If this is a software unlock, can't someone buy one and then release that one to to the public? I don't see how each software unlock can match each phone.

Unless each piece of software sent has a unique license number and when run logs the IMEI number and uploads via the web before completing unlock, requiring a confirmation/authorization from the remote web server. Then a license will always be tied to the original IMEI.

there is an unlocked iPhone already on ebay for $2000+

[cgi.ebay.com]

they are liars. it is impossible to hack the apple OS.

@njbrideau: that's geohot's iphone.

@pdateky: [www.engadget.com]

Jekyoo: pdateky was joking. Irony and all that. (Can you see the link is noted in the post itself?)

impossible. apple os is the most secure and unhackable OS in the world.

thanks diaz :)

whats the real way that little green dude would say it? I forgot

That looks sort of like the WIFI selection screen...
Correct me if I am wrong but maybe somebody is either
A) Somebody Roaming
B) Wifi Selection Screen

@pdateky:

You mean unpossible.

TIFTFY

up shut the f**k

I don't understand Giz's way of saying it. It's like Bizarro World Yoda.

Anyone have any idea if unlocking will allow the iphone to be used on ATT without activating through ATT? May sound like a dumb question, but those of us with an ATT Business account (and the associated 20% service discount,) cannot get an iphone without converting over to a regular consumer account, and because of that, i've stuck with my clunky 8525 (and a cobbled-together iphoneclone gui.)

So, do you still have to activate with ATT first to get the phone started, then cancel your Account (paying the $$$ for early termination) and then switch to a new carrier? No thanks. I'll just wait for it to hit the other carriers, TYVM.

@CaptLonestar: [hacktheiphone.com]

Does visual voicemail or that silly three-way calling interface work on networks other than AT&T? (I assume no)

Giz posted an article from engadget wow.

Whenever Engadget posts something that is worth reporting, we always cite them. Directly. There are plenty of examples about this in the archives, although not many lately because the Giz is usually getting most of the scoops first.

On the other side, Engadget doesn't do the same (one of Brian's 30s birthday wish was exactly about it: he wished for Engadget to link to the Giz at least once this year.)

This is why, for example, they have been ignoring most unlocking articles (which all were Gizmodo's firsts) and now want to present a commercial application as the "first unlocked iPhone." Simply put, this is not true. This post talks exactly about this fact and others:

1. No, it's not the first unlocked iPhone. That's a lie. Unlocked iPhones are widely available and anyone can unlock his/hers with a simple $80 card without voiding your warranty.

2. Yes, it's software based but you have to PAY for it, exactly as you can do with the TurboSIM method.

3. Anyone can do the TurboSIM method and it gives the same results (look above).

4. The BIG news will be when the iPhone Dev Team or someone else releases a FREE software method.

This, while significant because it demonstrates that the iPhone can be software unlocked, is just fluff.

I betcha one Apple iPhone update later, it's locked again.

Engadget is reporting that this is the "first to break Apple's SIM locks on the iPhone with software" (Italics mine). They know it's not the first unlock, they've reported on various unlocks before (including the TurboSIM method.) No need to imply that their reporting is flawed.

Instead of worrying about unlocking, I wish somebody would tell me how to brick the one that was stolen from me.

If this is anything like all the other paid per license unlocking methods, you'll purchase a license key, load some software, it will connect to their server, verify the license key, unlock your iPhone and then void the license key so it can't be used again.

I've unlocked the newer SonyEricsson phones that way, paying something like $5/unlock. Since we're talking about the iPhone here, I'm sure they'll charge $50+

I'd rather not violate my iPhone with software unless it's free and preferably open source. For now, I'm thinking of going with TurboSIM as I'll be traveling for the next 6 months and there's just no way I'm paying ATT data roaming rates.

Way to go Giz, you milked all that "TFSU" had.

wow, a second company has announced the release of a software unlock also.

[www.engadget.com]

i'm curious about how things play out with the competition.

@CRISTIAN PRANO:

Simply put, you are wrong.

This is what Engadget originally published today:

" The six-man team has been working non-stop since launch day, and they're officially the first to break Apple's SIM locks on the iPhone."

That's a complete lie.

A few minutes after our post, they edited it to this

"The six-man team has been working non-stop since launch day, and they're officially the first to break Apple's SIM locks on the iPhone with software."

That's more like it.

We have made errors in the past. We marked them, we corrected and we apologized. That's not bad, it's normal. This wasn't the case.

So next time, check your RSS feed and TFSU.

Not only is the "Mighty Addy" quite the looker, but she also has possibly the best and most Australian name of all time.

I vote for more pics of Ms. Dugdale playing with gadgets and less freakin' Frucci.

Seriously... Addy, I don't mean to be nasty... but I always thought Addy was a dude. I'm totally sorry!

For me, this is the first iPhone Unlocking solution that's really interesting, using only software. You guys keep fighting with Engadget, but you should at least recognize (not ironize) that they were the first to claim the real deal, since less than 1% of the general public will crack open their iPhone, ruin the warranty and risk to brick it trying to unlock it. That's not unlocking to me.

You even said its OK to pay 80 bucks for the turboSIM card, but you think it's not OK to pay 50 bucks for a software-only solution. What the hell are you talking about? Just recognize that they got it before you guys and don't make a fool of yourselves.

I really love Gizmodo, but this Engadget fight is really hurting your headlines, and I don't like that.

So this will work with all carriers that use a sim? I have sprint now no sim in the upstage phone I have now but i still have a nextel account and a working sim card