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Pros and Cons of Jailbreaking Your iPad
Are the extra apps and options worth it?
By Daniel Nations Daniel Nations Writer University of Texas at Arlington Daniel Nations has been a tech journalist since 1994. His work has appeared in Computer Currents, The Examiner, and other publications. He is a developer who has published apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play marketplace and Amazon Appstore; he also has worked as a data analyst and DB administrator. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 3, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apple iPad Macs Normally, an iPad or other iOS devices such as iPhones or iPods can only download Apple-approved apps that are available in the App Store. Jailbreaking is a process that frees the iPad from this limitation, opening up the device to additional features and apps available outside of the App Store, including apps that Apple rejected for various reasons. Jailbreaking doesn't change the core features of the device, and a jailbroken iPad can still purchase and download apps from Apple's App Store. However, to download apps that were rejected by Apple or that leverage the additional features jailbreaking provides, jailbroken devices rely on independent app stores. Cydia, which is usually installed during the jailbreaking process, is the most popular storefront for jailbroken iOS devices. Icy is an alternative to Cydia. image credit: erhui1979/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images Is It Legal to Jailbreak an iPad iPhone or iPod
It is legal to jailbreak an iPhone, but it is not legal to jailbreak an iPad. The Library of Congress held that it was legal for a person to jailbreak an iPhone to install legally-obtained software, but that the term "tablet" was too vague to allow an exemption for those gadgets. The ruling makes jailbreaking an iPad a violation of copyright law, but if you're considering jailbreaking your device, it might be more of an ethical dilemma than a practical one. It is clear from the Library of Congress ruling that the body believes jailbreaking is okay. It just wants a better definition of a tablet. Apple suing an individual over it would not only be a PR nightmare, but it would also allow the courts to decide the issue. Courts have sided with the people on similar issues. However, legality aside, jailbreaking does terminate the warranty of the device. A new or refurbished iPad comes with a one-year warranty with the option to extend it by a year with AppleCare+, so if your iPad is new, jailbreaking could prevent you from getting a free repair if your device malfunctions. Good Reasons to Jailbreak
Despite the downsides to jailbreaking an iPad, there are several reasons you may want to do it. Access to Non-Apple Apps
The obvious reason to jailbreak is to get access to those apps that Apple did not approve for the App Store. Apple imposes strict guidelines on what apps can or can't do. Programs that access certain features of the device or use them in unapproved ways won't last long (if at all) on the App Store. For example, apps that use the 3D Touch features available on certain iPhone models to turn them into kitchen scales didn't stick around for long. Apple feared people would break their phones if they kept setting things on them. But places like Cydia will let you load these apps and more. More Customization Options
Also generally failing Apple's approval process include a lot of tools that customize your iPad experience. These choices include different system fonts for the device, customized sounds, custom app placement on any part of the home screen grid, or even customizing the home button to shut down all of your running apps at once. Greater Control
Finally, because jailbreaking frees up access to parts of the device that Apple would normally restrict, it gives people much greater control. It grants greater access to the file system and even unlocks communication from another device, which means you can connect your iPad to your PC and have greater control over what you can see and do. Good Reasons Not to Jailbreak
It's not all benefits, of course. Along with voiding your warranty, jailbreaking introduces costs, and even risks, to your device. Here are some of the downsides. Risk of Bricking the iPad
Modifying any device can be risky, but unauthorized processes like jailbreaking can pose a greater threat. It is possible to "brick" your device during the process if you don't follow the instructions correctly, rendering it useless. If tinkering with your device makes you nervous, you should not be jailbreaking it. Increased Vulnerability to Attacks
While the idea of malware overrunning the Cydia and Icy app stores is sometimes blown out of proportion, the device itself is definitely more vulnerable to attack. Several worms that only affect jailbroken devices have been reported, and because no uniform approval process governs, it is easier for malware to exist in less-regulated app stores. Research the apps you download rather than just reading the app-store description and tapping the install button. Updates Are a Hassle
Updates also become more of a hassle. You can't update a jailbroken iPad without erasing the jailbreak. Every time you update iOS, you'll have to repeat the jailbreaking process, including downloading all of those custom apps again. The sheer process of jailbreaking after major updates may be more trouble than jailbreaking is worth. Increase in Crashes
Another side effect of a jailbroken iPad is that it's more likely to crash. Because apps available for jailbroken devices access features and APIs not available for Apple-approved apps, these features may not be tested as well and may not interact as smoothly. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Get Apps That Are Not in the App Store What It Means to Jailbreak Your iPhone Are iPads Really That Safe from Viruses and Malware? Can You Jailbreak the Apple Watch? 8 Reasons Why Your iPad Keeps Crashing How to Use Your iPad or iPad Mini as a Phone What Does Jailbreaking a Phone Mean? How to Protect Your iPad From Malware and Viruses What Is the Difference Between an iPad and a Tablet? How Long Does an iPad Last? iPad: The Pros and Cons What Is Cydia and What Does It Do? How to Lock Apps on Any iPhone How to Connect a Controller to an iPad Is Google Play Safe? How to Download and Sync Apps to an iPod Touch Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies