Apple Wants Fines, Penalties For Jailbroken iPhones

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Enterprising iPhone users who want to "crack" their device's operating system might face a $2,500 fine if Apple has its way.

Consumer advocacy group the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has petitioned the Library of Congress to protect all mobile phone owners who "crack" their phone's operating systems. In the case of Apple's iPhone, cracking the native OS means that users can install whatever applications they want, including thousands not authorized by Apple.

Apple has fought against such measures since the release of the iPhone by making it difficult and hazardous to crack the iPhone OS and with their latest objection to the EFF's filing.

Apple's objection would hit consumers with a fine of "up to $2,500" if they crack their iPhones, with the additional danger of a potentially five-year criminal penalty if they crack their iPhone for "financial gain." Apple did not specify what that criminal penalty might be.

According to Apple, cracked iPhones and unauthorized apps befoul the iPhone's "ecosystem," and to be sure, Apple has built a tightly run ship for its users to ride on. One important side-effect of Apple's pristine ecosystem has been the relegation of all adult apps to the iPhone's flourishing black market.

The EFF has countered Apple's objection by citing a wide "body of law" that protects consumers rights to tinker with hardware to make it work better — or however they want.

"One need only transpose Apple's arguments to the world of automobiles to recognize their absurdity," the EFF petition reads. "Sure, GM might tell us that, for our own safety, all servicing should be done by an authorized GM dealer using only genuine GM parts. Toyota might say that swapping your engine could reduce the reliability of your car. And Mazda could say that those who throw a supercharger on their Miatas frequently exceed the legal speed limit."

For more information on the EFF, visit EFF.org. In addition, the EFF has set up a website for consumers to follow the case at FreeYourPhone.org.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

North Dakota Legislature Backs Off on Device-Based AV

A North Dakota state senator who sponsored a device-based age verification bill that Free Speech Coalition (FSC) endorsed is now seeking to amend the bill to require site-based age verification instead.

PLBY Group Taps Byborg Principal Gyorgy Gattyan for Board of Directors

Playboy parent company PLBY Group has appointed Gyorgy Gattyan to its board of directors.

FSC Brings Adult Industry Debanking Issues to Congressional Hearing

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) recently had its "Statement for the Record" on the debanking of adult industry members read to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Clips4Sale Releases '2025 US Fetish Map'

Clips4Sale (C4S) has released its 2025 Fetish Map of the United States, showing the most searched-for fetish in each U.S. state.

Star Factory PR Relaunches Website

Star Factory PR has relaunched its official website, with several new features.

Solomon Friedman of Ethical Capital Partners Profiled in Canada's National Post

Solomon Friedman of Ethical Capital Partners, the investment group that controls Aylo and its flagship website, Pornhub, is profiled this week in Canada's National Post newspaper.

New Content Platform 'RM11' Launches

The new content platform RM11 has launched.

DripDrop Relaunches Through YourPaysitePartner

DripDrop Productions has relaunched through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Angie Bloom Launches New Paysite

Producer and content creator Angie Bloom has launched a new gangbang-themed membership site, Bloom.Shop, through MyMember.site.

Clips4Sale Offers Extended Traffic for Valentine's Day

Clips4Sale has announced that the company will activate its Extended Traffic Program (ETP) for Valentine's Day.

Show More