of these features have made the iPhone a must-have for millions of people, but some were reluctant to switch to AT&T in order to use the phone and they wanted to use apps from other stores. This reluctance inspired some people to find out how to use the iPhone, on their own terms.
Even though there are several websites and blogs dedicated to teaching other how to jail break an iPhone, it was considered almost illegal to tamper with iPhones and use them as desired. According to Apple.com (and AT&T), jailbreaking an iPhone meant that the terms and conditions of the warranty has been violated. After a jailbreak, Apple had the right and could sue anyone who had violated these terms.
Apple did not take it lightly when people insisted on using their iPhone with the carrier of their choice. When Apple create a product, they do not want it associated with viruses, malware and sub-standard quality. They created all of the conditions to keep their customers safe from malicious intent by limiting the available apps by trying to retain complete control of Apple products and services.
Apple and other cell phone manufacturers retain the right to void the warranty and to technologically stop their phones from being able to be broken. Cell phone users retain the right to bypass all of the different road-blocks that are keeping them from enjoying their cell phones, their way.
References;
1] News.Cnet.com # _ # html
2] Money.CNN.com # technology/iphone_jailbreak ing/index.htm
3] Online.WSJ.com/article/SB # # 94.html