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Apple is locked in a situation against its own practice. There is nothing that would stop anyone from unlocking the iPhone and there will be ways to go back to the original state of the iPhone. Unlock, use, and enjoy.

You mean to tell me that if I upgrade my iPhone's processor to a G5 to keep my hands toasty warm the warranty will be voided?

Bastards!!!

BUT . . . don't come crying to the company when something gets broken permanently. That's only right and fair.

If you don't want to get locked into a serice contract, don't buy an iPhone.

Get the iPod Touch, and a regular cell phone with another carrier.

Problem solved.

Sounds like Apple is just trying to cover their bases. Can you imagine the outcry from the vocal minority if Apple didn't warn anyone and their next update just bricked a bunch of phones? Unfortunatley it sounds like doing a Restore will not get your phone back to factory conditions. Whatever it is that these unlocking programs do seems to go a bit further down into the system.

MDN, it's not as easy as that for those who unlocked their iPhones. They will need to reflash the modem chip and then do the full restore to have a completely "virgin" iPhone.

I will not buy an iPhone until the AT&T;lock in becomes history and the iPhone is open. Unless that happens, I will never buy one.

What I really resent is that I cannot even use Skype over a WiFi connection without greasing AT&T;'s greedy palms.

I find it amusing how everyone flames Apple for not supporting or allowing hacks on their device. The product is sold as is and supported by Apple as long as it is used as Apple intended. The iPhone has been out for almost 3 months in that time we discovered what we love about it and where the iPhone is lacking.

The problem is that most people want version 2, 3 or 4 now and are upset that the iPhone is not up to "their" standards. If you have all these great ideas apply for a job with Apple and make it happen!

I am sure there will be no stop to the crying about the iPhones lack of 3G, GPRS, TiVo, and the lack of the ability to run full Adobe Applications like Photoshop (You laugh but some guy in the Apple store actually bitched about not being able to run Photoshop on the iPhone) he said it was false advertisement to say the iPhone ran Tiger and can't run Photoshop) I just laughed but he was dead serious!

So go ahead and mod your iPhone and try not to cry to hard if they get iBricked... or become iPaperweight

Love my new iPhone and have had good service from A,T&T;.

Now if someone would just make some earbuds that sound great AND have the built in switch....

If youre crazy enough to try unlocking your iphone then its your own fault!

Dont come crying to Apple when your iphone is fscked.

And no, this isnt Apple playing hardball, its standard business from manufacturers whenever you buy any consumer product from a toaster to a car.

Invalidate your warranty at YOUR OWN RISK!

Reply to Beryllium's comment:

"What I really resent is that I cannot even use Skype over a WiFi connection without greasing AT&T;'s greedy palms."

This is exactly what I am talking about! Why would you think AT&T;or Apple who gets revenue from usage allow Skype on the iPhone? It's a mobile phone that would completely defeat the purpose of having a mobile phone to allow Skype or another telephone service on the iPhone.

It's silly to think that either company would allow that.

I took a moment and read several of Max Breen's articles. THe guy came across as a Butt head, IMHO.

"Apple should do things my way, or they are stupid. "
"Apple's terrible price drop fieasco."
Etc

en

I'm concerned that if you don't have an AT&T;SIM card in them, you won't get support, and they might put a black mark on your account-- mark it as unwarranted -- at least until they see an AT&T;SIM card.

I am sure that Apple and at&t;agreed on stop gaps to keep their five year contract in effect. Which explains the treat of 'iBricking" the iphone if it has been hacked by software or hardware.

I don't understand why people think if they damage their iPhone or replace the software with hacks that Apple will still warranty it? Also trying to put on competitive products like Skype on the device. Thats like borrowing your neigbhors cable hook up instead of paying your own way, aka theft.

Glossy screens

Cheap LCD\'s

Pay it again for iPod games

Pay it again for ringtones for music you already own

Apple crashing the iPhone unlock party

iTunes \"calling home\" whenever Frontrow is activated

New iMac has less graphic performance that previous version

Slowly sliding EFI snitching DRM & Trusted Computing under our noses.

Insecure operating system that had more bug fixes than Windows last year.

Insecure iPhone, Safari and Quicktime.

