Need a repair?…The difference between jailbreaking and rooting.

Remember when we told you about Sprint’s Official Policy regarding rooted Android devices? Well, this next installment will give you one more reason as to why you made correct choice over iOS.

Android has its issues with certain manufacturers or carriers locking bootloaders, but there’s still freedom to root these devices, opening the door to major customizations. Now imagine that you were stuck with what you were given and not only that, there were only a handful of devices to choose from, one of which is “new” as in being released within the last year, and there was only one manufacturer. That’s exactly what users of iOS devices are faced.

Jailbreaking is the only way to somewhat overcome Apple’s software lockdown by installing a custom kernel. It allows you to bypass Apple’s locked-down App Store, similar to sideloading apps in Android. It also allows customization of the interface, but not the changing of the ROM itself. Jailbreaking is a way of breaking the Apple mold, but its power is limited.

Well… Apple is not too pleased with folks bypassing their software and have determined that jailbreaking an iOS device is an “unauthorized modification”. ACS has obtained the Sprint official policy document, very similar t0 their previous policy doc regarding rooted Android devices, updated to include jailbroken iOS devices. The policy pertaining to root remains the same (rooted devices should not be treated any differently than stock ones), but jailbroken devices are very different. (Please note we modified the doc to fit on one page, so the bottom portion looks slightly skewed.)

If you have a jailbroken iPhone and bring it to a Sprint store good luck. Since jailbreaking is considered an “unauthorized modification”, if a repair cannot be done using normal procedures it must be flagged as “not repairable” and will not be eligible for exchange! Also, you cannot get TEP insurance with an iPhone, so you’re stuck with Apple Care. Per Apple Care’s terms section 4.1, devices are not covered under “(b) accident,  abuse, misuse, liquid contact, fire, earthquake or other external causes, [or]  (c) operating the Covered Equipment outside the permitted or intended uses described by the manufacturer”. So not only are you stuck with your iPhone if it’s damaged in ways that would normally be covered under a TEP plan, you’re also stuck with it if you jailbreak it and need a repair that would otherwise be covered under an Apple Care plan.

Damn Apple, you really don’t want people messing with your devices. You also are a hardass when it comes to getting any type of repair. I am really glad I have Android devices for many reasons, but this really just demonstrates one more reason how Android has one up on Apple. Now I can’t speak for other carriers other than Sprint, but I do know that many of my Android brethren, all of whom are on various carriers, have had repairs done or gotten replacements despite being rooted. Regardless of the carrier though, I do know that Apple deems a jailbreak as an “unauthorized modification” universally and any insurance claims fall under the terms of Apple Care.

Get the Official Sprint Jailbreaking/Rooting Policy >>>HERE<<<.

Learn all about Apple Care’s terms >>>HERE<<<.

Learn all about Sprint TEP insurance and repairs >>>HERE<<<.

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In Android Creative Syndicate’s efforts to provide you, the reader with full and correct information in a timely manner, there is always a possibility of admitting a mistake. If you see anything wrong or incomplete please let ACS know immediately.

Thank you, in advance for your cooperation and understanding.