Cupertino (CA) – Apple today released for the first time an official statement addressing iPhone unlocking software.

The company said in a press release that it has discovered that "many of the unauthorized iPhone unlocking programs available on the Internet cause irreparable damage to the iPhone's software. In fact, the damage may be so serious that "the modified phone" could become "permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed."

Several iPhone unlocking products - free and fee-based - are available on the Internet today. Our experience here, which we do not consider as representative, did not reveal a an unlocking strategy that worked completely without hiccups. Our modified iPhone, after the unlocking procedure equipped with a ringtone maker and application installation interface, quit its service a few days ago.

Eventually, we were able to restore the iPhone to its original state through the iTunes restore option and pass by the AT&T activation by syncing the phone. However, anyone who is trying to unlock an iPhone is typically limited to certain versions of the iTunes firmware; most unlocking manuals we came across also warn iPhone users that an upgrade of the iPhone software may lock the phone again and cause irreparable damage to the devices software.  

In its press release today, Apple stated that iPhone software updates could render a modified phone useless. The company wrote that it "strongly discourages users from installing unauthorized unlocking programs."

While the company cannot stop iPhone owners from trying out whether they can unlock their iPhone, the company warned "users who make unauthorized modifications to the software on their iPhone" will "violate their iPhone software license agreement and void their warranty." The statement continued: "The permanent inability to use an iPhone due to installing unlocking software is not covered under the iPhone's warranty."

My GOD

Sep 24, 2007 19:32     

Apples tells users that unauthourized/non warrented use of their product may result in unpredictable and possibly catastrophic failure of the device... If you think this is news, I've gat a strip of prime beachside land in Vegas I'd like to sell to you because I like you!!!
ikkeman report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Interesting Wording

Sep 24, 2007 19:55     

The company wrote that it "strongly discourages users from installing unauthorized unlocking programs." What, is there an authorized unlocking utility? Hmmm. [To my knowledge, no :-) -Wolfgang]
Luke report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

What a flop

Sep 24, 2007 20:12     

Sorry but apples iphone has only managed to serve those who are blissfully sleep to the slaughter. They overcharged, locked it, now are chasing thier tail trying to salvage it. Whoever writes this hyped up crap symbolizing this....phone, must be in apples pocket. There are plenty of alternatives, far cheaper, superior, reliable and unlocked for the consumer to choose. So far only the idiots have taken the bait! hard luck is all i can say

Mot Eroh report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

LOL!!! Spin it Steve Spin it!!!

Sep 24, 2007 20:13     

Talk about a load of c.r.a.p. This one takes the cake. Apple must be shaking in their shoes since sales of the iPhone have dropped like a rock! People are learning that the iPhone is really NOT that great after all.
Narg report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Give it break will you?

Sep 24, 2007 20:15     

I'm using ur apple LCD, ur Macbook, ur Airport Xtreme, ur Ipod Vid, ur Ipod Nano...and the best thing u know wat? I will use unlock ur Iphone and u know y? I like your product, it doesnt mean i got to be with some stupid service providers that u like to share the layer cake with. God bless the darkside of the community!
anlt report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

a wristslap?

Sep 24, 2007 20:42     

is it? just a disclaimer i guess?
t report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Wake up

Sep 24, 2007 21:03     

If you needed a reason NOT to buy this silly phone; Jobs just gave it to you. Apple users have sipped way too much Koolaid
joe palmer report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Hacker

Sep 24, 2007 21:07     

Where are Steve's roots. Funny how things change over time.
Dale DeWitt report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

You better believe it.

Sep 24, 2007 21:14     

Apple is a very closed company. Always has been. They have never liked people messing with their hardware/software. If you don't think Apple will take down your unlocked phone think again, they will.
Action Jackson report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

how the tables have turned

Sep 24, 2007 21:18     

Isn't it interesting that the old adage of what goes around come around still holds true. Apple has been violating software license agreements since the introduction of Mac OS back in the '80's. They did it to Linux, they did it to RSS feeds, They did it to the MP3 player. And now, the humble user is doing it to them. you will forgive me if i sit here and smile at their misfortune. :):):):)
Harison report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Is that a threat?

