First of all, what is the difference between a jailbreak iPhone and an unlocked iPhone? They are two very different things. Though you do have to jailbreak the iPhone in order to unlock it.

To jailbreak an iPhone means that you've altered it to allow 3rd party downloads. There are many great apps out there that Apple won't allow in their Apps store for some reason or another. They don't want iPhone users to be able to download these Apps. But if you jailbreak your iPhone, you can download them.

You might be wondering why the thousands of apps available in the official Apple store wouldn't be enough for an iPhone user. For most users, the app store offers plenty. But for people who really get into using their iPhones, there are many applications that let you do things like use your iPhone as a video camera, change the entire look and feel of your iPhone, and let you really use it exactly how you want.

For technical types, to jailbreak iPhone cell phones means that they gain complete control over the interface and what their iPhones can do.

What about Unlocking iPhones?

Jailbreaking your iPhone is also the first step to unlocking it. You jailbreak the phone to allow a 3rd party application to be downloaded to run on the platform. That application is an unlock application. This alters your iPhone, also called unlocking it, so that you can use it with any cell phone carrier that uses a SIM card.

That means that you could cancel your contract, or simply switch users if you've already fulfilled your contract, and use that phone with another SIM-card carrier. You wouldn't have to buy a new phone with the new contract, but could use your old one instead. This gives you the freedom to choose your cell carrier without being held hostage by your expensive phone. You can get better rates or a package that one carrier offers that's just right for you, without worrying about incompatibility.

How to Jailbreak iPhone Cell Phones

Whether you want to unlock your phone to switch carriers, or you just want to jailbreak it so you can download some cool 3rd party apps, ringtones, wallpapers or screen savers, you'll have to decide how much risk you're willing to take.

Going the free route is the riskier route, unless you're absolutely positive about the source of the software. This is the best route for technical people who are familiar with the iPhone development platform, or who are reasonably comfortable with apps and that whole process. There are free, open source programs online that will jailbreak and even unlock your iPhone.

The other option is the safer route. Find an unlocking company online that offers its software for a fee, usually from $20 to $50 dollars. That way you'll be sure you're getting the most updated software so that you can always make sure your phone stays unlocked, and you'll get technical support if you have difficulties.