Jailbreaking your iPhone is an important step if you need to install third-party applications (from developers) that are not authorized by Apple. Jailbroken iPhone provides access to many other exciting app stores aside the ones in Apple App Store, for example Cydia and Icy have very cool apps that are restricted by AT&T.
Interestingly, jailbreaking has been declared legal in the United States. According to FCC, jailbreaking improves interoperability of the phone and is thus legitimate under fair-use rules. Additionally, U.S Copyright Office and Library of Congress have agreed that jailbreaking does not violate iPhones copyright law. So, Jailbreaking is legal even though it is not authorized by Apple.
What is the Difference between Unlocking and Jailbreaking iPhone?
Unlocking your iPhone serves a different purpose and is totally different from jailbreaking. Unlocking just gives you access to a different service provider from AT&T, so that you can also connect to T-Mobile or other GSM carriers. Jailbreaking on the other hand, unlocks your phone and gives you access to a wide array of useful apps that are not in Apple Store.
Advantages of Jailbroken iPhone
The greatest advantage of jailbreaking your iPhone is the instant access you get to an entirely new world of apps. For example, Cydia is a large marketplace that provides a wide array of free and paid apps that are very exciting and can only run on jailbroken phones.
A second reason many people find jailbreaking very convenient is that the process is straightforward and totally reversible. That means, if you encounter any regrets after jailbreaking your iPhone, you can easily restore the previous settings in iTunes.
Disadvantages of Jailbroken iPhone
As advantageous as jailbreaking is, it also comes with its own disadvantages. The most important of all is the fact that jailbreaking voids your warranty. Apple seriously frowns at jailbreaking their devices, and thus cancels their warranty on jailbroken devices.
Secondly, jailbreaking can make your iPhone vulnerable to malicious apps. Since jailbreaking gives you access to an open market for third-party developers, it makes you vulnerable to downloading malicious apps or spyware that can affect your phone.
Lastly, jailbreaking may appear to render a phone useless for most novices. In spite of the possibility of restoring factory settings, most people get extremely worried when they seem to have lost the functions on their phones.
Special Features Afforded by Jailbroken iPhone
Jailbreaking your iPhone opens you up to new possibilities outside of the Apple App Store. You can customize the look of your iPhone by changing the icons and pages; customize your ringtones and SMS tones; allow full 3G access; and unlock your phone to work with other carriers etc, and most of these apps are available from Cydia or Icy. For example, Spoof app will let you preprogram a specific phone number you want your receiver to see when you call the person from your phone.
If you are ready to jailbreak your phone, there are many websites and software available. Fortunately, most of them are straightforward and easy to use.