It seems as though Apple is starting to feel the pressure of AT&T with regards to unlocked iPhones. Apple has an exclusive contract with AT&T and has to show that they are not violating the contact and prove they are taking action against people who unlock iPhones.
With the upcoming firmware update we may see functions of the iPhone no longer work if they have been modified with either unathorized software installed or if the phone was unlocked. Apple has stated that unlocking your iPhone and installing third party apps will void your waranty.
“Apple has discovered that many of the unauthorized 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 plans to release the next iPhone software update, containing many new features including the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store (www.itunes.com), later this week. Apple strongly discourages users from installing unauthorized unlocking programs on their iPhones. Users who make unauthorized modifications to the software on their iPhone violate their iPhone software license agreement and void their warranty. The permanent inability to use an iPhone due to installing unlocking software is not covered under the iPhone’s warranty.”
The beauty of a software unlock is that it is fairly easy to revert back to a virgin state if need be. If you have modified your iPhone and need to have it serviced under warranty all you have to do is do a virgin restore and nobody will be able to tell that it has been modified.
Just did a virgin/factory restore yesterday, with the help of the moderator on this site while using the guide on this site, and EVERYTHING about the phone seemed to be exactly as it should and would be strait from the Apple store! I also learned a ton in the process. I’ve never used ssh before, and It is a valuable thing to know how to do in the future should you, or I, botch an iPhone unlock or need Apples services…
I am glad you got everything worked out Nurburgring198!
Yea, me too. Thanks a ton for the help!
Also, taken from my blog, my opinion on the Apple At&t Deal:
Apple’s not trying to prove jack to the hackers, they are simply rubbing at&t fat belly in attempt to make their big friend happy…
Consumers being able to buy the iPhone at an apple store and use it on any GSM network they choose equals more revenue in hardware sales for Apple than the percentages of cell contract profits they are getting from At&t. I love that Apple is doing what they have to do to stay cool with At&t even though I’m sure they know this will not deter the techies from unlock future iPhones for the masses. They are reaching consumers from numerous other cell providers and making bank because of it.
While the update may temporarily break current unlocks it wont be long till the workarounds are discovered. I guarantee the developers at Apple know exactly where and how the hackers will find vulnerabilities in the upcoming firmware update, enabling it to be unlocked, just like all the previous firmware updates. Does anyone really think that deep down, at the core (pun intended), Apple cares about doing right by at&t? It’s all about the Benjamins! Apple’s smart, they know what they are doing…
Apple helped make the unlock possible with the last firmware. They just have to look like they are trying to protect their contract with AT&T
this article is not true. As long as you have not unlocked the iphone with another carrier the new software just erases the stuff it doesnt mess with any other part of the phone
correct but apple will not service your phone if you have modified software on it. You will need to do a virgin restore