INTEL PROCESSORS!!! BOOT CAMP!!!

Welcome to the \"Evil Empire\" dear Apple

I'm with TowerTone.

I know for a fact that they will put a mark in your account if your have hacked your iPhone or have another carriers sim card in your iPhone if you take it to the Apple Store.

The guy infront of me at the Genuis bar had a phone that would not restart and he had it all hacked up he even said so, the tech was able to get it restored and told him that he has noted the guys account. He did say that Apple has not takend a stance yet on what to do in such situations but the account was noted.

So I guess that was a scare tactic but once they log into your acount they can easily mark your account and the next time your come in your SOL!

My advice if your 'have to hack your iPhone" restore it first if at all possible. I you also may want to download the earlier version of itunes if you have to go back to 1.0.2. Once you update your itunes your stuck with the new version unless you can re-install in older version thats compatible with the iPhone.

Hacks have never been authorized by any business, Apple, HP, Dell, IBM, whoever. The iPhone was locked for a reason and nobody twisted your arm to buy one if you didn't like the carrier AT&T;. Apple is defending its product for the future to make it better with future software updates. People who have hacked there phones knew the full risk when they did that and now if the next update bricks there phone. Well that is just to bad now isn't it. It's like modding your cars engine to get 800 HP out of a 4 cylinder. If it blows up do you thing the manufacturer is going to cover it under warranty? Get real people!

Apple should have no interest in stopping the hacks, because they sell more phones not stopping the hacks. Sounds to me they are getting flack from AT&T;for not having said anything to the hackers up until this point.

Tower Tone: me three! My experience with AT&T;has been stellar, and my phone is still awesome. I still have people that say, "Ooo! iPhone!" and I have to give them the tour.

If someone unlocked/cracked/modded their iPhone, and a software update bricks it, they'd have to be pretty danged ignorant to fault Apple. Why this would be a surprise to anyone is beyond me. Of course, it is within your rights as a consumer to do what you want with that piece of hardware, just don't expect Apple to fix it when you break it.

MW: Unlock your iPhone only with the FULL knowledge that its warranty is voided.

I'm with TT.. #4 I guess.

I was wary of ATT because of a previous bad round of service.

This time around they have been great. Great service, no dropped calls where Verizon was, it's been a snap.

To Beans:

Apple needs to stop the hacks. Look at George's comment above: some guy hacked up his iPhone and took up time at the Genius bar because his hacked iPhone wouldn't start. So if Apple allows (or encourages) hacks, how many warranty claims would Apple be facing? Now how much bad press would Apple be getting from these same people who get angry because the iPhone they hacked won't start, or the touch screen no longer responds, or they can't watch HD movies on it, etc.

Apple stated from the start that the iPhone wouldn't even allow third party apps because Apple was concerned about the effect third party software would have on the iPhone's OS. Well, now we have hackers getting into the system's core, mucking things up, and crying foul because Apple won't warranty their crappy work.

M@c and Beryllium said it well: if the iPhone doesn't do what you want it to do without a hack, then buy an iPod touch and a separate mobile phone with your carrier of choice. Then you don't have to bitch about the iPhone's calling plans, either.

Exactly why is the majority not at all upset by this? Now, physically modifying your iPhone and breaking the warranty is perfectly acceptable. I wouldn't expect ANY manufacturer to support a product that has been physically modified in any appreciable way. But modifying software, and then not being able to just reset it back? Is Apple doing something to block any attempts to reset an iPhone back to "stock" software? If they are, that doesn't sit well with me. Hell, even the hated DMCA has an exception for hacking phones to work on other networks than what the phone was originally on.

I sure hope this is just Apple making threats- I would be very disappointed if they actually go out of their way to block attempts by customers to reset their iPhones back to a factory stock software condition.

I can hack the software on a Mac to my heart's content, and if something doesn't work, I sure don't expect Apple to help me resolve it. But I also don't expect them to block me from wiping the drive and reinstalling the original OS.

Hey, my basketball team has decided to use a football instead of a basketball...makes life interesting...especially dribbling.
Alter your iPhone and the contract...pay the price. Even with AT&T;, the iPhone is still the best thing out there.

