Jailbreak for iOS 6.1, iPhone 5 Arrives

Let me say this first: I don’t personally find jailbreaking to be a very good idea. A voided warranty, the possibility of using some potentially malicious, unauthorized app — it’s just not worth the headache. But all the same, I can appreciate why some iOS users may find the concept alluring. Today, a group of hackers have finally succeeded in releasing jailbreak software compatible with iPhone 5, iPad mini, and iOS 6.1.

Evasi0n

Evasi0n is now downloadable for Windows, Mac, and Linux. According to the site, the process should only take about five minutes. As the process is now untethered, you also won’t have to reconnect the device to your computer to get it up and running again.

While Evasi0n is touted as the first software capable of jailbreaking the iPad mini, you might want to keep the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DCMA) soundly in mind. The Library of Congress recently made unlocking devices illegal, and at the same time, outlawed the jailbreaking of tablets (including that iPad mini).

Jailbreaking smartphones is still perfectly legal, though. But as Apple has stated time and time again, the company doesn’t recommend the process. Not only will you void your warranty, but Cupertino claims jailbreaking can lead to battery-life issues, security breaches, and a whole host of other things intended to keep you on the Apple-straight-and-narrow.

Obviously, if you jailbreak your iPhone 5 and it turns into a four-headed monster and eats your village, don’t say I didn’t warn you.