Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean? - Gizmodo Comments

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

denrex — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:24:07 EST

finally, mid way through all the responses someone mentions the girl...

denrex

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

sahil687 — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 13:20:16 EDT

is it necessary to update ur iphone to firmware 1.1.1 or what ever the next edition is

sahil687

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

madeupman — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:16:43 EDT

So where does this leave the US government's position that all users should be legally able to use any SIM in their devices?
Oh, I forgot. AT&T ARE the US government's telco arm... something stinks like rotten Apples here.
You make a deal with the devil, expect to end up in hell. So much for the user-centric, user-friendly company. They're the operators bitch now...

madeupman

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Thorny — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:11:05 EDT

Class action lawsuit? Doubtful. They're being awfully careful about saying that it was the hack that damaged the software, and not the fact that you're unlocking it.

Do you suppose Apple has any lawyers that they checked with before revealing this information? Maybe one or two?

Thorny

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

diggabyte — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:43:36 EDT

The Empire must have threatened to bring in the Death Star packed full of law-degree-wielding Storm Troopers.

Sadly, Apple must have caved to the dark side after publicly proclaiming 'permanent, irreparable software damage'.

Not even a Jedi Knight could create permanent and irreparable damage to the software of a product that can be wiped clean at any time...Only asshole programmers can.

diggabyte

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

BlackSmokeDMax — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:55:31 EDT

So does Apple get a piece of every contract? If so, sounds like they wouldn't need any pressure from AT&T to stop the unlocking, it would be directly cutting into their money also.

BlackSmokeDMax

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

novacthall — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:52:07 EDT

Didn't Microsoft take a considerable amount of heat for this exact position on the Xbox modders? Looks like Apple's not thinking so differently after all.

novacthall

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

WD40 — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:12:24 EDT

Not sure why all the fuzz, I bought an iPhone, didn't mod it and still think it blows all other phones out there easy. On patch day I can sleep knowing it works just fine.

For those using JailBreak, get back in jail...hehe I love Apple and how they are slowly becoming the next M$...sad thing is people like it.

WD40

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

uberfu — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:50:01 EDT

Everyone needs to go directly to Apple and bitch until thety bend to peer pressure_

With enough moaning -
Early buyers - got $100 back on their purchases - didn't they ?

uberfu

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

vicmesquita — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 07:16:31 EDT

Stick to Symbian! Nokia N95 =]
No problems!

vicmesquita

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Niam — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 05:31:01 EDT

@ranova: nokia troll? wtf? I simply said I loved apple's right to own their hardware.

Don't like their policies? Don't buy one.

Niam

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

HoseHead — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 02:54:18 EDT

so if that's a pussy behind the door, what's behind the windows, tits? (from wikipedia: "The tits, chickadees, and titmice comprise Paridae, a large family of small passerine birds which occur in the northern hemisphere and Africa. Most were formerly in the genus Parus.")

HoseHead

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

razorx — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 02:41:20 EDT

Of course this is Apple appeasing ATT, why would it be anything else? They no doubt signed an exclusivity contract like previously mentioned. But this bricking business is not good.

Any changes made to the iPhone should correctable, just like if your bios is working well enough to boot dos from a floppy you can flash it to version X. Apple could 'flash' the iPhone to a new version if they WANTED to without 'bricking' it. It may re-lock it, but not ruin it.

razorx

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

SomeoneUKno — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:11:42 EDT

Apple + AT&T: "Haha! And they all thought that they could get away with their hacks and unlocks! Not anymore! Muahahahahaha!"

(Or in internet speak)

Apple + AT&T: L0L PWN!!!!!!! R0FLC0PTER!!!!!

