Nats has updated his article explaining the benefits of jailbreaking and how to do it with 3.0 firmware (only for the regular iPhone 3G for now, not the 3G S). The guide goes into detail on what jailbreaking is, why you might be interested in doing it, how you actually do it, and some of the cool things you can do with a jailbroken iPhone.

If you're interested in getting the most out of your iPhone then make sure you check out our how to jailbreak for a step-by-step tutorial on getting it done.

Update: we recently received advice from various legal eagle types that indicated that publication of this article was probably not 'safe' from a legal perspective. As such, the parts of the article that explain how to jailbreak have been removed.

Heh, and you thought you could do whatever you wanted with your own property.

If you're running windows 7 a number of people (including myself) experienced heart-wrenching crashes when trying to use redsn0w. (the app crashing mid-firmware update generally could mean a bricked Iphone)

What worked for me was the following

1. right click on redsn0w and use the compatability settings to run it in winxp sp2 mode
2. Copy the IPSW file you intend to flash/patch into the redsn0w directory
3. Run redsn0w as Administrator (it's a right-click option)

I suspect the IPSW file location is probably not that relevant but i did all three just in case.

they've cracked the 3G S too, just FYI
no official software to do so yet, but theres videos of it being done and the command line etc

can't wait!@!@!@!@

That's a great guide, but I am yet to hear a convincing reason to jailbreak. More hassle than it's worth. I guess because it's so easy people should try it just to see what the fuss is about.

(the app crashing mid-firmware update generally could mean a bricked Iphone)

I dont know if this is actually true; while writing the article I tried stuff like unplugging the iPhone during the update. While its possible to get it into a state where the phone wont even visibly turn on, I was always able to recover it with iTunes.

Yep - I have never heard of anyone permanately bricking their iPhone.

That's comforting, I guess that's the benefit of the combination with iTunes.

Either way, you'll probably need to do one or all of those things to jailbreak with win7

Billy: it's the little things like numeric battery, 5-icon-dock and the convenience of SBSettings to toggle bluetooth, plane-mode (no phone allowed at work) etc. that make life easier.

Plus before Google allowed ActiveSync i used jailbroken apps to sync my calendar.

billy; benefits are basically software pirating and being able to run homebrew ..

Yeh I've jailbroken before, and it didn't seem worth the hassle.

billy; benefits are basically software pirating and being able to run homebrew ..

But you can write software and get it put on itunes ...
And now that most of the restrictions have been lifted on what you can write.

So the sole benefit is pirating ?

Don't forget network unlocking

(the app crashing mid-firmware update generally could mean a bricked Iphone)

I dont know if this is actually true; while writing the article I tried stuff like unplugging the iPhone during the update. While its possible to get it into a state where the phone wont even visibly turn on, I was always able to recover it with iTunes.

redsnow is purely a software based, barring actual hardware failure, it's nigh impossible to actually brick your phone. A simple restore in DFU mode will fix anything if it stuffs up.

The reasons for jailbreaking a phone for most average jos is dwindling with apple finally implementing a lot of stuff and applications being released with functionality it should have had at launch. The only real killer app for left is winterboard, being able to use fully customizable themes, sounds etc. Everything else is more aimed at lower level developers or 'power' users, or downloading cracked applications (which can be quite handy if they don't have a lite version and you dont want to shell over $ without trying it first).

EDIT:

And now that most of the restrictions have been lifted on what you can write.

No they haven't, you still can't use any native calls or functions afaik, anything not in the sdk is no-go (which is still quite a lot to whats actually available).

last edited by eXemplar at 13:58:24 30/Jun/09

What's winterboard all about?

Don't forget network unlocking

Optus do it for free.

The only real killer app for left is winterboard, being able to use fully customizable themes, sounds etc.

Winterboard kept crashing my iPhone and constantly re-organised my apps. Totally painful when all I wanted was 5 items in my dock. Not worth it in my experience.

