Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
For all you whiners -- Apple isn't saying customers can't break their iPhone/Touch. It's reminding customers that while it's legal for them to jailbreak their device, any damage caused by doing so is not covered under the warranty. Some people might think that just because jailbreaking is now clearly legal that means Apple is required to repair any damage caused by the process. It is not.
 
For all you whiners -- Apple isn't saying customers can't break their iPhone/Touch. It's reminding customers that while it's legal for them to jailbreak their device, any damage caused by doing so is not covered under the warranty. Some people might think that just because jailbreaking is now clearly legal that means Apple is required to repair any damage caused by the process. It is not.

I would have hoped this would be obvious to most people. Guess not.
 
Hardware and software are two very different things. If i open my iphone and install a mod chip in it, yes that should void my warranty. If something goes wrong with your iphone hardware, its NOT because of a software modification. therefore, the warranty should still be valid, and long as you're not complaining about a software issue.

most problems with iphones ARE software related. You can brick your phone completely with software, and get restore errors.
 
Funny- I've never jailbroken my iPod, but the iOS 4.0 completely ruined the usability, reliability and functionality of my device. The myriad issues happened directly after the upgrade, and my experience is mirrored by thousands of others who have reported at forums such as Apple Discussion Forum. It's been over a month since I had a fully functional device. Where is Apple's concern on that issue? Nowhere to be seen or heard. Apple's claim that jailbreaking is bad because it might lower the user experience in the midst of this is not an argument I find to be credible.

iPods and iPhones are computers, far more powerful than the desktop computer I had just 10 years ago. I come from a time when you bought a computer and you could do what you want with it. If the iDevices can be "ruined" with software then there is something very wrong with their design.
It has no moving parts, but maybe they could suggest overheating a battery?
It has such marginal plausibility.

Apple claims that this is about user experience. If user experience was important, it wouldn't be forbidden for me to downgrade my iOS back to 3.1.3, which was reliable and stable. If they cared about user experience, they'd let a person choose whether their iDevice could be mountable and open, or locked up in Apple's control system in the same way I can choose a simple or full Finder. The best user experience is having choices, and for the user to be able tune the openness of their device to suit their life and level of experience.

Apple is behaving as if they own the hardware, which is only an extension of their software. I would argue that we purchase hardware, and use software to utilize the capabilities of the hardware.

The second generation iPod contained a bluetooth-capable chip. This technology could have been utilized for many experience-enhancing functions. Instead, Apple did not include any way to use that chip beyond Nike+iPod, until a paid software update almost a year later. Still, they only allowed A2DP. They did not include the ability to use a bluetooth headset. They didn't allow bluetooth keyboards. These are just simple profiles. The chip is capable of it, and jailbreakers have these functions with no problem, but Apple does not include it. They gave bluetooth keyboard access to 3rd Gen devices with iOS 4 but blocked out 2nd gens. We already know the devices can do it with jailbreaking. Performance cannot be a real excuse since iOS 4 has devastated my 2nd Gen iPod and that so far is no concern to them.

The only computer systems I've ever had since the 70's are Apples. I am not an Apple "hater", but I'm not an Apple yes-man either. It seems these days Apple has a lot of customers who take everything that comes out of the Apple PR mouth as infallible, justifiable and unquestionable. I don't think that's a healthy attitude for anyone to have about a company. There needs to be critical thinking involved.

People are making comparisons between modding car engines and jailbreaking iDevices. Modifying software on a computer and making physical alterations to machinery or electronics are not analogous. Neither is the act of jamming a fork into a toaster comparable to modifying a computer's software for the purposes of increased functionality. Jailbreaking is to gain access to the full capabilities of a piece of hardware that is being artificially constrained by software. A fork in a toaster is a purposeless act of jackassery that can even cause death.

There is no reason that software should cause a device to quit working, unless Apple has designed it that way to scare or discourage people from using the hardware they own in ways Apple doesn't like.

If you want to make a car analogy, then how about if a car company put a program in the system computer to prevent the car from going over 50 miles per hour on the claim that the driver and passengers had a better user experience at lower speeds, despite the car's super charged V8 engine.

Also to those saying Apple never goes after anyone over jailbreaking on DMCA grounds, lest you not forget that not very long ago it was widely reported that Apple was lobbying to make it unlawful to jailbreak so that they would be able to do that very thing.
 
I understand where these people are coming from. However the question is: did the US government created the iphone? NO did they own it in any way? NO
Stop sticking your noses where you have no business US Gov!