SomeoneUKno

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

andrelix — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 23:26:17 EDT

Even thought it has been said quite a few times, this is all AT&T here folks. I don't think Apple gives a rip who uses there iphones and for what, as long as you are buying there product, getting to know their OS, then buying a mac and a handful of iPods. On the other hands, the greedy bastards with an identity crisis (we are att wireless, we are cingular, we are att, we are att that looks like cingular) must have a BIG problem with this. They sold their souls to sell the jesusphone, now they want to reap the rewards. Probably a fair trade, they just want their end upheld...

andrelix

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

donlphi — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 23:18:31 EDT

It seems like a pretty straight forward "warning to me".

I don't think they are taking notes from Microsoft. I just think they are avoiding getting sued by AT&T. I'm sure they are required by contract to stop hacks like this (or at least try). If the phone is supposed to be exclusive, it's supposed to be exclusive.

Why is it, every time Apple creates something new they are "taking notes from Microsoft" ? They make it. You use it. If you do something with it you aren't supposed to do, that's the risk you take.

I've done a complete factory restore a couple of weeks ago because I was worried the "fix" might not be so easy in the future.

Is Nintendo with a 3" touch screen interface really worth $500 (after the rebate)?

Kenny Loggin's said it best, "Highway to the Dangerzone"

donlphi

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

drwedge — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 23:02:33 EDT

C'mon people, pull your heads out! Think about it for a minute. This device, while it's manufactured by Apple is an AT&T-branded cell phone. Which means that they have to abide by their regulations. Or shall I put it this way? Can you hack your crappy Razr? No. Just because you can hack the iPhone doesn't mean that you're not voiding the warranty. You are changing the way that the phone works from the original OEM settings. It's no wonder that would void the warranty. It's like putting an aftermarket turbo on your car. It voids the warranty. So, if you're gonna hack your phone, accept the consequences.

drwedge

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

BZATWORK — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 22:38:14 EDT

I dunno, I've got a bad feeling about this.

BZATWORK

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

DW — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 22:29:46 EDT

The iPhone ruined the Apple.

What the hell happened to this company? Are they taking notes from 1994-era Microsoft?!

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

pcdsim — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:54:20 EDT

It's a trap!

pcdsim

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Cleverboy — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:45:38 EDT

Boy o boy. Everyone unlocking your phone, guess what? You're on your own. BIG SURPRISE. Everyone only using 3rd party apps? Read the release again, and see Apple's earlier statements... they're NOT TARGETING YOU.

The unlocking, is modifying much more than simply installing custom apps (putting a few extra files on the drive here and there). While Apple gives no guarantees about "hacks" n causing problems or breaking, this statement clearly is referring to UNLOCKING modifications. Enough with the mindless hysteria, okay?

If you're not on AT&T, don't plan to get continued support from Apple. How many languages do they need to say it in, before it comes in clearer? If you don't care, don't update.

Cleverboy

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

phoomp — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:31:14 EDT

Not only is Apple the new Microsoft, now Apple is the new Sony.

phoomp

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

jimcord — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:13:45 EDT

What is with you people, you act like Apple is the only company that tries to inform and enforce that IF you modify their product from the way in which it was purchased that you may ruin the product and void the warranty. This is no different than the guys who mod their rice rockets, blow the engine and wonder why the manufacturer wants nothing to do with them afterward? Truthfully, I wouldn't support them either. Yes I am an Apple iPhone owner, but I do not expect them to replace or repair a phone that I intentionally modified knowing that I would void my warranty. You screaming little bitches need to grow the f*ck up and grow up a bit. Perhaps you need to start a company and then have people tear your product apart and then have come crying back to you to fix their problem out of your pockets. Bet you might have a different tune then. It's always so easy when you try to get someone else to foot the bill for you stupidity isn't it?

jimcord

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Jones Foyer — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:54:54 EDT

Apple doesn't care if you use your phone with a non-AT&T carrier. However, AT&T spent BIG BUCKS to be exclusive with the iPhone, and hearing reports of people unlocking and using other carriers is not good news to them- I am assuming that Apple is succumbing to tremendous pressure by AT&T to reduce this.