If all you want is 5-icon dock then install SBSettings and then the 5-icon-dock addon. Winterboard is not necessary.

actually you could even ditch SBSettings (though it's handy because it'll allow you to turn on and off 5-icon dock easily)

Winterboard is about taking the polished consistent feel to the iPhone and gheying it up with user created icons and themes

if you are one of those people that run those custom theme apps on your pc you'll love it

Winterboard is about taking the polished consistent feel to the iPhone and gheying it up with user created icons and themes

I disagree, I'm pretty anti themes on desktop, but the iphone just feels bare compared to what you can do with winterboard. You can totally take it too far with gay looks, but even just setting a background picture behind your icons you can't even do by default.

This is what winterboard can let you do: http://imgur.com/PTNVh.jpg
That's an SGA theme, missing a few icons from 3.0.

last edited by eXemplar at 14:20:47 30/Jun/09

As I said... Thanks for the screenshot.

So the sole benefit is pirating ?

why would I want apple to approve software that I want to run on my iphone?
that I bought?
with my money?

actually you could even ditch SBSettings (though it's handy because it'll allow you to turn on and off 5-icon dock easily)

Yep sorry, that was the one that kept crashing my iPhone.

why would I want apple to approve software that I want to run on my iphone?
that I bought?
with my money?

Seems to be some confusion - I think pirating in this case refers to getting apps that are available in the app store but for free, which is dodgy. On the other hand, I think teq is refering to being able to put non-Apple approved apps onto his iPhone (because he owns it and therefore it shouldn't have restrictions).

JB was fun to try out, then even with minimal stuff installed it made my iAwesome run slower and slower and slower.

I'm back to being a virgin iAwesome user and I'm proud of that.

This is what winterboard can let you do: http://imgur.com/PTNVh.jpg
That's an SGA theme, missing a few icons from 3.0.

Yeah you're not really selling it there buddy.... sorry but that theme is fugly.

Don't forget network unlocking Optus do it for free.

are u talking about internet tethering at all?? because i thought that optus were charging extra for that for some of their plans. so i've just done it that other way

That digg button is making my INTERNETS slow sometimes.

Nah Jabroney I was talking about actual carrier unlocking.

That digg button is making my INTERNETS slow sometimes.

Maybe cuz you haven't dugg the article. DO IT! NOW!

And now that most of the restrictions have been lifted on what you can write.

They haven't lifted any restrictions; what they've done is
1. Now provide their own tethering application - other tethering applications are still banned
2. Provide an API for pushing notifications to the phone - you still cant actually run applications in the background

I understand I can multitask if I jailbrake? If so, is there some MSN client I can keep connected in the background without it disconnecting every time the phone turns the screen off? That'd be pretty sweet. (I know it'd chew the battery but I'd probably have it plugged into the car or something when using it).

I'm not trying to sell it, just presenting what you can do and you can make up your own mind. I'm sure you'd be smart enough to look for something that might be more up your alley :)

From a normal user, theming is basically the only reason to jailbreak anymore, apart from older devices and the video recording app. Maybe the tethering overide stuff too, but I think that can be done without a jb.

One of the most handy things I've come across while developing on it is running an actual vnc server on the phone which allows full interacting from the computer. Saves a bit of manual fiddling and is so much better than dicking around with the emulator which doesn't really give a good idea performance wise of how your app will work.

EDIT:

I understand I can multitask if I jailbrake? If so, is there some MSN client I can keep connected in the background without it disconnecting every time the phone turns the screen off?

Ya, called backgrounder: http://code.google.com/p/iphone-backgrounder/wiki/Documentation
Basically works for almost all apps, however with both the data connections and app still running its a serious battery hog. I've actually had the battery still die when running apps in the background and plugged into power, using more power than it drew.

last edited by eXemplar at 16:28:15 30/Jun/09

last edited by eXemplar at 16:29:06 30/Jun/09

so why is it that when i post a thread asking about iphone jailbreaking it gets removed ... but this one is allowed..?

fcking regulators

/rant

ShodDy

you probably did something utterly incorrectly

I'm with Will on this, I've not seen any compelling reason to bother JBing my phone, I'd happily do it if I thought I'd need anything, but I'm not fussed with themes, actually dont mind itunes (once I sorted out all my album images and ID3 tags), have tethering anyway via some other site and am happy with how my phone works now.

then neither of you care about running home brew/cydia apps on it, which is fine

Jailbreak = makes your phone exactly like it was before, only better imo
I can log onto cydia and download apps you can't, but if you don't care to use those apps or you can find something like it in app store (for free, or not) then you also likely wont care

i was thinking an iphone would be really handy maybe i should get one? but then i looked at the price. is $800~ really justifiable for something that fits in my pocket?

yeah i dont think so.