Sep 24, 2007 21:33     

I don't know about you, but "permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed." sounds a lot like a threat. Like as in "hack your iPhone and we'll make a software update and it'll f*** it up."
David report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Please make more apple products this popular

Sep 24, 2007 22:06     

I can't wait until Apple products become more popular and start catching the attention of virus writers and hackers. Look what happens when Apple releases something that is widely accepted... it is hacked to hell beyond Apple's control. Please happen with Tiger, please please be popular enough to gain some market share.
Chase report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

READ THIS

Sep 24, 2007 22:12     

I have an unlocked iphone. There will always be a way to counter an iphone firmware update. I pay 39.99 for 600 minutes and 5.99 for email and internet. Now that is a deal. I also modified my xbox which turned out to be one of the greatest things I could ever have done. Adding features to existing electronic devices that they didn't already have is amazing.
ryan report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

You said it Dale

Sep 24, 2007 22:48     

Way to sum up in nine words, what it would have taken me a page to write in frustration.
EU critic report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Proof of bogus claims ?

Sep 24, 2007 22:56     

"Apple has been violating software license agreements since the introduction of Mac OS back in the '80's. They did it to Linux, they did it to RSS feeds, They did it to the MP3 player." Where's the proof that supports this claim ?
Jake report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

BS

Sep 24, 2007 23:08     

I really am amazed at this. Had MS done such a thing, we would have had loads of people running about agaisnt them and the bull shit anti trust stuff. Apple & everyone whines when MS bundles a Media Player, IE with windows, but they are even worse.
Ashutosh report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

permanent damage?

Sep 24, 2007 23:53     

Seems like fear-mongering to me. How is software damage ever permanent? fear word list:irreparable damage,permanently inoperable,permanent inability... Apple has a reputation as a control-freak. Who knows how much this affects their bottom line? Proprietary design has its merits but they take it all just a bit too far. They should sit down and figure out what asspects of their clinched cheeks actually protects their hardware profits and what what bits just piss people off.

ELt report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

I agree with "Is that a threat?"

Sep 25, 2007 00:06     

"I don't know about you, but "permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed." sounds a lot like a threat. Like as in "hack your iPhone and we'll make a software update and it'll f*** it up." " I have to agree with this person that it sounds like Apple will DELIBERATELY fuckup your Iphone if you dare to unlock it, which is illegal and which they should be slapped with a lawsuit for if it happens.

Christopher report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

RE: Jake

Sep 25, 2007 00:50     

Maybe you should look into Apple's history then. They have been giving users nothing but shit. Sadly for some *weird* reasons, people love their shit, no matter how smelly it is. Good thing is that, theres no shit in my house, nope, no one in my family likes Apple's shit. they smell.
Chick0n report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Apple/AT&T deserves to get screwed

Sep 25, 2007 01:27     

I am in no-way supporting the 200,000 maniacs who paid $600 for it, but if Apple REFUSES to sell unlocked phones, and people can unlock them and need to use them that way, then the hackers deserve every credit they can. People want freedom in life, not manipulation by corporate fat cats.
Luscious report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Re:Ryan

Sep 25, 2007 02:10     

I agree, unlocking devices or adding new features to it through the use of third party software of hardware is not only morally acceptable in my book, but a way to give a slap on the face to the companies who knowingly retard their products just to make them more economically viable(another ex is the PSP).
Tibi report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

why use software mods?