You know that exactly what they are saying right? The American People asked the powers that be if activities such as jailbreaking were illegal. Government basically said, "No. That is between you and the manufacture."
 
I'm a little confused about the big deal being made about pirating (for the record I am not for it)... i can't find the original post but someone posted something like certain developers saying 75% of their downloads being pirated... how does that add up if supposed 1% of people jailbreak and less then that pirate apps? not that pirating is right but i would think the numbers are so low as to not make a significant difference.

also i don't really see the huge deal in all this. from my understanding it was never illegal to jailbreak so its not like this is gonna cause a huge increase in jailbreakers. you might say it draws more attention to it but if i didn't read these tech sites i wouldn't have even heard this news.
 
Somebody should take them on legally over this

Somebody with the time should challenge Apple legally over this. It's similar to their old policy that if you opened your machine it would void the warranty. If Apple's product was so great without jailbreaking people wouldn't be doing it. The system is too big brotherish. Apple needs to seriously review their strategy here. They've a bit too fascist.
 
iPhone user experience

"Apple's goal has always been to insure that our customers have a great experience with their iPhone"

Really Apple?? What about iOS 4 on the iPhone 3G? Is that a great experience? I don't think so.
 
+1

Funny- I've never jailbroken my iPod, but the iOS 4.0 completely ruined the usability, reliability and functionality of my device. The myriad issues happened directly after the upgrade, and my experience is mirrored by thousands of others who have reported at forums such as Apple Discussion Forum. It's been over a month since I had a fully functional device. Where is Apple's concern on that issue? Nowhere to be seen or heard. Apple's claim that jailbreaking is bad because it might lower the user experience in the midst of this is not an argument I find to be credible.

iPods and iPhones are computers, far more powerful than the desktop computer I had just 10 years ago. I come from a time when you bought a computer and you could do what you want with it. If the iDevices can be "ruined" with software then there is something very wrong with their design.
It has no moving parts, but maybe they could suggest overheating a battery?
It has such marginal plausibility.

Apple claims that this is about user experience. If user experience was important, it wouldn't be forbidden for me to downgrade my iOS back to 3.1.3, which was reliable and stable. If they cared about user experience, they'd let a person choose whether their iDevice could be mountable and open, or locked up in Apple's control system in the same way I can choose a simple or full Finder. The best user experience is having choices, and for the user to be able tune the openness of their device to suit their life and level of experience.

Apple is behaving as if they own the hardware, which is only an extension of their software. I would argue that we purchase hardware, and use software to utilize the capabilities of the hardware.

The second generation iPod contained a bluetooth-capable chip. This technology could have been utilized for many experience-enhancing functions. Instead, Apple did not include any way to use that chip beyond Nike+iPod, until a paid software update almost a year later. Still, they only allowed A2DP. They did not include the ability to use a bluetooth headset. They didn't allow bluetooth keyboards. These are just simple profiles. The chip is capable of it, and jailbreakers have these functions with no problem, but Apple does not include it. They gave bluetooth keyboard access to 3rd Gen devices with iOS 4 but blocked out 2nd gens. We already know the devices can do it with jailbreaking. Performance cannot be a real excuse since iOS 4 has devastated my 2nd Gen iPod and that so far is no concern to them.

The only computer systems I've ever had since the 70's are Apples. I am not an Apple "hater", but I'm not an Apple yes-man either. It seems these days Apple has a lot of customers who take everything that comes out of the Apple PR mouth as infallible, justifiable and unquestionable. I don't think that's a healthy attitude for anyone to have about a company. There needs to be critical thinking involved.

People are making comparisons between modding car engines and jailbreaking iDevices. Modifying software on a computer and making physical alterations to machinery or electronics are not analogous. Neither is the act of jamming a fork into a toaster comparable to modifying a computer's software for the purposes of increased functionality. Jailbreaking is to gain access to the full capabilities of a piece of hardware that is being artificially constrained by software. A fork in a toaster is a purposeless act of jackassery that can even cause death.

There is no reason that software should cause a device to quit working, unless Apple has designed it that way to scare or discourage people from using the hardware they own in ways Apple doesn't like.

If you want to make a car analogy, then how about if a car company put a program in the system computer to prevent the car from going over 50 miles per hour on the claim that the driver and passengers had a better user experience at lower speeds, despite the car's super charged V8 engine.

Also to those saying Apple never goes after anyone over jailbreaking on DMCA grounds, lest you not forget that not very long ago it was widely reported that Apple was lobbying to make it unlawful to jailbreak so that they would be able to do that very thing.

