Apple iOS 4.3.1 untethered jailbreak released for iPhone and iPad

Apple's latest iOS 4.3.1 software update has been hacked by the infamous iPhone Dev Team to let people jailbreak their iPhone, iPod Touch and first-generation iPad.

The 'untethered' iOS 4.3.1 hack allows users to turn their devices on and off without having to jail-break it everytime this is done.

However, the PwnageTool 4.3 for Mac and redsn0w 0.9.6 RC9 software for Windows do not support the iPad 2 at present because Apple has upped its security on the tablet.

Carrier unlock for iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 devices also remains unsupported at this time, and users have been told to wait a few weeks or risk turning their smartphones into an iPod Touch. However, hackers are confident of resolving these issues in the coming weeks.

The iPhone 4 was first jailbroken in August 2010, allowing owners to bypass the official Apple App Store and install third-party software.

This offers a way for apps that have failed Apple's strict guidelines to be distributed. Users can typically access the apps through a dedicated platform such as Cydia.

The US Copyright Office has also approved the jailbreaking practice, meaning that Apple has been unable to legally force customers to stay within its closed environment.

The latest untethered exploit for iOS 4.3.1 was found by iPhone security researcher Stefan Esser, who is also known as @i0n1c.

Apple's is not the only platform that has been jailbroken. A hacker by the name of Jaxbot has released an unofficial hack for Windows Phone 7 that allows a form of multi-tasking.

However, jailbreaking brings its own risks. Handset owners may brick their devices and expose them to rogue applications. The manufacturer's warranty will also become void.

"If you jailbreak your phone you almost deserve all you will get," said Symantec distinguished engineer Sian John. "It will take away any protections the vendor has put in place."