Apple Warns Unlocked iPhone Users

Apple has realized that thousands of iPhone users are unlocking their iPhones worldwide. To tackle this situation, they have issued a warning to iPhone users that there is no guarantee that their unlocked phones will continue to function. Once the iPhone is modified, Apple no longer covers its warrantee. Here’s the single paragraph statement from Apple, which warns about unlocking:

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 creators of the unlocking software, iPhone Dev Team, responded back by promising a tool which will restore unlocked iPhone to its factory default state. The new firmware for iPhone, which includes iTunes WiFi music store and other major improvements, is said to be just around the corner; however, unlocked iPhone users have to restrain themselves from updating because it may turn your iPhone into a brick.

Apple has to keep in mind that iPhone is only available in US, and lately, it has been announced to launch in UK. Apple fans from countries like India have no option by to import iPhones from eBay and unlock it. Here consumers have no choice but to pay three times the actual price to get an unlocked iPhone.

[Via: BetaNews]

This post was published by on September 26, 2007

About the Author: Thilak Rao works as a Social Media Expert. He is one of the first professional bloggers from India, and he loves to write, travel and click photos. Follow him on Twitter @thilak

  • http://www.nirmaltv.com Nirmal

    This is one thing expected from Apple. But since the unlocking team has promised some software, it will be tough time for Apple. :-)

  • ScottUA

    I didn’t expect this from Apple. It will be really tough time for them. Thanks for your information

  • http://www.connectedinternet.co.uk/author/timmyj/ TimmyJ

    Duhh….I’m surprised it took this long for Apple to actually make a statement.

  • http://www.boredgames.co.uk boredgames

    The iphone isnt that good anyway

  • http://www.bloggercamp.com Mark Penix

    well i’m glad they’re going to provide a “relocking” program… just hope using THAT program doesn’t void the warranty by the time the update rolls around.

  • Michael

    Iphone not very good
    wispermits.org

  • http://www.squidoo.com/get-a-6pack Get A Six Pack

    No I’m not to keen on the I-Phone either, looks like not many people are..

  • http://www.techlivez.com Shashank
  • http://www.greyhatindia.com Anirudh Sharma

    Apple first generation products usually suck!
    look at iPhone: all sensors and multitouch, nothing else. Apple couldn’t manage to fit in a speaker that one could hear to.

    I am waiting for a decent enough phone from Google, the G-Phone. I’ll love to see Android up and running, after all that would be Open Source, and promoting hacking.
    Unlike Apple, The more you hack it the more they will love it :)

  • http://www.boredgames.co.uk/ boredgames

    The iphone isnt that good anyway