Why Jailbreaking Happens
Monday, March 29th, 2010
Why do people jailbreak their Apple products? Sarah Perez asked this question at ReadWriteWeb and has concluded that people want better applications for their Apple products. Since the new iPad either addresses or nullifies many of the complaints posed by consumers, Perez then argues that there are far fewer (legitimate) reasons to jailbreak the iPad. As the argument goes, if you want some aspect of your iPad experience improved then talk to Apple, they will take care of your desires.
Perez’s argument is about the end product, the features and quality of the computer platform that I will hold in my hands. What is missing, however, is a consideration for the process. How will that end product get made? Who will make it? What role will I, as a consumer, have in the production process? While analysis continues to revolve around the quality and features of the software on the iPad, the issue that really motivates jailbreaking is the desire to change the process that leads to software on the iPad. Autonomy is the real motivation. Consumers remember having the power to define their computing platform and there are many who are not ready to cede that power to some licensors in Cupertino.