God, this guy can't even WRITE properly.

"It's not a surprise the fact that Apple decided to set things straight . . . "

WRONG! How about:

"The fact that Apple decided to set things straight is not a surprise . . . "

And this one:

"I have never doubted about the fact that Apple would eventually . . . "

WRONG!!! Try:

"I have never doubted that Apple would eventually . . . "

Behold Max Breen: Another example of our failed public education system.

So, I guess the early adopters are screwed with this one.

Just my $0.02

I am sure the vast majority of people unlocking their iPhone, do not have access to ATT, (I am in Mexico).

I choose to unlock and use a TelCell simm at my own risk. I love it as it is, when they do an update, I will not install it, untill I read that you can, or pay another 39 pounds to have it unlocked again.

If Apple does turn it into an iBrick, I have no one to complain to, and will buy another as soon as there is another unlock hack.

@Max Breen Can't Construct Sentences
please do not correct my english, as it is not my native one

"Sounds like Apple is just trying to cover their bases. Can you imagine the outcry from the vocal minority if Apple didn't warn anyone and their next update just bricked a bunch of phones?"

Actually, it sounds like Apple is trying to cover their a**es to escape the vocal trial lawyers that will quickly file a class action suit claiming damages for the bricked phones.

How about leaving your iPhone alone and using it as intended?

Simple explination for all of this.

People are confusing software with firmware. Firmware being that which is flashed into devices, not executed by the CPU itsef.

The software updates require a known condition of firmware in order to load and link, not unlike the BIOS on a PC.

The Hacks apparently modify the firmware so at this point I think Apple is justified in no longer supporting the device once it has been hacked.

I suggest that you research your purchase of this phone beforehand as the terms are quite clear. Don't bitch at Apple when you break your phone.

Never doubt that a reputable company will renege on it's contracts. Never doubt that a successful company hasn't though out it's revenue stream.
Never doubt that someone will attempt to get something for nothing and complain when they break their new toy.

Would all the people who are saying "Don't hack your phone" be interested in helping pay the AT&T;international roaming bills for those people who would really prefer to use a local (read: cheap) SIM?

No, didn't think so.

So shut the $#@! up and let 'em mod away.

Btw, I'm sick of seeing people apologising for Apple and blaming AT&T;... it's BOTH of them you dickheads. Apple gets a cut for every month you're on AT&T;. Duh, you don't think they're going to protect that? Golly some people are so thick.

Furthermore, while I am not sure which way to go regarding hackers, I think there needs to be pressure applied to Apple to allow us iPhone owners to unlock the phones once our contracts are up in 2 years.

It's ridiculous having this great new device which can work all over the world, but be hamstrung by ridiculous $/minute charges when travelling, leading one to use a 2nd (unlocked) phone from a different manufacturer.

I guess in this case, Apple and AT&T;have your money so what do they care??? A$$holes.

What did everybody do before June 29, 2007 for cell phone service? I was totally unsatisfied with cell phone service form ANY provider and manufacturer but AT&T;(cingular) worked for me (3G was spotty) and I paid my bill, always hoping for something better.

Maybe you have crappy service in your area thru AT&T;( a big reason for unlocking the iPhone) but if Apple had chosen Verison as service provder I would not be using an iPhone and I wouldn't be here bitching about it

Everyone here who bought an iPhone knew exactly what they were getting into, locked or unlocked. We waited from January to June and researched the crap out of it and stood in line to buy it, ok not all of us stood in line but all of us put down our hard earned cash.

Why did you buy the iPhone? Jutt so you could complain about, you knew what you were getting into. You knew Apple and AT&T;wouldn't unlock it like EVERY OTHER phone out there. You hoped that you could install applications, not use them on the internet.

I on the other hand LOVE my iPhone and tell eveyone who asks. It's exactly what I wanted in a phone and it will continue to get better.

For those of you unhappy for what ever reason I'm sorry but Apple can't be all things to all people, I guess I just got real lucky.

To TowerTone:

You might want to look at these:

http://www.v-moda.com/collection/modaphones/vibe duo.aspx

But... But....

Thanks Babakool, but the review that I read of those stated the same as the Shure set that I bought. Neither has the ability to stop/skip a song or answer the phone as the Apple buds do via the button on the cable.

