Cydia has this week announced that their Cydia apps have now passed 14 million monthly users using iOS 6.x devices, and has now more than 23 million overall users.
For those new to Cydia apps, it’s a software application for jailbroken iOS devices that enables users to find and install software packages that will run on an Apple iOS device which has been jailbroken. It is the most popular alternative marketplace for Apple jailbroken devices, offering a wide range of apps, tweaks, and themes that are not available on the official Apple App Store.
The Popularity of Jailbreaking
The news follows on from that released earlier last month that revealed Evasi0n, the jailbreaking software that allows iOS devices to load and access the Cydia apps software, had also been used to jailbreak 7 million iOS devices since its launch. Jailbreaking has become increasingly popular among iOS users who seek more control over their devices. By jailbreaking, users can bypass Apple’s restrictions and customize their devices to a greater extent. This includes installing apps that Apple has not approved, changing the look and feel of the user interface, and adding new functionalities that are not available on stock iOS.
According to Cydia apps developer Jay Freeman, the latest iOS 6.1 Evasi0n jailbreak has passed 7 million iOS devices in just the first four days after release, making Evasi0n the most popular iOS jailbreak. This rapid adoption rate highlights the strong demand for jailbreaking solutions and the appeal of the additional features and customization options that Cydia offers.
Benefits and Risks of Using Cydia
Using Cydia provides numerous benefits for iOS users. One of the primary advantages is the ability to install apps and tweaks that are not available on the official App Store. For example, users can download themes to change the appearance of their device, add new functionalities such as screen recording, and even improve system performance with various tweaks. Additionally, Cydia offers a platform for developers to distribute their apps without the stringent approval process required by Apple, fostering innovation and creativity.
However, jailbreaking and using Cydia also come with risks. Jailbreaking an iOS device can void the warranty and may lead to security vulnerabilities. Since jailbroken devices bypass Apple’s security measures, they can be more susceptible to malware and other security threats. Users must be cautious when downloading and installing packages from Cydia, ensuring they only use trusted sources to minimize these risks.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the large user base of Cydia indicates that many iOS users find the benefits outweigh the risks. The ability to customize and enhance their devices in ways that are not possible with stock iOS is a significant draw for many.
In conclusion, Cydia’s milestone of 14 million monthly users on iOS 6.x devices and over 23 million overall users underscores the enduring popularity of jailbreaking and the demand for alternative app marketplaces. With the continued development of jailbreaking tools like Evasi0n, it is likely that Cydia will maintain its position as the leading platform for jailbroken iOS devices.
Source: TNW
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