The introduction of the iOS 4.2 software update by Apple has reportedly removed its jailbreak detection API that was rolled out around six months back as part of a mobile device management bundle for iOS 4.0.

The jailbreak detection API used to allow users to detect if or not an iOS device had been jailbroken to permit installation of unauthorized third-party applications. Before the removal of the API, enterprise-level IT teams could use it to ask iOS whether or not it had been compromised.

To prevent apps piracy and unlocking subsidized phones and tablets were other motives behind the launch of the API.

The reason why Apple removed its jailbreak detection API is still unclear, but some experts are of the view that Apple disabled the API following the government’s decision to legalize jailbreaks.

Commenting on the topic, Sybase VP of engineering Joe Owen said, "I'm not sure what motivated their removing that.... I've not had anyone [at enterprise customer sites] talk to me about this API being present or being removed."

In the US, AT&T has exclusive rights to sell the iPhone, but Verizon is expected to carry the phone soon. Users always try to jailbreak in order to use their locked iPhones on other carriers.