One of the best replies I have ever read on this forum, I completely agree!
 
The features we want? How many people who JB are doing it for themes and multitasking? There may be a few here and there, but I'd say 90% of people who jailbreak their devices do it to steal from the developers.

You can pull numbers out of your arse all you want. You have no evidence of this. It is pure speculation and nothing more. I jailbreak because I like Categories and Any Ring. If you make statements like that you need to have a source or you are just plain lying for effect.
 
Well, i really dont know anyone who is jailbroken and doesnt have installous. not that i care, i shamelessly have it too.

Hello my name is Randell and I don't have Installous.I have been JB since about 2 weeks that I had my 3GS(July 2009).I have paid for all my apps(MQuickDo,MyWi,3GUn) and you sir are shameless...but at least you admit it!
 
I think Apple is on Shaky Ground - What about Magnuson-Moss?

I'm not a lawyer... and obviously Apple is free to set whatever policy they want, but I'm pretty sure that the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act applies here, specifically that (from that legal expert Wikipedia):

1. Under the terms of the Act, ambiguous statements in a warranty are construed against the drafter of the warranty.

- I think Apple will need to specifically detail in what manner using software that isn't approved will void the warranty.

2. Warrantors cannot require that only branded parts be used with the product in order to retain the warranty. This is commonly referred to as the "tie-in sales" provisions, and is frequently mentioned in the context of third-party computer parts, such as memory and hard drives.

- While focused on real mechanical parts, I think it would directly apply to software as well.

As I understand it (and I could be totally wrong), if Apple has a warranty and a customer makes a change to that product the burden of proof falls on Apple to show specifically how that change that the customer made caused the product to fail. So if I brought my iPhone in because say the headphone jack wasn't working right, or my 'mute' switch wasn't working right, Apple would have to specifically state how my jailbreaking my iPhone caused the problem before the warranty would be void.

I would think a few cash hungry trial attorneys could try to find some one who's warranty has been denied and then go after them and try to get the case changed to be class action.
 
Hardware and software are two very different things. If i open my iphone and install a mod chip in it, yes that should void my warranty. If something goes wrong with your iphone hardware, its NOT because of a software modification. therefore, the warranty should still be valid, and long as you're not complaining about a software issue.

Not necessarily true. If the software modification changes, for example, power management and your phone overheats, that would be considered software induced hardware damage.

So what, exactly does jailbreaking give you the earth shattering ability to do, that you cannot already do?
 
Funny- I've never jailbroken my iPod, but the iOS 4.0 completely ruined the usability, reliability and functionality of my device. The myriad issues happened directly after the upgrade, and my experience is mirrored by thousands of others who have reported at forums such as Apple Discussion Forum. It's been over a month since I had a fully functional device. Where is Apple's concern on that issue? Nowhere to be seen or heard. Apple's claim that jailbreaking is bad because it might lower the user experience in the midst of this is not an argument I find to be credible.

iPods and iPhones are computers, far more powerful than the desktop computer I had just 10 years ago. I come from a time when you bought a computer and you could do what you want with it. If the iDevices can be "ruined" with software then there is something very wrong with their design.
It has no moving parts, but maybe they could suggest overheating a battery?
It has such marginal plausibility.

Apple claims that this is about user experience. If user experience was important, it wouldn't be forbidden for me to downgrade my iOS back to 3.1.3, which was reliable and stable. If they cared about user experience, they'd let a person choose whether their iDevice could be mountable and open, or locked up in Apple's control system in the same way I can choose a simple or full Finder. The best user experience is having choices, and for the user to be able tune the openness of their device to suit their life and level of experience.

Apple is behaving as if they own the hardware, which is only an extension of their software. I would argue that we purchase hardware, and use software to utilize the capabilities of the hardware.

The second generation iPod contained a bluetooth-capable chip. This technology could have been utilized for many experience-enhancing functions. Instead, Apple did not include any way to use that chip beyond Nike+iPod, until a paid software update almost a year later. Still, they only allowed A2DP. They did not include the ability to use a bluetooth headset. They didn't allow bluetooth keyboards. These are just simple profiles. The chip is capable of it, and jailbreakers have these functions with no problem, but Apple does not include it. They gave bluetooth keyboard access to 3rd Gen devices with iOS 4 but blocked out 2nd gens. We already know the devices can do it with jailbreaking. Performance cannot be a real excuse since iOS 4 has devastated my 2nd Gen iPod and that so far is no concern to them.