Sep 25, 2007 02:46     

for anyone that is still interested in gettin an iphone and doesnt want to void the warranty try http://www.gomac.co.nz/ well thats for my country but im sure u guys will hav something similar??
halfbakednz report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

re: READ THIS

Sep 25, 2007 03:31     

Modding your Xbox may be a great deal to you, but then again, you copied a bunch of games to your hd illegally. Same with the iPhone. If I was Steve Jobs, I would had done the same thing what Microsoft did to counter people modding their hardware/Xbox's: threaten and issue a hardware update that will brick people's products to make sure they don't mod it in any way that will threaten my business and my business relations (ie AT&T).

Jon report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Blasting Apple the new hype ?

Sep 25, 2007 03:39     

I can't understand all those whining people for something like that. Rule number One : you have the choice NOT to buy the iPhone if it does not suit you. Then, once you bought it, if you don't live by the rules, accept the consequences. Anyone would know that tweaking the insides of ANY devices might break it and that it would void your warranty at once. What a surprise ! So stop blasting Apple (or any other company) on ungrounded facts (?).

Awax report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

human

Sep 25, 2007 06:33     

My god! What a bunch of whining illiterates.
Jayne Elliot report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Where is the Legal iPhone in Canada?

Sep 25, 2007 06:36     

Well.. MAYBE you should do a global unlocked launch.. Or at least be able to sell your iPhone locked to whatever provider we want..
Mike report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

RE: BS

Sep 25, 2007 06:52     

"Had MS done such a thing, we would have had loads of people running about against them..." You have forgotten the XP SP2 roll out? 'Genuine Advantage' tool? This is perfectly within their rights, just as it's within the customer's rights to purchase something else. I think locked phones are a travesty, designed to prevent the customer from having a choice of providers. If all the phone buyers insisted on unlocked phones only, the stranglehold would be broken, but sheeple tend to want their toys at any price.

GrendelPrime report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

treo? better?

Sep 25, 2007 07:34     

i love running 3rd party apps like pdict and google maps on my treo 700p. I am hopping that palm has learned their lesson, and with their new linux phone to be launch later this year or early next year, you will have all of the cooolness of an apple like interface, a slick webbrowser like ff running on your phone, and having the damn flash plug in working toooo. i also think it would be slick to run my phone as a web server every now and then.

jdavid.net report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Ethics

Sep 25, 2007 08:16     

Isn't that infringing upon our right to choose? as a consumer we have a right to choose, apple by updating the firmware on the iphone has restricted that. Its kind of MS getting sued over IE installed with windows.
Eddie report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Who cares?

Sep 25, 2007 08:27     

Is this news? anyone stupid enough to buy one of these things...
iceman report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Think about it, Only suckers will believe that,

Sep 25, 2007 08:35     

I guess Steve has made iphone a bomb like machine.. and when he is ready , only need a piece of code to permantly destroy it.If it is so and utilized by hackers.. Apple will receive millions of RMA orders. If it is not.. there will always be some kind of new hacks to counter strike it And before all those stuff being figure out, ppl are probably won't update and enjoy the hacked phone with tons of free 3rd party apps

Hekate report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Blackmail for money...

Sep 25, 2007 10:38     

As you can see Apple thinks they can make more money by protecting the interests of the service providers they are in bed with to screw the customers over for using the phone. It really is a shame that they didn't release it to all carriers and have a bit of competition in the market place regarding service charges. The great thing for Apple to escape the anti-competition rules is that it is a device that the consumer wants but it similar to other devices. If you want that iPhone so badly you will have to suffer with poor overpriced service. It really is too bad that you have to take it up the ass just because you want to "use" or "borrow" a product. User agreements that are so strict that it feels like the product isn't even yours. But then again Apple is in the business to sell hardware. That is why they concentrate on engineering a software product that is superior to Windows in so many ways. Although God help us if Windows dies. If you think Apple is bad now...if Windows were to actually sink Apple just might regress to the overpriced snob company they used to be in the late 80's/early 90's. Artists with swollen heads were the only ones that used a Mac. Of course that was the only thing around and maybe that is where the mentality came from. Elitist attitudes. If you really want to be an artist you get a Mac. Sorry...what was I talking about again? Oh yeah. The fact that Apple is really unfair when it comes to user agreements. Well...I guess if you can't stand the restrictions put on you regarding using hardware...there is always a lesser alternative. *insert product here*

kansur0 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

What's the Commotion?

