Owners of unlocked iPhones hosed by software update

Well, you can't say they didn't warn you.

Apple released an update for the iPhone on Thursday that brings the Wi-Fi Music Store to the device, as well as several security fixes and enhanced features. But, as expected, it also turns iPhones that were unlocked to run on cellular networks other than AT&T's into little more than emergency call boxes.

Macworld reported two iPhones in its office with SIM (subscriber identity module) hacks did not work after the update was installed. A message prompted the phone's owner to install "an unlocked and valid SIM card" before the phone could be completely activated. It's almost like the phone was in the same pre-activation limbo stage that frustrated many iPhone users waiting for activation the first weekend the device went on sale.

Gizmodo is reporting that both the original SIM cards as well as new SIM cards from AT&T won't work in iPhones that had been activated with the original SIM card, then unlocked from the network. That could present a huge problem for iPhone owners who thought they could get around the reactivation process by getting a new AT&T SIM card.

Other reports are trickling in of similar experiences. It appears that those who downloaded the "jailbreaking" software application that lets you install third-party software aren't running into the same problems if they are still using AT&T's network. However, they are reporting that their third-party applications have vanished upon reactivation.

Did you hack your iPhone, and have you had similar problems after installing the latest update? Let us know.

Apple gave hacked iPhone owners another warning that they might have trouble with the latest software update, and many did.

(Credit: Apple)

[jeffreylebowskijr]

OK Apple fans, tell the truth...

If big bad ol' Microsoft did something like this, you'd all be crying foul, right?<br /><br />For the record, I like both Apple &#38; Microsoft products, but I find it interesting that there's so little outcry when Apple "patches" something that breaks it for a lot of folks.<br /><br />Just sayin'

[fmeckel]

Just correctin'

Microsoft's patches, attempt to fix things that are wrong with the software. Every now and then the patches have a conflict and lost of users are affected. This patch, among other things, keeps the user from using the phone outside of the terms under which they purchased the phone. People that are using the iPhone within the terms of purchase are not seeing their phones turn into bricks.

[Lee in San Diego]

How many?

Specifically how many is a "lot of folks?"

[Penguinisto]

Here you be:

On one hand, sure - if it were a computer, music player, or other item which doesn't require a contract to purchase.<br /><br />On the other? Nope - at least in the US, if a cell/mobile device is locked to a contract, you agreed to that contract when you bought the item. If you step outside the bounds of that contract, you do so at your own risk. <br /><br />If Apple sold unlocked phones and an update bricked it, then yes, Apple would be at fault and would/should be fully liable.<br /><br />Does that answer your question?<br /><br />/P

[edgedesign]

No crying here

First off... an 'Apple fan' could care less about Microsoft causing havoc with <br />it's users. It's amusing if anything.<br /><br />Second, Apple and AT&#38;T clearly stated from the get go that cracking the <br />iPhone to use on other networks was at the user's risk and most likely <br />would be problematic down the road.<br /><br />Third, Apple again gave ample warning about consequences of the <br />impending update just a few days before it's release. This was an <br />opportunity for smart hackers to avoid any immediate problems. I won't be <br />surprised if someone discovers a temporary workaround, but either way <br />hackers where warned more than once.<br /><br />Fourth, Apple did not 'brick' iPhones hacked to run third-party software. <br />Instead the installed extras where wiped from the device. They could have <br />disabled those as well if they wanted.<br /><br />This move does not compare with Microsoft disabling Quicktime or Real <br />Player in an effort to boost it's own substandard media technology. One of <br />many covert moves that ultimately landed them in court on both sides of <br />the pond.<br /><br />iPhone owner

[WCat]

Lots of folks? Get real!

"...when Apple 'patches' something that breaks it for a lot of <br />folks."<br /><br />You really think "lots of folks" SIM-unlocked their iPhones? <br />Compared to the numbers of folks who didn't do this, I'll bet it's <br />a very small percentage. I'd be shocked to hear that it was even <br />1,000 people out of the 1,000,000 or so that have been sold. <br />Less than one percent who decided to take a chance that (cross <br />fingers) Apple doesn't add features that are incompatible with a <br />hack. Yeah, sure. <br /><br />Exactly where did Apple fail you in this process, dude? Did the <br />sales guy whisper to you that, um, you *might* be able to screw <br />with a complex piece of electronic gear and that there'd be no <br />risk to it far into the foggy future, updates 'n all?<br /><br />Geez!

