dropped a jailbreak detection API from the latest iOS 4.2 update. This feature was previously introduced about six months ago but has already been removed. It is somewhat puzzling that Apple would choose to remove this feature from the iOS so soon after introducing it to the platform. Apple and the jailbreak community have been playing a game of cat and mouse ever since the App Store was first introduced in 2008.

The jailbreak detection API is part of Apple’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) API that was released back in June with the introduction of iOS 4.0. The detection API works by asking the operating system if it has been compromised in any way. Jailbreaks usually change the operating system files to gain access to the iOS, so that users can install non-approved apps from the unofficial store (Cydia). Apple routinely issues updates to circumvent these exploits requiring jailbreak developers to find new ways of gaining access to the iOS. Currently for most iPhone users, jailbreaking an iOS device is just a way to install unapproved apps, install customizations, and in general have more control over their devices. For enterprise users, where maintaining tight security is typically a top priority, jailbreaking an iPhone can be a real headache for network administrators. Some corporations have created their own ways of checking the integrity of users iPhone by attempting to carry out actions that a non-jailbroken iPhone would not be able to perform. If the iPhone is able to operate unauthorized actions, the iPhone in question will have its access to the corporate network disabled.

The fact that Apple has dropped jailbreak detection should be a good thing for many people that are a part of the jailbreak community. It appears that jailbreak developers have become so good at countering any security measures that Apple can come up with, that there is no solution for maintaining a closed operating system. This can only be good news for the community unless of course Apple has something new up their arsenal which has not yet been discovered. Lets hope not as I am sure we would not like to lose our favorite jailbreak apps. What do you think of the whole ordeal? Drop us a comment below!

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[Source: NetworkWorld]

Authors: _GadgetNews

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