Your Move: Hackers Unlock the iPhone (Again)

Authored by Scott Goldberg on October 12, 2007 - 4:23am.

The battle between Apple and Hackers may never end. The former works to prevent customers from unlocking their phones, and the latter counters. Two weeks ago Apple released a software update that turned unlocked iPhones into “bricks,” and Hackers worked swiftly to block the effort (read about it), but only restored iPod and Wi-Fi capabilities. Now the iPhone Dev Team has taken the next step, opening the iPhone to third-party applications and for use on any network.

The update essentially works as follows: iPhone users who installed the OS X 1.1.1 update that locked the device can revert to update 1.0.2, then update back to 1.1.1 again without the handcuffs.

But don’t expect it to be easy. Though iPhone Atlas says the hack works, an understanding of the phone’s command line interface is required. You’re not alone if that makes as much sense as Sanskrit.

That said, if your phone was locked, you’re likely to give it a try, or find someone who can help. But if you’re interested in buying the phone and are not an AT&T customer, would you honestly risk jumping in the ring?

Who knows if Apple will decide whether the boxing match is worth its time? The company could either continue battling or simply live with the reality that Hackers will always discover the countermoves.

One thing Apple certainly controls is the service the company offers customers who run into trouble with their unlocked phones. Don’t expect a friendly customer service agent when you tell them you’re having trouble because you downloaded a third-party application or are wondering why you’re not getting full bars on your non-AT&T network.

Extra:
Take our Poll: Would you buy an iPhone with the intention of Unlocking it?