Sep 25, 2007 11:23     

If I take apart my TV, I void it's warranty. When i took apart my lousy $20 joystick, I voided it's warranty. When you overclock you Cpu or Gpu, you void it's warranty. When you start dicking about with windows settings you don't understand, you void your warranty. When you install non-authaurized software on an I-phone, you void it's warranty. Offcourse Apple isn't going to commit resources to making their updates compatible with all the illegal stuff you can do to your phone. Stop whining, beg apple to relock your I-phone or stop taking updates... You chose to break the lock, You're responsible for what you let out!

ikkeman report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Genuine Advantage is not the same at all

Sep 25, 2007 11:41     

"You have forgotten the XP SP2 roll out? 'Genuine Advantage' tool?" Are you on crack? thats no even related....Users purchased there Iphones. Genuine Advantage is to stop ILLEGAL copies of windows. Big difference. This would be like Microsoft saying if you hack around to apply a theme that is not MS signed(style XP, Theme XP and the like)they will fry your machine. They wont. once you buy it you can do what you want. you get no support for doing it. but they will not kill your computer for it. /rant off Now on to apple. Why the hell would you make a locked phone anyway? Come on talk about limiting your user base. Legally apply can do this....Hackers will always win though....

Nukemaster report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

IBrick??. What DMCA says!!..

Sep 25, 2007 12:23     

IBrick?.. The Copyright Office allowed this exception because the software that prohibits users from accessing their phone's firmware has little to do with copyright and much to do with a business model. Please, read your RIGHTS: http://www.copyright.gov/1201/ 5. Computer programs in the form of firmware that enable wireless telephone handsets to connect to a wireless telephone communication network, when circumvention is accomplished for the sole purpose of lawfully connecting to a wireless telephone communication network.

Alexito report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Big Whoop

Sep 25, 2007 12:27     

just dont run the firmware update and continue the bliss of being free from one of the worst networks...or do the "typical end user" thing and blindly update and brick your phone...or better yet, wait a few days after Apple's update when that update too will be cracked. Bottom line is, a large portion of the hacker community is all over this and Pandoras box has been opened already, theres nothing much that Apple can do at this point that wont eventually be circumvented via a software or hardware hack. This is just a very hollow threat aimed at those to uninformed to know theres no need to worry.

Ejay report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

I'm sooooo scarrrrred

Sep 25, 2007 12:44     

Well, not really. You know something works when APPLE comes out and tries to stop a flood of phones they have no control over.I'm sure Steve is working on a new firmware version that turns them into bricks. Elitist's make me laugh......
Owen report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Why they dont want you to unlock

Sep 25, 2007 14:46     

To the best of my understanding - maybe im using stale information - the reason that Apple wants you to only use ATT here in the US is because they get a % of your monthly payment to ATT. I heard this is the deciding factor for choosing the carrier as Verizon was not will to share in the monthly fees.
Greg report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Orwell has come home

Sep 25, 2007 16:41     

I remember Apple's 1984 commercial when it first came out, it seems that they have become the Orwellian controller instead of the promoter of freedom. It is truly amazing that they purport freedom when they keep the tight control over their products that they do. That isn't freedom...that is absolute control.
Ryry report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

DRM free is what apple wants!

Sep 25, 2007 18:17     

Yeah DRM free tunes at more expensive rates. It's the only way the music industry should be. Funny how el senor Jobs does not make his phone unlocked like his philosophy on something that does not affect his company!
Gabriel Asseily report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Hacking my phone may cause damage, DUH......