The only computer systems I've ever had since the 70's are Apples. I am not an Apple "hater", but I'm not an Apple yes-man either. It seems these days Apple has a lot of customers who take everything that comes out of the Apple PR mouth as infallible, justifiable and unquestionable. I don't think that's a healthy attitude for anyone to have about a company. There needs to be critical thinking involved.

People are making comparisons between modding car engines and jailbreaking iDevices. Modifying software on a computer and making physical alterations to machinery or electronics are not analogous. Neither is the act of jamming a fork into a toaster comparable to modifying a computer's software for the purposes of increased functionality. Jailbreaking is to gain access to the full capabilities of a piece of hardware that is being artificially constrained by software. A fork in a toaster is a purposeless act of jackassery that can even cause death.

There is no reason that software should cause a device to quit working, unless Apple has designed it that way to scare or discourage people from using the hardware they own in ways Apple doesn't like.

If you want to make a car analogy, then how about if a car company put a program in the system computer to prevent the car from going over 50 miles per hour on the claim that the driver and passengers had a better user experience at lower speeds, despite the car's super charged V8 engine.

Also to those saying Apple never goes after anyone over jailbreaking on DMCA grounds, lest you not forget that not very long ago it was widely reported that Apple was lobbying to make it unlawful to jailbreak so that they would be able to do that very thing.
I'm going to have to agree. Actually, I may jailbreak my 3G later this week.
 
as long as you can restore back to a stock firmware you should definitely be safe. at least I didn't run into problems with Apple when my 3G needed some help.

I for myself can’t live without apps like SBSettings and Firewall iP. Especially Firewall iP from CydiaStore, which can stop Apps from sending out data and even block ads I feel safer with that tool.
 
To a degree, this is a sticky issue. If the iPhone does break in the case of software relating to jail-breaking, Apple doesn't want to have to take responsibility for such a thing. It is entirely possible, unless you specifically set things up and test with various revisions of Jailbroken software, that your official updates may kill the phone's software.

I could see the argument that the hardware, itself, may be something that should still be covered. Something that is a hardware issue not relating to software. Otherwise, Apple has to cover for and use up their money and resources for fixing issues related to software out of their control.

That's like asking some other phone manufacturer to fix something because you ripped out their op system detail and put in a 3rd party one, and you gained viruses while doing that. I wonder if other phone manufacturers are ok with that?
 
Remember back when jailbreaking started? Jobs had no problem with it at first, and almost seemed a little proud that hackers took an interest in his device.

That changed after the quarterly earnings call where Apple admitted that around 18% of iPhones were _unlocked_. That's all the way UNLOCKED, folks, not just jailbroken, the number of which was even higher.

Some number of these were sold to people that have an intention to unlock and where we don’t know precisely how many people are doing that, our current guess is there is probably 250,000 of the 1.4 million that we sold where people had bought them with the intention of doing that. - Tim Cook - F4Q07

After that, ATT put its foot down and Apple issued guidelines stating that using non-Apple software could break the hardware warranty. Which isn't even true the way they wrote it.

1) Apple's warranty is about HARDWARE only. It explicitly points out that even Apple's own software is not covered by it. (The fact that it's about hardware applies to everything in it, including concepts like mods or using it outside of its intended purpose.)

2) Apple's iPhone hardware warranty is almost word for word identical to the hardware warranty for its other products, yet no other Apple product loses its warranty simply by installing non-Apple software.

Now, Apple could've simply said that jailbreaking violated the iPhone Software License Agreement... except SLA's like that aren't legal in some places, IIRC.
 
If Apple wants to be an ******* by voiding warranties then they'll end up in court and LOSE - the same way printer companies lost when they tried voiding warranties for using 'unauthorized' supplies like ink or toner.

They argued that only THEIR ink or toner could be used because it met their stringent quality control and using other brands would result in poor print quality and customer complaints. Their argument fell on deaf ears, as will this one.

Apple is ONLY looking out for the customer to insure a quality experience. If so, then why have they surpassed Microsoft in security flaws?

Blah Blah Blah... Whatever Apple!
 
If Apple wants to be an ******* by voiding warranties then they'll end up in court and LOSE - the same way printer companies lost when they tried voiding warranties for using 'unauthorized' supplies like ink or toner.
Really? Rooting Android phones also void your warranty, but I don't see anybody complaining. Apple is not even going after the jailbreaking community. Do you want Apple to be like Motorola with eFuse? The Android fanboys seems to be loving eFuse.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.