3.1 beta is out. Can't see any noticeable differences 'cept some API changes.

Stolen from http://iphoneinaustralia.com/

some new iPhone 3.1 features found already:
Non-destructive video editing means trimming a clip no longer saves over the original video but gives you the option to “Save as copy…”
Voice Control now works over Bluetooth
iPhone vibrates when moving icons
Updated AT&T profile to 4.2
Updated modem firmware to 5.08.01

i was thinking an iphone would be really handy maybe i should get one? but then i looked at the price. is $800~ really justifiable for something that fits in my pocket?

yeah i dont think so.

Buying an iPhone outright is stoopid.

Can you make Skype calls over 3G yet?

the provider im on here in the netherlands restricts it

Can you make Skype calls over 3G yet?

There's a nifty application if you jailbreak called voipover3g which tricks applications into thinking a 3g connection is wifi.

Can you make Skype calls over 3G yet?

Not yet, no. There was an update released for Skype this morning, but it just looks to have been a 3.0 compatibility fix.

try just using the thing for answering and making calls.....

I find it interesting that there are potential legal issues around Jailbreaking the phone. I would reasonably expect that this would fall under the same scenario as mod chips for consoles (which are legal). If its your device then you can mod it for legal use.

try just using the thing for answering and making calls.....

Shut up.

In related news, the Motorola Milestone just got root access today! Weee, custom Android ROMs ahoy!

Buying an iPhone outright is stoopid.

Whether you buy it outright or subsidised on a plan you still pay either way.

try just using the thing for answering and making calls.....

Because buying a smartphone is really about calling people...

Whether you buy it outright or subsidised on a plan you still pay either way.

Depending on how much you use your phone, you typically pay FAR less on a plan compared to buying outright.

lewd, why the f*** did you reveive a thread that noone had posted in since July last year ya f***in nob.

I revived it with my edit of the OP

Well, thats all right then. As you where everyone.

bow, back up
bow, back up

run away.

hahaha et

I find it interesting that there are potential legal issues around Jailbreaking the phone. I would reasonably expect that this would fall under the same scenario as mod chips for consoles (which are legal). If its your device then you can mod it for legal use.

Mod chips are a massive grey area the mod chip technology allows circumvention of the copyright protection. And under DCMA and the FTA, that's a terrorist act.
However the ACCC fought for an won the right for our DVD players to be not region locked. So ... In a device that plays DVDs if it region locks DVD play back you can modify it so that it can play DVDs. If however the device is not region locked I think you will find that they are illegal. And beyond that if it enables people to break copy right it still may not be legal...

ie. a good laywer should be able to argue that if iinet can be done for people downloading, then a mod chip is equally as at fault.

And lets be honest the primary intent of jail breaking an iphone is copyright infringement.

And lets be honest the primary intent of jail breaking an iphone is copyright infringement.

Huh? I haven't got a pirated app on my JB'd iPhone afaik. I did the JB for:

1. Status icon support (unread sms/text, missed call icons) that can be seen while inside most apps or on the "Slide to Unlock" screen (don't need to unlock to see if there's any activity).

2. Multi-task support. Can keep my paid-for GPS navigation software, etc running but being able to switch and browse or send/read an email without losing GPS lock and having to start over. Switch back when I'm done.

3. Full access to the filesystem via USB cable or SSH via WiFi. Can then FULLY customise phone/sms ring-tones or store files wherever I want.

4. iPhone feature shortcut menu (with some addons). With SBSettings, quick swipe at the top bar and I can toggle WiFi/3G, SSH, disable rotation, kill processes, see read WAN and WiFi IP addresses, etc. No need to navigate senseless menus.

5. Minor theming/modding of the iPhone GUI. I don't care about flashy stuff or animations/transitions. Just basic, static wallpaper and 5-icon-dock does wonders to the basic look.

And here I am, continuing to buy Apps from the iTunes store ...