[HartDev]

haha I know

I knew ever since I had my iPod that Apple was up to no good, I mean iTunes, holy cow! Let me manage my fre@king music already, and I can choose which songs leave and which song go! <br /><br />I had to have and iPhone to get rid of the palm pilot, phone and iPod, but I am considering giving someone $500 more dollars to replace the OS completely!

[jimmyhoops]

iSuck!

Sucks for unlocked phone users who need to update their <br />software. But I'm sure there are already hackers working on the <br />latest 'update'. This is one thing that I have hated about all <br />crApple products since day 1. They are entirely too proprietary <br />in thier software applications and this translates into living in <br />the world created by Apple or not at all.<br /><br />Personally I won't buy an iPhone for these reasons or until thier <br />network capabilties excel beyond all others. Sorry Apple...no <br />sale here!

[nouser]

You sure do

If you expected to screw with a product in a way that not only <br />violates the license agreement you agreed to and knowingly risk <br />the future use of this device even after being warned by the <br />manufacturer then you deserve what you get. And sympathy is <br />not forthcoming, from me anyway. This almost qualifies for a <br />Darwin Award.<br /><br />Anyone honestly not see this coming?<br /><br />THe iPhone is the finest cellphone and music player I've ever had <br />the good fortune to use. The others are not even close.

[UrbanBard]

Thank you for not buying Apple.

We old time Apple customer prefer not to have you among our <br />ranks. Go buy a Linux phone.

[MadKiwi]

Apple didn't break it...

... the users did. By hacking their phones they deliberately broke the software licence they agreed to when buying the phone. I have difficulty finding any sympathy for them now that their phones no longer work in their hacked state.

[lingsun]

They paid full price for it. Apple deliberately destroyed it.

It isn't like Apple sold someone an iPhone at a subsidized price. Once they bought the iPhone it should've been theirs to use as they wanted. If Microsoft did this, people would call for a congressional investigation. There should be a class-action lawsuit over this.

[close5828]

Oh please, you're a moron...

Somehow, I sympathize more w/ the consumer who spent $500 on a product that is intentionally bricked by the company on purpose--that despot in Cupertino somehow rationalized the $200 iPhone "tax" until the Board called him at home (so to speak). "....uhh...ppl are angry and this could hurt us, as well as future sales..." Duh!<br /><br />Microsoft is deactivating Xbox 360s from using XBL, but you can still play games (offline) on it--they aren't killing the consoles, just the online activity.<br /><br />This update kills the entire iPhone, period...tell me where Apple is so much different or better of a company? I missed that part.

[sjkx]

blame

Yep, it's really that simple but some people using the iPhone hacks <br />(more than those actually creating them) seem so eager to find <br />someone to blame for their lack of responsibility.

[john55440]

Apple are control freaks...

Apple is all about unilaterally deciding what customers can/can't do. They like their products closed and controlled.

[UrbanBard]

And what's wrong with that?

Apple tightly controls its hardware and software to provide a <br />great user experience. It wasn't as though Apple lied to you <br />about the situation or didn't warn you.<br /><br />You thought you could get away with pulling a fast one. You <br />weren't as smart as you thought you were.<br /><br />Get this through your brain: Apple isn't Wintel. Stop treating it as <br />thought it were.

[Nodack]

Didn't they warn you?

Apple doosn't want their iPhones to be unlocked. They have <br />agreements with AT&#38;T and now European companies for <br />exclusive use. Apple didn't invent this phenomenon. In my area I <br />had to go to Cingular to get the Treo I wanted and the Black <br />razor my wife wanted. <br /><br />Apple has made it abundantly clear that they will do everything <br />in their power to stop their iPhones from being hacked.<br /><br />"Owners of unlocked iPhones hosed by software update,"<br /><br />No duh.

[close5828]

Wow, permenantly? Thanks Steve!

Glad I returned mine and got a Blackberry.

[sbwinn]

Two questions for Apple bashers

1) Exactly what GSM networks have you been using your hacked <br />iPhone on? Sprint? Verizon? They are both CDMA2000. AT&#38;T <br />is the only large GSM network in the US. If you are getting GSM <br />through another carrier they are probably getting it from AT&#38;T <br />and their data plan probably costs more. <br /><br />2) Have you hacked your Xbox lately? Microsoft goes to <br />extraordinary lengths to make sure you can't do anything out of <br />the ordinary with their consumer electronics. You can install <br />Linux on an iPod but not your Xbox. <br /><br />For a carrier (like AT&#38;T) to have initial exclusive access to a <br />particular phone (like the iPhone) is standard business practice <br />(see Treo 650, LG Chocolate, etc). Nearly all of the high demand <br />phones start out that way.

