Apple not looking to 'proactively disable' unlocked iPhones
Shortly after Apple released a brief statement yesterday regarding iPhone modifications and their impacts on warranties, the firm's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing has stepped up to clarify a few issues. In a recent interview, Phil Schiller was quoted as saying that the upcoming software update "has nothing to do with proactively disabling a phone that is unlocked or hacked." Furthermore, he added that it was "unfortunate that some programs have caused damage to the iPhone software," but he noted that "Apple could not be responsible for... those consequences." All in all, it doesn't sound like Apple is changing its stance, but it seems safe to say that Cupertino won't be listening to any crying should subsequent updates render your hacked iPhone useless.[Via AppleInsider]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
newgalactic @ Sep 25th 2007 2:37PM
All I can say is that the results of Apple iPhone updates from now until Christmas will determine if there are two 8GB iPhones under the tree for my wife and I. They don't have to support Jailbreak, but I don't have to buy either.
Keith @ Sep 25th 2007 2:46PM
I think Apple hired that guy to simply beat the crap out of anyone who dares unlock their iPhones.
Eric @ Sep 25th 2007 3:07PM
If my unlocked iPhone gets permanently bricked by an Apple update I'll be installing Vista on my iMac and sending Jobs turd via fedex.
Jon @ Sep 25th 2007 3:22PM
LMAO!! I think you're right, he's a big dude! Definitely got the "my arms are cossed, watch out" attitude going too!
LOL
j__1 @ Sep 25th 2007 3:31PM
Hmmm... let's see, Apple is testing unapproved software with their next update, and warning the community that there might be challenges? I guess I actually find this impressive...
Their message seems very consistent to me. Take, for example, AppleTV 3rd party software or FairPlay cracks. In the case of the former, while updates 'broke' 3rd party software, the community quickly responded with fixes. In the case of FairPlay, they haven't exactly spent much in the way of resources to 'fix' the problem (unlike M$).
Personally, I want Apple to follow whatever roadmap they have... and let the community compete. In my mind, it is synergistic relationship that breeds innovation.
lassi @ Sep 28th 2007 3:44AM
you high?
the new update deliberately tries to lock unlockeds and deliberately tries to lock 3rd party apps from being installed.
Stan @ Sep 25th 2007 3:34PM
If your stupid enough to unlock your iPhone and you get bricked with a software update... YOU deserve it! Father Christmas won't be visiting your house Keith!
BT @ Sep 25th 2007 4:55PM
Stan @ Sep 25th 2007 3:34PM
If "your" stupid enough to unlock your iPhone and you get bricked with a software update... YOU deserve it!
If you're stupid enough not knowing how to spell, then you deserve to be ridiculed......
Eric @ Sep 25th 2007 4:14PM
Why do people believe unlocking phones is a big deal? I've SIM unlocked HTC and Nokia phones. I bought my N80 from HK unlocked. In many countries operators are forbidden from bundling devices and service. Calm down nance.
Jdog @ Sep 25th 2007 4:50PM
The iPhone's SIM info is buried deep within the inner workings of the handset. You can't get to it without dismantling the entire phone. These third party programs are, currently, the only way to unlock them. But, people continue to whine about it, even though the Apple T&C's specifically say that it's activation is subject to AT&T's credit review...not Tmobile, not anyone else.
People WILL end up bricking their handsets after a while. It is inevitable. Apple is basically saying, "Do what you want, but don't come crying to us when our updates ruin your handset."
Vinny @ Sep 25th 2007 9:35PM
There is a difference between buying an unlocked phone, unlocking your phone through your carrier and unlocking your phone by a third party. For the most part, if you want a SIM free phone, buy it that way. Generally speaking, you'll be able to get a more feature filled phone than is available from your carrier (esp. if you live in the US), and won't have to worry about SIM locks or firmware hacks. Convincing your carrier to unlock your handset is also a good solution--sure you won't get the best phone available, but you also won't void the warranty or service agreement on the phone. Unfortunately, not every phone can be bought SIM free, and network operators won't always unlock your phone; therefore you have 3rd party unlocking solutions...they may be legal, but I don't think there are many places where they don't void the warranty.
In terms of actual risk to your phone...well, 3rd party solutions can be all over the map. The algo-based solutions tend to be about the same as the manufacturer's method, since they don't actually modify the phone's software. Firmware hacks and patches are more risky, and your totally dependent on the skill of the programmer. Besides, even if they work well, any firmware hack can lead to serious brickage with future firmware updates (actually it took about 3 years to come up with an unlock solution for the Nokia BB5-based phones and brickage is still somewhat common). Hardware hacks are the worst, since you can all but guarantee they'll have incompatibilities with future updates.
So, big deal--yes or no--it all depends on exactly what phone you're talking about or how it's unlocked.
Jdog @ Sep 25th 2007 4:53PM
This is exactly what I said yesterday, but it was met with extreme agitation from other folks on this forum.
Vinny @ Sep 25th 2007 8:52PM
Only because you're wrong about the iPhone's SIM card. It's accessible from the top of the handset. Of course, if you didn't realize that from people's agitated comment's yesterday, it's doubtful you will get it today...
Stan @ Sep 25th 2007 6:04PM
I'm glad Apple is finally making a stand on this! The iPhone is sold with people knowing that AT&T is the exclusive carrier for at least the next 5 years... you break, you lose! I can't wait to see all the cry babies once the updates come out... all the unlockers will be stuck with a brick or an iPhone that's lacking features... LOL!!!!!!!!
Jdog @ Sep 25th 2007 6:16PM
Stan, you are exactly right. The terms CLEARLY STATE that this phone is to be used with AT&T. Period. End of story. People are going to start bricking these things left and right and it is no one else's fault but their own.
Once you start messing about with the inner workings of a phone, you void the manufacturer's warranty.
Once you take that phone and use it with another carrier, even though YOU KNOW it is only supposed to be used through AT&T (read your T/C's - it states activation is subject to AT&T credit review), you take a big risk.
Whenever you violate the T/C's of ANY company/service, that institution bears NO responsibility to honor any repair/return request regarding those unlocked/hacked phones.
Stan @ Sep 25th 2007 6:35PM
Praise ye Jdog!
Jdog @ Sep 25th 2007 7:29PM
Well, it just seems so common sense. But we have so many spoiled, whiney babies who think that, despite the fact they agreed to a certain set of rules governing the use of that phone, that it's perfectly OK to fly in the face of those rules, and anything else is seen as greedy, unfair, etc.
If you don't like the terms of a certain service, then don't agree to them!
dan @ Sep 25th 2007 7:15PM
jdog, the iPhone SIM is easy to remove. You can do it with a paper clip, no disassembly required:
http://www.thinksecret.com/archives/iphoneinterface/source/iphone05.html
Stan @ Sep 25th 2007 8:03PM
C'mon DAN, don't be daft!