I have a JB'd Touch and I haven't pirated anything either - along same lines of parabol.

parabol, you are the CLASSIC iphone criminal that these rules are in place to stop. Taking advantage of your device like that. You should be ashamed, sir!

Obes is right about the AUSFTA... I suppose it was the price we had to pay for free trade with the States.

Parabol, you're in a minority I assume.

I don't disagree with the sentiment though. You buy the handset, and license the firmware. You shouldn't be restricted from using third party firmware on your handset (assuming said third party software doesnt infringe copyright in the underlying work itself).

And lets be honest the primary intent of jail breaking an iphone is copyright infringement.

You really shouldn't comment on things that you know nothing about.

That may well be the primary reason for devices like game consoles, but a smartphone is basically a tiny PC and the iPhone has a ridiculous amount of potential functionality that is shackled by it's manufacturer.

Want to make Skype calls over 3G instead of wifi? Want to password protect individual apps? Want a lockscreen that shows more than just the clock?

That it enables piracy is just an unfortunate side-effect.

Mod chips are a massive grey area

Not really, Sony took it to the high court and lost. Mod chips are legal aslong as they are used to enable playing of legal media. Because we can legally buy overseas media (DVDs, games etc) the court ruled that we should be able to play them on a legally owned console. If that involved modifying that console then it was legal, the fact that the modchips also circumvented their copyprotection was deemed an issue for the Manufacturers to resolve, essentially they were told dump your region coding system and we'll ban modchips.

Not really, Sony took it to the high court and lost.

Are you talking about Sony v Stevens? If so, it's been over-ruled by legislation. See the 2006 amendments to the Copyright Act 1968 wrt Technological Protection Measures and Access Control Technological Protection Measures.

You really shouldn't comment on things that you know nothing about

Doesn't usually stop you dan ...

You bought a device with a user agreement. Don't like the agreement ? ... you should have returned it immediately.

If I buy a semi automatic rifle, and I mod it be fully automatic .. illegal.
If I buy a care and rip off the doors ... illegal
Heck it's illegal to leave your keys in the car unattended.
If have money and burn it ... illegal
You are allowed to own an axe ... you are not allowed to cut peoples heads off with it.

There are lots of things you buy/own that come with conditions and usage guidelines.

I am yet to see a single jailbroken iphone that didn't have at least 1 pirated app if only for "testing". Maybe they exist ? I am just yet to see them.

So either the people claiming not have any pirated or copyright infringing material (eg. a free program to rip a dvd is still infringing copyright) are
1. unusually honest, yet to meet anyone that is this honest.
or
2. lying

I am failing to see how any of what you have just explained supports your argument that piracy is the primary intent.

We provided numerous reasons supporting the contrary and all you provided was pointless stuff about the legalities of use when it's already established that it's not technically legal in Australia - that was edited into the OP and it's the reason that this thread was bumped.

By no means are we denying that piracy occurs as a result of JB. What's being refuted is the ignorant statement that piracy is the primary motivator being jailbreaking. It's not, most would still be JB'ing regardless of pirated apps because there is a s***load of really useful functionality to be had.

It may well be the primary motivator for _some_ people, but it's not the reason the hacks were created and not the reason that most people choose to use them.

In my specific situation, I jailbroke mine so I could give my laptop internets - I used to carry my previous nokia around and swap the sim card out of the iphone if I was away from home and got an alarm about a busted server. ridiculous.

Once tethering was included by apple I went back to not being jailbroken.

* This post was to provide an example of a jailbroken iphone where it wasn't used to pirate software or breach copyright - not to suggest that the only reason for jailbreaking was tethering

Why would you lie, jim

Here's a photo I just took of his iPhone showing all the pirate software he has:

http://trog.qgl.org/up/pirate-iphone-software.jpg

*blah blah*

If I buy a semi automatic rifle, and I mod it be fully automatic .. illegal.
If I buy a care and rip off the doors ... illegal

*blah blah*

So either the people claiming not have any pirated or copyright infringing material (eg. a free program to rip a dvd is still infringing copyright) are

*blah blah

I just read all that and am yet to find a coherent argument.

Could you please provide solid evidence to back up your claims, without having to resort to severely broken analogies?

He included a car analogy, what more can you ask for. Although I presume its only illegal to actually drive a car without doors, on public roads