Jones Foyer

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

morganlh85 — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:42:55 EDT

Where is that Halloween costume from? I want it!

morganlh85

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

kush — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:13:47 EDT

traces* also im ganna follow this story im almost 100% sure that someone will crack it if needs be after they find out it the new firmware will brick the iphone

kush

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

kush — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:10:23 EDT

well how would they know if you had programs on it if you remove them and do a restore to clean up any traps

kush

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

TonyTriple — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:08:42 EDT

Poor hackers, you will pay price for your persistence of vision.

Jobs also finds your lack of faith disturbing...

TonyTriple

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Sogarth — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:06:26 EDT

@HMTKSteve: I think it gets more complicated once you factor in that it probably wouldn't be hard for Apple to tie any modifications to the upgrade process. Because if the upgrade causes bricking due to modifications performed on the iPhone, I doubt it would take much to push the responsibility back onto the user.

That, and last I read about the DMCA ruling, there's nothing requiring the cellular company to help you, there's nothing requiring the phone manufacturer to help you, and there's nothing stopping future modifications to the phone (like upgrades) from re-locking it.

Sogarth

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

bbfreak — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:03:07 EDT

Um, sure we haven't seen this picture before? I'm getting a strong sense of deja vu at the moment. Girl with a cat, and someone commenting "I can see her pussy!" O.o Of course this is the interweb, I have to expect that people shall recycle the same old jokes for 1000 thousand years.

bbfreak

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Niam — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:00:28 EDT

Love it, keep it up apple. Unlockers should have their iphones bricked.

Niam

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

prodigal_son — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:52:21 EDT

It will be interesting to see if they try and get away with this kind of thing in europe.

If i want to unlock any phone I can do so by phoning up the network and asking for the unlock code, they legally have to give it to me because I own the phone (provided my contract has run its full course).

Im pretty sure that if i bought an iPhone in my country and got it unlocked, and they bricked it, i could get it replaced, and my government would back me up.

It would be like Sony saying that if i watched a hd-dvd on one of their tvs, they would come around and smash my tv with a baseball bat. (i would respect sony so much if they actually said that to me though)

prodigal_son

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Roto-Rooter — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:46:12 EDT

@TommySez: Because her name is "Eileen"?

Roto-Rooter

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

lightshow — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:44:13 EDT

If there's grass on the lawn, play ball.

lightshow

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

92BuickLeSabre — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:36:34 EDT

She certainly is a brick house.

92BuickLeSabre

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Rand — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:35:54 EDT

HMMM coming from a PC development background (one of Apple's competitors) it looks like they are worried that some of the hacks they've seen employed out in the field are changing what they consider to be critical firmware. As such they can't guarantee to be able to anticipate hate the state of your device if you hack the phone. Note, they didn't say apps being added. They said hacks are changing already installed Apple firmware. Its kind of like if a user decided to modify the system BIOS of their PC and broke it. No one in the industry is going to honor the warranty if a user modifies the product in that fashion. Does it suck that the iPhone doesn't allow the installation of 3rd party applications? YES. Is it Apple's fault if a person modifies core OS applications/files on the device which a subsequent update might require to be in a particular state in order to work correctly? NO.

Rand

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

pupaboy — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:23:46 EDT

I can see her pussy.

pupaboy

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Y2KGTP — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:23:09 EDT

@TommySez:

Just noticed that myself....and the kitty looks strange as well....

Y2KGTP

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Pensador — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:17:39 EDT

Cute picture! :)

Pensador

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

mandarin — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:16:40 EDT

Hey if you made a deal with AT&T , they have to follow it to the letter. Perhaps some other carriers will be able to sell iPhones a year from now after they pay Apple a substantial price...

mandarin

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

HMTKSteve — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:08:37 EDT

Last time I checked the DMCA was amended last year to allow owners to "unlock" their cell phones as long as they were not being unlocked to illegally gain access to a cellular network. I smell a class action law suit if Apple goes through with this and bricks iPhones.