[Tiger1964]

More than AT&T

I don't have an iPhone and do not want one. But the statement that AT&#38;T is the only large GSM carrier in the US is false. AT&#38;T is not even a "big" player in my area. T-Mobile and Centennial are. I'm sure that many people all over the US have the same issue...T-Mobile or regional carriers.

[john55440]

T-Mobile USA is GSM

&gt;AT&#38;T is the only large GSM network in the US.<br /><br />Wrong. T-Mobile USA is GSM.<br /><br />In my region, T-Mobile is #1 in J.D. Power wireless customer statisfaction ratings. AT&#38;T is tied for last place.

[jelloburn]

In regards to the Xbox

I was thinking the same thing about hacks and the Xbox. <br /><br />I don't remember hearing massive public outcry when Microsoft <br />would not allow users who hacked their Xboxes on to the Xbox <br />Live Servers. <br /><br />If you are going to hack hardware and/or software, you need to <br />be ready to face the consequences. None of this is anybody's <br />fault except for those who decided it would be a good idea to <br />hack their iPhones. If you're going to play with the big boys and <br />hack your devices, you need to act like a big boy when your <br />device stops working. Whining about something that you caused <br />is nothing more than self pity.<br /><br />Get over it.

[SeizeCTRL]

Think Before You Speak

I mean honestly, THINK is part of your guys moto right?<br /><br />T Mobile is GSM, any one with mediocre intelligence is aware of this fact. <br /><br />As for Linux on an X Box... my god man, where have you been living for the last few years? If you want, I can teach you how to use Google or Yahoo to search for things like "XBOX LINUX" and help you understand the results. It may come as a shock to you, but people have been doing this for quite some time.

[J. Blow]

unlocking very handing for travel

Unlocked phones allow you to buy a local SIM when traveling. If you have traveling internationlly you know just how common it is to get a huge bill if you don't do this.

[sbwinn]

Yes T-Mobile uses GSM, but. . .

T-Mobile is GSM but it is on higher, more readily blocked <br />frequencies. They came to the party late and had to buy what <br />bit of the spectrum they still could. As a result their service can <br />be spotty, especially indoors. If they have wonderful awards for <br />customer service, it isn't because they have beaten the laws of <br />physics. I read they were looking to offer WiFi phone service in <br />hot spots? Doesn't that say something about their network <br />quality?<br /><br />Microsoft has a HUGE interest in locking down the Xbox. They <br />are selling consoles at a loss to try and recoup their investment <br />in the game sales. If you are modding it and playing all your <br />games for free, or running Apache on your new Xbox instead of <br />buying and playing (but especially buying) MS games, how <br />excited are they going to be about that? If they aren't any good <br />at locking it down that's just one more problem for them. <br /><br />I notice nobody decided to take me to task on carriers with <br />exclusive rights to popular phones. Maybe because it is <br />undeniably true. The question becomes, why should it be such <br />a big deal if Apple makes an effort to maintain that exclusivity? <br /><br />For the record, I don't like the idea of a locked iPhone. I think <br />the European countries that require phones to be sold unlocked <br />are doing the right thing. Trouble is that here in the US we have <br />incompatible, expensive to build and maintain, networks <br />fighting it out. Competition is good, but competition with open <br />standards is better. For the US, unfortunately, the skunk is <br />already out of the bag.

[user11440]

Dude AT&#38;T isnt even in my area. We are srtuck to two crappy GSM carriers so for those who want to get an iphone its not very convinient. Apple are control fraks and thats final!!!

[gefitz]

No sympathy...

First of all- "WAH! I PAID THREE MILLION DOLLARS FOR MY NEETO THINGY, I WANT IT TO WORK HOW I WANT IT TO WORK!" Get over it and find something better to do, or just grab another three million dollars and buy another one, sucker.<br /><br />Second of all - If you did "sidegrade" your iPhone, you should have been smart enough to realize that Apple's products all check into the mothership at some point, and at that point you'd be hosed...<br /><br />No sympathy. If you want flexibility, you know where to get it, and that certainly isn't with Apple.

[boltthrower55]

why am i not suprised

so here's my question<br /><br />When does Apple get the monopoly suit slapped against them?

[TNCLR]

Monopoly?

What on Earth are you talking about? Please find the closest <br />dictionary and look up the word "monopoly".