Sep 25, 2007 20:05     

Lets see, unwarranted modifications my damage my product. Lets see, I bought a device, soldered a chip in there, now it's broke or will no longer receive updates. Installing a modified firmware no longer allows you to sync to itunes or install new apple software. Well since this phone doesn't come with a reboot CD like my computer, I'll have to rely on my reset options. However if I do something to break the ability to reset my phone (via firmware change) then im out of luck. This whole ordeal is no different than modding my Xbox so I can play backup games. There are risks involved and the company will say "sorry, we don't support modified pirated modifications to our products" The iphone is great because its better than the competition in all aspects and they did a price drop because the competition did a price drop. After all the only negative review the Iphone got was "too expensive" thus apple fixed that bug.

Kingssman report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

How?

Sep 25, 2007 20:19     

Most of you guys talking about the iphone have no idea what the deal is. How is Apple going to release a software update that is going to f**k over my iphone, if I choose not to download that update and install it. You know you have the option to not get the latest update right? I unlocked my phone and at one point I screwed it up bad. I wiped it and reinstalled the original software, no big deal. I have versions of every software update they have released for the last few months, I can install whichever one I choose. Up yours Apple, if you release a software update with malicious intent to permanently damage my phone, I'm sure you will get some lawsuits. Also, for you guys bashing the Iphone, I would like to know what alternative there is for $400 that is more customizable and useful than the iphone. Blackberry is too crappy, and most of the other data phones that rival the iphone cost atleast twice as much. I always keep an up to date cell phone, as in I buy a new one about every 18 months. I think I've found the phone I want to keep forever.

David report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

RE: proof of bogus claims

Sep 25, 2007 20:31     

since you asked, I will provide: It is a well known fact that Mac OS is unix based. I misspoke when I said linux. however, what has essentially happened with Mac OS is that they have created a new skin for unix, and have started charging people for it. Also the RSS feeds, RSS2 was created by Dave Winer in September 2002 as open source software and was designed to provide a large scale subscription type download of an audio file. Sound familiar? it's a hell of a lot like a Podcast only that's not open source and it wasn't released until early 2005. And the MP3 player? while that's less like stealing technology and more like clever marketing with the iPod. but i'm still going to boycott on the basis that I would rather an MP3 player that's not been so comercialised.

Harison report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

It is an unceasing source of amazement that morons ...

Sep 26, 2007 05:41     

It is an unceasing source of amazement that morons who did not buy the Iphone continue to write comments from their PCs. Those who bought the phone - and could read and write - knew what they were buying and why. No one who bought and Iphone is angry because it can't be unlocked - except some teckno-moron who spent $300 on a device he wanted to screw up just to tell other morons that he did it. Now people wants to defend the right ot be a moron. Stop the madness, the Iphone and this issue does not deserve this level of comment - unless as a commentary on the propensity of those who have no stake in a discussion or knowledge of the situation to weigh in nonetheless.

questofango report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

DUH?

Sep 26, 2007 07:21     

GUESS WHAT.IF YOU CHANGE THE SOFTWARE IN ANY ELECTRONIC PRODUCT THAT YOU BUY,YOU VOID THE WARRANTY.IF YOU DONT WANT TO DEAL WITH AT&T DONT BUY A IPHONE.
WIII B report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

RE: How?

Sep 26, 2007 08:13     

> >I unlocked my phone and at one point I screwed it up bad. I >wiped it and reinstalled the original software, no big >deal. I have versions of every software update they have >released for the last few months, I can install whichever >one I choose. > You really love your phone.
xti report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Ethics? Huh?

Sep 26, 2007 09:32     

Ethics wrote: "Isn't that infringing upon our right to choose? as a consumer we have a right to choose, apple by updating the firmware on the iphone has restricted that. Its kind of MS getting sued over IE installed with windows." Infringed right to choose? Where does it say in the constitution that we have such a right? Jesus H Christ! Aside from that obvious fact however, we do have a "right" to choose...choose another phone, duh!

