Unlocked iPhones may become inoperable, according to an Apple warning that comes in response to the growing number of third-party hacks for its high-profile handset. UPDATE: Apple iPhone unlock hackers vow to fight Apple's policy of killing hacked iPhones.
"Apple has discovered that many of the unauthorised iPhone unlocking programs available on the internet cause irreparable damage to the iPhone's software, which will likely result in the modified iPhone becoming permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed," Apple said.
Unlocking the iPhone is a process that hackers have developed to allow the device to work with SIM cards from carriers other than AT&T Wireless, Apple's preferred carrier in the US. The applications and instructions developed by hackers over the past couple of months are freely available on the internet, but users may wish they waited.
The first hint that Apple would take a more aggressive stance towards unlocking hacks came last week during the company's London press event to announce the UK release ship date for the iPhone. Asked what Apple was doing to stop people from unlocking their phones, CEO Steve Jobs called it "a cat and mouse game".
"I'm not sure if we are the cat or the mouse. People will try to break in, and it's our job to stop them breaking in," he added.
Apple made it very clear that it would not be responsible for any damage caused by the installation of third-party unlocking software.
"Users who make unauthorised modifications to the software on their iPhone violate their iPhone software licence agreement and void their warranty," Apple said. "The permanent inability to use an iPhone due to installing unlocking software is not covered under the iPhone's warranty."
In the UK, analysts have warned that iPhone owners who attempt to unlock the handset and use it with operators other than O2 may face huge monthly bills.
"At the moment, as a consumer, you need to be very careful about unlocking the iPhone, and know how you want to use it," said Gartner's Carolina Milanesi. "If you unlock it, you are not going to have a flat rate, and you will not have access to the 7,500 hotpots."
See also:
How to unlock an Apple iPhone for free
O2's UK iPhone sacrifices revealed
Top 25 requests for the UK Apple iPhone
Apple iPhone: the definitive review
The 10 most ridiculous iPhone stories so far
Apple working on iPhone version 2
Comments
Obvious said: Dont you realize that by warning hackers basically telling them to relock ahead of time Apple is subtly supporting unlocked phones Relock update and get back to hacking Since when do hackers not appreciate a challenge
Too bad said: AAPL investors seem to like this
Steven said: sorry for the double post
Steven said: wwwcopyrightgovfedreg2006check out page 5 and the class 5 exemption to copyright of computer program in use in wireless devices in my admitant ignorant view it seems to me that Apple cant prevent a user from using their unlocked phone though controls via firmwaresoftware updates
Steven said: wwwcopyrightgovfedreg2006check out page 5 and the class 5 exemption to copyright of computer program in use in wireless devices in my admitant ignorant view it seems to me that Apple cant prevent a user from using their unlocked phone though controls via firmwaresoftware updates
Lyman hall said: This is not a rental or lease agreement The property was boughtThe phone maybe The software on the phone is probably only licensed for use
Wesley said: If you unlock it you are not going to have a flat rate for accessing the internet
Lyman hall said: So And how exactly will this hacked iPhone rack up HUGE bills more than any other cellphone Seems like malarkey to me If one purchases an iPhone and desires to use another carrier then it is their property to do with as they wish Apple or O2 should have no say This is not a rental or lease agreement The property was bought