Posted on 11/25/2017 12:30:26 AM PST by Swordmaker
For several years, it was common practice among iOS enthusiasts to ‘jailbreak’ their iPhones so they could enable additional functionality like screen recording and widget support. Once fueled by an active worldwide community with numerous crafty programmers who figured out how to bypass Apple’s device protections. And with the closing of two major repositories on the Cydia alternative app store this month, the death knell for jailbreaking is ringing clear.
While the company has largely negated the need for jailbreaking by continually adding useful features and flexibility to iOS over several updates in recent years, it’s also become increasingly more difficult to jailbreak iPhones, both for hackers and users alike.
There hasn’t been a jailbreak for iOS 11 so far, even though it’s been months since it was released to the public. There are no longer as many benefits to using cracked versions of iOS, and the one major draw lately was being able to install apps, themes and tweaks from Cydia. Now, with the ModMyi and ZodTTD/MacCiti repositories having shut down on the popular app store, there’ll be even fewer files available to fans.
With that, jailbreaking will be relegated to a hobby for nostalgic veterans who’ve grown up patching previous versions of iOS on older devices. And while Apple saw the practice as detrimental to its business and to its product experience, it in fact represented the incredible enthusiasm, curiosity and tenacity of scores of fans who wanted more from the company’s gadgets.
Motherboard has an excellent long read on the history of jailbreaking, and why it slowed down in recent months; find it on this page.
Featured image via Redditor pdxmichael
I have an iPad and a couple of computers that can no longer be updated. It’s not Apple’s fault; look at Moore’s law. They’re just responding to a marketplace driven by technology and consumer desire.
If they were to stop what they are doing to hold your hand and give you infinite life out of every product they make, they would go out of business.
Cars, refrigerators, microwave ovens, and yes, even cell phones have a useful product life. Many of my electronics are serving useful purposes not having been updated in years; many others are on the donate/recycle pile.
I feel your pain, but really, it’s ok. It’s normal...
You are talking to a man who has worked 25 years in ERP software and who has a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems. I know what I am talking about. I have also worked on major projects at both Apple and Microsoft. You are spouting off about deliberate software-induced obsolescence like it is a good thing. All I am saying is that if Apple refuses to update its hardware’s OS then they should be required to unlock the hardware and let the market determine if there is a market for third-party OS and Apps to fill the demand.
No. For a thousand reasons, no.
If you think government should be able to tell a company (or anyone) what they can/should produce, or do with their products, then there's nothing I can do to help you.
Except to suggest you head over to Democratic Underground; the Bernie Sanders and their ilk are waiting with open arms.
I swear to God it’s like talking to a wall. I bet that you would scream the loudest of all if your AMG GT Coupe quit working forever because Mercedes refused to update its software.
I can’t help you.
What would you say if you were trying to repair the transmission on your 1953 Corvette, the best car General Motors ever made, and you were told you could not fix it because GM did not allow it due to software?
If you cannot get the gist of what I am saying then you are, and I say this with all respect, a Bend-Over-Betty.
I am done debating this with you because you like hard-loving from corporations without lube and there is nothing I can say that can help you.
Enjoy the ride bitch.
BIG FAT HAIRY DEAL!!!!!!!!!!
Apple has JUMPED THE SHARK!!!
I got by just fine with my weed hook and push mower, but What I use now is a little better, I can do in 15 minutes what it used to take me a day to do.
The do last a really long time don't they. I still have an original model works fine, still does everything idk did when I bought it and then some, but if I want to run the latest software that new hardware requires I use an iPad Pro. You can pick up iPad air models for a little more than a hundred dollars and they run the latest software.
I think it’s time that anyone proposing a new federal law has to read the millions af laws and regulations to ensure they are not duplicating or proposing one in direct contradiction of existing ones.
Either that or we just ban the protection of intellectual property.
Someone’s got their undies in a bundle.
If your instinct is to cry for the government to solve your perceived problems, you are on the wrong site.
Since you’re a self-described expert, what follows is for anyone else reading this thread, not you.
If the market dictates that Apple support products after a useful life, they will. If not, they won’t. There is no profit for Apple in supporting old product, so they don’t
And it’s not in their interest– or in the interest of their customers– to give the keys to anyone else to do so. It would compromise everyone’s security, and Apple would be blamed. So they don’t, and the rest of us benefit.
If that hurts your feelings, go buy Microsoft/Android, and forget about Apple. But get ready for security approximately equal to an open screen door.
What would you say if you were trying to repair the transmission on your 1953 Corvette, the best car General Motors ever made, and you were told you could not fix it because GM did not allow it due to software?
I personally think GM cars are crap; that said, I wouldn't buy something if I didn't like it. Can't figure out why you buy stuff you don't like.
Tracfones are the best for yelling at clouds!
I have never bought single iPad, way too expensive to be worth it. I get them handed to me for work and from promotions. My kids like them so I have to deal with them from time to time. Maybe I am spoiled.
Apple’s business plan will work until it does not and then someone else wil eat their lunch. When that happens I will stack up the iPad bricks I have into a stool to sit upon while I enjoy the show.
Two completely different things. Unlocking just enables a phone to be used on any network. Jailbreaking allows hacks to the system and installed software that is normally blocked.
Thank-you!
In other words, Apple is like literally every business that has ever existed.
Yes they are and, as such, they do need some regulation.
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