HMTKSteve

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Monty — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:04:05 EDT

It can be assumed that Apple has the unlocking software options available to them on Infinite Loop and have been testing what their update does to devices who used that software. Their warning seems like a not so subtle way of saying that the less astute will have problems if they install the update.

However, I do find it amusing that Apple fans can find a dichotomy in 'fault' here based on the likely scenario that AT&T is 'forcing' Apple to cause problems for unlocked phones.

1. Who forces Steve Jobs to do anything? Last I checked, Steve Jobs is the one that is able to force large companies to do whatever he wants.

2. Regardless of whether AT&T asked Apple to make things difficult for unlocked phones, Apple agreed to do it. If someone asks you to jump off a bridge, do you do it and put in your suicide note 'it is not my fault - they asked me to do it.'

Apple has been walking a fine lines with the iPhone from day one with the iPhone and they are not guiltless. Clearly AT&T is paying Apple some big bucks for every iPhone customer, and if you follow the trail of money here, it all leads back to Cupertino.

Not that I think there is anything wrong with that. These companies are both in the game of making money, and that is what they should be doing. My point is only that when you are looking for evil between AT&T and Apple, do not ignore the possibility that there is no angel.

Monty

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

TommySez — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:02:25 EDT

The important question is: Why are the model's knees at two different heights?

TommySez

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

BZATWORK — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:55:45 EDT

@ranova:

Yeah - and after I follow those relocking instructions, I'm going to cure cancer, make Woz drop 100lbs, and implant a brain in Bush. All of which would be relatively easy compared to relocking the iphone. Sheeshh.....

BZATWORK

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

ranova — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:45:30 EDT

@Niam: shut up nokia troll.

Anyways, heres a guide on how to relock your phone:
[www.tuaw.com]

I would just wait for the update to roll around. Nothing is unhackable.

ranova

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

BZATWORK — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:44:05 EDT

Ditto on the question of whether this update will "Brick" phones who are unlocked (i.e., can be used on other networks) and/or "jailbraked" (i.e., installer.app).

Since Lam and crew aren't about to touch this one, I think it's wise to take the high ground. In other words, DON'T UPGRADE until the more courageous and/or crazy users test the waters.

As an aside - I can understand why Jobs/Apple are issuing this missive: AT&T crying foul. I, however, don't understand why they would go after installer.app users.

While I'm an admitted Apple Fanboy, I'm so exhausted from all the Apple hype. Forget about checking e-mail. I'm constantly refreshing Installer.app to see what new updates are out. HELP ME!!!!!

BZATWORK

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Joseph — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:43:43 EDT

@bandit:

modified iPhone becoming permanently inoperable

I think that's bricked.

Joseph

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

pdx_flip — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:43:15 EDT

I agree with GRANDMASTERDIBBLER on the intent of Apple's statement.

As with many people here though, I thought I just won't upgrade since everything seems stable now. But then I remembered I'll probably get the next MacBook Pro that's released after Leopard debuts and that'll hose me if I ever try to sync my phone.

In the end, I may end up returning my phone (2 days old) and getting a the Blackberry Curve I initially wanted.

pdx_flip

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Joseph — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:42:12 EDT

@ssjmichael: Yeah that sounds all good, but they have signed legal documents that tie Apple to ATT for 2 years. Which means that if you bring your phone in and it's not tied to ATT, they aren't responsible. And in the long run, the lawsuits will cost more than preventative maintenance. Although users will complain forever.

Joseph

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

discounteggroll — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:39:29 EDT

@phildeaux:

I'm sure we ALL read over that part whilst pantsing, unboxing, pantsing a second time and eventually activating/unlocking the iphones as soon as we bought them.

