An Apple patent application, filed earlier this year but posted online last Thursday could put an end to jailbreaking iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads, reports claim.
Jailbreaking, which allows Apple users to run third-party unsigned code on their devices by unlocking the operating system, was recently found not to violate copyright laws defined by the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
According to tech news site CNET, Apple's patent "Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorized Users of an Electronic Device," includes a remote "kill switch" that could quickly restore an iPhone, iPod or iPad to its factory settings.
Along with the potential to restore factory settings, Apple also intends to send warnings to owners via email or text message when such activity as "hacking, jailbreaking, unlocking, or removal of a SIM card." is detected, CNET adds.
This story, "Apple Patent Could End iPhone Jailbreaking" was originally published by Macworld U.K..