Dumb PC User report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Just the Beginnning

Sep 26, 2007 10:55     

Seems to me that Apple's philosophy of total control is meant to keep the company agile, something it lost when Jobs left. They don't have to coordinate with a diverse collection of partners. How long has the iphone been out? 3 months... if the iphone's development curve matches OSX it will be much different in 2-3 years, doing things now unanticipated. That will happen faster with a designated network. ATT needs to finish building the 3G. But ultimately, the network will need to be tailored to the box, up to now its been done the other way around.

TPS report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Here's a way around it!

Sep 26, 2007 13:59     

Here's what you do...Get just a regular phone from any cell company you want to do business with. Get your plan the way you want it with the price you like...And then get an iTouch! It maybe more to carry, but then you don't have to worry about if your phone will take a dump on you for unlocking it to go somewhere else! Problem solved.
Brent report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

How can you guys compare XBox to iPhone?

Sep 26, 2007 16:06     

Modding the two has completely different implications to the end user. Modding the iPhone just gets you better service rates. Modding the XBox ruins the online experience for other people by allowing you to hack and have faster hardware to get you into games and have a jump start on the competition. It's an unfair advantage that results in a degradation of value for other people who have purchased the same hardware. Granted, I understand the desire simply to have a bigger hard drive or better load times in an RPG, but when it affects other users and their experiences then you've certainly gone too far. You're in essence, robbing them of an equal right.

JohnDoe report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

guys, comon. think for a second.

Sep 26, 2007 17:33     

the u.s. has a free enterprise market. companies aren't allowed to force you to buy things, or to update what you buy (not even in a recall or a safety hazard situation). so you'll have the option to download the "killing" patch. don't want it? don't get it. if you want to mod your phone, then do it. i think it's a great idea. i'd want to put new apps and customize the phone i want to, and to change the crappy service provider. if you're (crazy, if you ask me) in to apple's flashy, locked down consumer dum-dum products, that's fine too. buy an iphone and use it the way apple wants you to. it's just what the consumer wants, and how he/she chooses to use what they want. and to apple: when has going against the hacker community EVER worked? when will it ever work? yes, that's right. never. annnnd never. shame on you for even trying.

frozen report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Yeah, right...!

Sep 26, 2007 22:18     

Check this out... :-) http://www.iphonestalk.com/dev-team-to-release-restore-tool/
Gonzo report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

You have the right to choose any Net carrier: DMCA

Sep 27, 2007 10:28     

But Apple says they have the right to punish all who do that and make the phone useless. The beginning of the 'iSue'? Read your Rights: http://www.copyright.gov/1201/ The Recommendation of the Register of Copyrights (PDF): Recommendation of the Register of Copyrights November 17, 2006 Marybeth Peters Register of Copyrights Page 50 "There is no evidence in the record of this rulemaking that demonstrates or even suggests that obtaining access to the mobile firmware in a mobile handset that is owned by a consumer is an infringing act. Similarly, there has been no argument or suggestion that a consumer desiring to switch a lawfully purchased mobile handset from one network carrier to another is engaging in copyright infringement or in activity that in any way implicates copyright infringement or the interests of the copyright owner."

Alexito report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Partial software/firmware update.

Sep 27, 2007 14:25     

If Apple were to update part but not all of the firmware on an iPhone, thus not erase the existing mods, it could break the software to the extent that iTunes would no longer be able to reflash the phone. I don't see why Apple stating that a modded phone could brick without warning is a bad thing. It sounds more like common sense to me.
RalfTheDog report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

An Iphone is a computer. It needs Linux, and Open f...

Sep 27, 2007 17:43     

An Iphone is a computer. It needs Linux, and Open firmware. Nobody can say to you what software to Install. Microsoft was sued for limiting competitors installing third party software. Why Apple can limit any software? Apple needs limits.
mm report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Hahaha.......

Sep 27, 2007 18:47     

I find it funny. Its not