I'll donate $1 paypal to someone who uncovers whether or not it's in the agreement

discounteggroll

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

discounteggroll — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:37:14 EDT

I guess apple's planning to make a coliseum v2.0 with all those bricked phones, eh?

::asks others to continue with funny brick pun jokes after the break::

discounteggroll

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

phildeaux — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:37:01 EDT

i am new to the iphone mania, but i am a class action lawyer. when you buy an iphone, do you have to sign something saying that you will not unlock the phone or that you will sign up with AT&T? What conditions do you agree to?

If not, what is to stop me from filing a class action on behalf of all users who unlocked their iphone and whose phones are now a brick due to Apple's intentional disabling update?

phildeaux

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Joseph — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:35:31 EDT

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAANGSTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

This doesn't affect things like AppTap right?

Joseph

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Niam — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:32:46 EDT

Personally, I love it.

I hope apple continues to brick these phones.

Niam

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

chinesedentist — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:26:17 EDT

I've been using my unlocked iphone since Friday and I am in love with it.

I'll wait until I know it's safe to update.

I don't have a contract with T-Mobile, so if I absolutely had to sign up with AT&T I probably could live with myself. (I frickin' hate AT&T).

chinesedentist

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

altarity — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:18:10 EDT

I unlocked my iphone the day I got it, because there is no ATT coverage in the rural area where I live.

Yesterday I ran a restore on the firmware. I still had to JailBreak and run a fake activation, but the SIM unlock was still there. I did NOT have to Sim unlock my phone again.

This means that the firmware updates that we've seen so far, do not completely wipe the iPhone clean. Does this mean that my firmware is "irreparable damaged?" I don't know, but you can bet I'm not the first one in line for this upgrade.

altarity

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

ipodee — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:17:15 EDT

My unlocked version works like a charm, installed many programs and had fun with it....

I am not in the US so it doesn't matter about the warranty part... but i certainly won't be upgrading the firmware till someone cracks it and makes it safe to do so...

ipodee

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

ranova — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:12:47 EDT

no, it is possible to do a reverse on the unlock with this phone if the update flashes the baseband.

"The unlock is not permanent. You can however upgrade/restore, as long as baseband is not updated. That means (as far as i know):

* If you have 1.00, phone will be locked when you upgrade to anything
* If you have 1.01, you can update to 1.02 since modem is not updated
* If you have 1.01 or 1.02 you can perform a restore in iTunes without locking it again
* If 1.03 is released, WAIT till we get confirmed that it's not updating baseband
* It will probably be possible in some way to prevent updates from writing the baseband firmware. Maybe spoofing version number on the phone or something?
"

ranova

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

freelunch — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:10:31 EDT

@Pixelantes Anonymous: actually... my take on this is that it is more of a warning to the non-technicaly types--- if you have an unlocked iPhone DO NOT upgrade!

Seems like a reasonable message from Apple. They probably don't want another wave of complaints (like w/ the price drop) for pushing an update that is not compatible with all the third party code that they didn't have a hand in.

-
That said: there is always a chance that iPhone owners will be able to reset the phone to stock software, apple the update, and re-unlock the phone with the new firmware... we just won't know until it is released though..... so speculation is pointless.

freelunch

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

OBM — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:00:18 EDT

@mwalker05:

I'm pretty sure that once the phone is unlocked there's no going back, restore won't fix the problem, it didn't change mine anyway.

OBM

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

MMFY — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:00:04 EDT

@bandit:

Apple know EXACTLY what hacks are being used - I doubt their programmers live in a bubble or vacuum. Is it just coincidence that every update so far has "fixed" the jailbreaks? Doubt it! The are just making sure to protect themselves from any action and/or outcry by saying "we warned you", simple.

MMFY

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

je-c — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:58:49 EDT

I'll be waiting to see what happens to everyone else's phones with "Installer" before I update my phone. My iphone has become much more enjoyable with this addition and I'd hate to lose it.

je-c

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

OBM — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:58:41 EDT

why update at all? just leave it as it is and if anything interesting comes out I'm sure the lovely hackers will sort it out for us...

