Will Unlocking An iPhone5 Put You To Jail?

Unlocking – sounds like prison break; someone trying to get out of jail, trying to be free. Well, trying to be free seems to be the more relevant impression to this newly baptized word. So why call it Unlocking when no one seems to be physically breaking out of the jail? Let us define what unlock means.

Unlock in the world of gadgetry is defined as the process of removing device protections that manufacturers placed for the purpose of enabling users to put whatever application they would like on their devices regardless whether it is deemed compatible or not by the manufacturer. In short, a person who tries to ‘unlock’ their device would like to make the most out of it.

Is it legal?

In the year 2010, the U.S. Copyright Office acknowledged unlocking to be an exception to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. But take note, this is only allowed in the U.S. and it might not be applicable to the country you are currently staying! Although, the act is generally applied and followed by the entire industry regardless of the location.

FUN FACT: iPhone5 vs. iPad

Here’s an interesting fact: a person living in the U.S. might take into consideration that unlocking, an iPhone5 is legal, BUT NOT with an iPad!

Is my iPhone5 safe if I install this application which is not marked as ‘compatible’ by its maker Apple?

Now here’s an interesting question: is it safe to install an outside application which did not pass Apple’s standard for use on their device? Will the maker of this application be responsible to whatever happens to your device should anything goes wrong after you unlocking your device?

There are lots of questions that arise to this type of scenario, in fact, a worldwide phenomenon of pros and cons, left and right are polluting the entire IT community. On almost all forums, you will see discussions where people are exchanging their views as to what really is the truth, giving out positive and negative effects which came along with the said process.

On Apple’s end, we can readily understand that they might be putting a limitation as to what their devices can and cannot do; as a good parent protects their children, they are also just trying to protect their product in order for the consumer to be able to avail the warranty and other freebies that comes along with the purchase.

On the other hand, one might ask, ‘it’s my device so why can’t I do anything that I wanted to do with my stuff?’ to a more rebellious question like ‘Why am I being held hostage to what application I can or cannot use?’ Now that’s an issue of monopoly here: only that whom Apple accredited can get the apple! Makes sense, right? Only those who planted the fruit-bearing tree can enjoy the produce.

However, it’s also like buying a TV set where only one channel is available. Only those that they wanted to show is the one you get.

So what now?

The answer definitely lies more on what you want to do to your iPhone5 than with any opinion of different people who’s trying to win you to their side. My point is, you bought it, and it’s yours anyway.