What does it mean to "jailbreak" your phone?

Question

Does it only apply to iphones?

Answer 1

it means that you can use other applications/simcards in a phone that doesnt normally allow it. It mainly applies to the Iphone because no other company is that selfish/stupid.

Answer 2

This is when you HACK the phones operating code to add extra applications and features but in doing so you alter its boot code and Void the warranty.

this is not unlocking as that can be done with an unlocking SIM (a thing wafer that sits over your SIM to unlock the phone to work on other networks)

Jail broken phones add Little in terms of what you can do but do stop you adding  apple store applications and games but allow for you to access the file system.

Jail broken phones are also prone to problems ranging from missing files, leaking memory, rebooting or not working at all.

the apple store applications available on the 2.0 software add so many features that its not worth jail breaking it for.

if you want to unlock it to work on another network do NOT jailbreak but get one of the unlocking Sim devices. Apple has exclusve network deals with only one network per country getting it to ensure it controls the support you get - if you want to use it on another network it needs the unlock SIM or jailbroken if you are foolhardy!

This also applies to iPod Touches although they have no phone features so the SIM references do not apply.