As soon as they offer this feature, I'll get me a pair!

MW:reason...hah!

I'm waiting for the class-action lawsuit against Apple since Congress last year stated in law that unlocking phones is not illegal. In fact, its completely illegal in Europe so I don't know how Apple can get away with it over there.

Thanks, but I'll wait for the gPhone and the open network that Google will create when they buy the 700mhz spectrum next year.

my iphone feels snappier since i unlocked it!

@Max Breen Can't Construct Sentences

"Max Breen Can't Construct Sentences"
WRONG! How about:
"Max Brenn Can't Construct Sentences"

"Behold Max Breen: Another example of our failed public education system."
WRONG!!! Try:
"Behold Max Brenn: Another example of our failed public education system."

His last name is Brenn, not Breen. Another example of our failed public education system? Hint: use CopyPaste if typing proper names correctly are a problem to you.

Lesson: People are not perfect.

Ahhh... I see!

More to the switch than just a mic. Don't have an iPhone yet. Seems like someone will eventually do what you want TT.


MW= some as in someday!

As a developer I can think of lots of ways in which a "hack" would interact with an update and make the phone unusable. Without Apple deliberately targeting the hack.

The thing I know but most users don't is that software is inherently brittle. One setting, one variable, on instruction wrong -- can easily mean total failure. And if that failure affects startup or connecting to the host computer--brickdom... not even resettable/restorable.

And Apple has no control over what's actually been done to your phone.

As much as apple gets pummeled for EVERYTHING it does nowadays, I give them credit for the warning in advance of the software update. They didn't have to. They've never claimed anything but that AT&T;was required (even for the non-phone functions), and anyone applying anything called a "hack" to any device ought to understand they are risking brickdom and their only recourse is to the people supplying the "hack".

AT&T;is the reason I don't have an iphone. And, you know, I really am surviving without one. Without whining.

And, my fsking gawd, someone suggested a lawsuit? You are DAMAGED because a product works exactly as clearly specified.

Being legal to unlock your phone just means that YOU haven't committed a crime by doing so. An act being legal does not make it consequence free. Hey... I broke no laws, why do I have to pay child support? Who can I sue for that?

I think I will sue Apple for creating a class of whiners.... why did Apple sell products to such annoying people?

You hack, you're on your own. Doh! There are 1000s of phones to choose from...

I can understand it if Apple lock you into a contract period with one provider which is right and fair as it's something you already know you HAVE to accept if you want this amazing phone. But what about when that contract expires? Will they allow you to unlock it then and move to another provider if you get a better deal?

If not then that's pretty poor.

For example, a family who all have phones on the same network to get cheap calls with other people on that network (including each other) decide they want to change networks next time round because they get a better budget. If daddies posh iPhone can't also be transferred after his contract is up then he is also going to have to carry round some crappy cheap phone on this new choice of network, just so the family can call daddy.

I hope Apple thought of this. It's my situation and I am sure it's the same for many other families.

Fortunately I am already on O2 and we like it a lot so lets hope Apple has made one of two decisions:

1) Making sure their chosen networks have and continue to have the best deals for families mixed among pay as you go and monthly contracts

2) Allowing unconditionally the unlocking of the iPhone for other networks after the phone's contract has expired based on it's electronic start date if it has one.

Also it would be nice to know if they will allow you to switch to their chosen network's pay as you go billing once your contract is over.

Anyone actually know the answer to this?

"Sounds like Apple is just trying to cover their bases. "

No, Apple is threatening it's customers in an attempt to get them to not unlock iPhones.

What are Apple's chances of doing the deals they want worldwide if everybody has already brought and unlocked a US phone?

What's a carrier going to say?

So Mr Jobs, since I'm giving you all this money, how are you going to ensure people don't just unlock phones and use them on my competitors network?

Answer from Steve: We'll make sure every update kills unlocked phones. We dont have that today, but I'll get the PR people to put out a press release to try to scare people out of unlocking for now.


"they'd have to be pretty danged ignorant to fault Apple."

Not if Apple intentionally had the update kill the phone.

Simple: if you don't like it, don't buy it.