OBM

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

bandit — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:52:16 EDT

If I'm not mistaken, the accurate meaning of "brick" is that the device cannot be restored or reset by any means within the user's control. Apple's notice doesn't indicate whether the problem can be resolved with a reset, and of course they don't know because they don't know what mods you have made to your particular phone.

bandit

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

bandit — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:50:04 EDT

The Gizmodo headline is misleading. Apple says unlocking "may" or "will likely" cause a problem. That's pretty standard stuff; they don't want to deal with problems caused by unlocking. The headline says that it "will brick" and implies that Apple is acting with an intent to shut down the unlocking this week.

bandit

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Canoehead — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:49:45 EDT

I'm sure the impetus is from AT&T - they paid Apple a lot of $$, and they want value from it. I would bet an unlocked iPhone that AT&T is contractually obligated to take steps to protect AT&T's exclusivity. It was a threat couched as a warning, make no mistake.

Canoehead

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Pixelantes Anonymous — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:46:49 EDT

So what's preventing me from reverting the phone to a "virgin" condition before applying any firmware updates and then unlocking it again?

This press release sounds more like FUD designed to scare the clueless.

Pixelantes Anonymous

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

ideaman2020 — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:45:32 EDT

Doesn't it make you wonder why so many people want to buy a phone with so many limitations?

I'm just sayin'...

ideaman2020

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Angus — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:44:30 EDT

correct me if im wrong, but if it does "brick" your iphone, dont you just have to connect it to itunes and reformat?

Angus

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

GizaDog — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:43:58 EDT

I believe ATT is starting to see a hit and cried to Apple. BooHoo!

GizaDog

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

djfred — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:41:28 EDT

They signed an exclusive contract with AT&T that I'm guessing has some sort of provision that requires them to break locks within a specific timespan. I'm not surprised that AT&T is upset since it took Apple a full day to break the non-iTunes ringtone hacks and people like myself have been running around with unlocked iPhones for almost a month now.
It's a cat and mouse game that AT&T will have to give up on eventually but apparently not yet.

djfred

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Grandmasterdibbler — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:37:49 EDT

To me that doesn't sound like a threat, but more of a warning. I'm assuming that Apple are correct when they said that this unlocking software does permanent damage to the iPhone firmware.
This release doesn't read to me like 'if you unlock it, we're going to brick your phone out of malice' to me it seems like ' if you unlock, our updates might brick your phone.' I think that's a pretty subtle difference, but an important one, I don't think this is a threat, I think its a warning to less tech savvy people who think they will be able to unlock their iPhone without consequences, who will subsequently get pissed and blame Apple.

Grandmasterdibbler

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

Jeff_McAwesome — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:35:45 EDT

"Irreperable damage to the phones software"

Huh, I guess I didn't realize that code could be permanently be damaged. Oh, wait. It can't.

Jeff_McAwesome

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

gadgetchic — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:35:07 EDT

only unlocked phones are affected right? because i cannot survive without installer.app

i dont think apple realizes how important those hacked native apps are, they actually make the phone much better by adding features apple for some reason is refusing to include *cough IM cough*

gadgetchic

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

newgalactic — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:33:21 EDT

Will this also effect JailBreaked phones too? If yes... Damn, I was really looking forward to playing Mario on the iPhone I was looking at for Christmas.
...and ring tones of my choice too from mp3's I already own.

newgalactic

Apple Says Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update - What Does It Mean?

LittleBigPlaneteer — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:31:21 EDT

Apple is so bright aren't they? Tell me this, aren't unlocked iPhones actually benefiting Apple more than hurting them? I mean, it opens up the phone to a number of different carriers. Hell, I'm with T-Mobile and was considering getting one because of the ability to unlock. AT&T are the ones that would be taking most of the blow.

LittleBigPlaneteer