Hackers release new version of iPhone Jailbreak app

Unlike other versions, the new one can be installed using the Safari browser on the iPhone

The latest version of software that allows iPhone owners to install applications not approved by Apple has been released just days after the practice was declared legal under U.S. copyright law.

JailbreakMe 2.0 can be installed by going to its developers' Web site, jailbreakme.com, where it is installed via the Safari Web browser. One of its developers, Comex, wrote on Twitter that there were initial problems with JailbreakMe and the MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) and FaceTime video chat functions, but those problems are now fixed.

The practice of jailbreaking was illegal under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which prohibits the circumvention of copy protection mechanisms. But last week the Librarian of Congress issued a batch of exemptions, ruling that the installation of legally acquired third-party software for non-infringing reasons on mobile phones doesn't violate U.S. copyright law.

Jailbreaking also allows an iPhone to be used on other phone networks. Apple's exclusive agreement with AT&T to offer the iPhone is being challenged in a class-action suit filed last month in which customers contend the two companies secretly agreed to unfairly "technologically restrict voice and data service" for five years.

Apple, which has never pushed for prosecuting someone for jailbreaking their iPhone, nonetheless discourages the practice, saying that it could interfere with the phone's normal operation. Jailbreaking also will potentially invalidate the iPhone's warranty, Apple has warned.

Apple's regular iPhone software updates often also invalidated the jailbreak modifications, and the jailbreaking software had to be regularly updated.

Send news tips and comments to jeremy_kirk@idg.com

More about: Apple, CA Technologies, FaceTime
References show all

Comments

1

Janet

Tue 03/08/2010 - 13:50

I tried to jailbreak my iPhone3GS by Cydia, and this do works, this is a good news to apple users, although its only a limit one. And for those who want to jailbreak iPad, ifunia will give you some insight on this.
http://www.ifunia.com/ipad-column/apple-ipad-jailbreak-hacks.html

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Users posting comments agree to the TechWorld comments policy.
Login or register to link comments to your user profile, or you may also post a comment without being logged in.
Related Coverage
Related Whitepapers
Latest Stories
Community Comments
Tags: software, security, mobile security, applications, Apple
Whitepapers
All whitepapers
 
rhs_login_lockGet exclusive access to Techworld news, reports & analysis.

Twitter Feed

Whitepapers

- + c

Latest News

- + c
more