[Lee in San Diego]

Apple has a monopoly

On the iPhone, but not on cell phones. If you don't like the terms of <br />the iPhone, buy another model of phone/PDA

[overmonk]

Not a big deal.

This is not a big deal, and Mac users know it. They hacked it once. They'll hack it again. I use an ipod and my Mom has a macbook pro she bought on my recommendation - I'm indebted to MS for my job, so I use their products quite a lot. Microsoft users expect, largely, to have eve3rything handed to them exactly the way they want it. Mac users will start tweaking their brand new Mac just as soon as it powers up to get it the way they want it. Mac users aren't up in arms for a few good reasons. 1. They hacked it once, and it didn't take that long, and they have an update to reverse engineer against. 2. Not every iPhone user unlocked their phones - I bet fewer than 10000 did it. That's a drop in the pond - barely audible on the world stage. 3. They secretly love it - they made a HUGE corporation flinch, and the game is ON. Sure, it's a brick for now, but not forever.

[SeizeCTRL]

Blah Blah Blah

This is exactly why Mac users annoy the ever living **** out of me. <br /><br />You guys are such elitist pigs who think you are smarter than every one else. <br /><br />Do you really think every Mac user starts tinkering and tweaking their system? Do you really think Windows and Linux users are incapable of tweaking and tinkering? <br /><br />From our perspective you guys are blind and clueless and will buy anything with an Apple logo branded on it. You don't expect anything, you could care less just as long as it's made by Apple.<br /><br />Think about it, how quick was WGA hacked on Windows? There are so many hacked warez versions of XP out there, from the minimalistic installs that are 150mb to DVD iso's that contain every version of XP or Vista plus all the included updates.<br /><br />So get off your high horse, Mac users do not corner the market on tweaking, tinkering or hacking...

[sjsobol]

No other GSM provider? Excuse me,

I and my quad-band GSM Nokia 6133 beg to differ.<br /><br />My 6133 is running on T-Mobile, which is not as big as at&#38;t, but it's not small either; I believe they're #4, and they're 1900 MHz GSM throughout the US.<br /><br />T-Mo also has a huge presence overseas, being a unit of Deutsche Telekom in Germany, and they're GSM out there too.

[jdelaney60]

Agreed!

I'll stick with my Blackberry 8800 and iPod Nano over spending STUPID money on a device that ISN'T all that cool. Those of you wasting the money to get the iPhone deserve what you get for circumventing the rules. I know that's a big word, but you'll eventually figure it out.

[Partsguy19]

Well..

All I have to say is..... AHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA

[jbsiegelmd]

YOU HACKED IT, APPLE DELIVERED AS PROMISED

OK, so you unlocked your iPhone for the joy of using the T-<br />Mobile network...or just to prove it could be done. You turned <br />your iPhone into a brick when you applied the update that Apple <br />warned would turn an unlocked phone into a paperweight. <br /><br />And you're surprised and unhappy?<br /><br />You bought a device with a 2 year commitment to ATT that you <br />agreed to. That's legal and common. It's NOT a monopoly issue <br />as someone quesitoned earlier.... <br /><br />Why complain? Apple and ATT have delivered what was <br />promised and contracted to.

[mrmattman68]

Funny how it's turning out 2 years later! It's sad that alot of you couldn't see it as a monolopy in 07!

[Vegaman_Dan]

Who owns that iPhone again?

I think Apple has very clearly demonstrated their true feelings towards consumers.<br /><br />Sure, you own the phone, but you have no right to use it without Apple's permission... which they have shown they can and will take away from you.<br /><br />Got a third party app? Not anymore- Apple decided for you that you don't have the right to have it.<br /><br />Want to use another network or believe in freedom of choice? Sorry, not with Apple. <br /><br />Apple is in control here, not you. Do not adjust your iPhone. They control the vertital. They control the horizontal. This is....<br /><br />The iPhone Zone.

[rcrusoe]

re: but you have no right to use it

kind of like every kind of drm'd music and video you've purchased?<br /><br />Welcome to the digital world of multi-vendor contracts.<br /><br />No TMobile on your iPhone, no backing up your DVDs, no playing certain videos on your Vista machine without a drm compliant monitor.<br /><br />You don't have to like it, but for now, you've got to expect it.

[fshepinc]

Oh Please!

It appears the usual gang of Apple haters is angry that the usual <br />gang of Apple fans aren't up in arms over this. Neither Apple nor <br />AT&#38;T violated their agreements or contracts. The users who <br />hacked their phones &lt;did&gt; violate their contracts. If their <br />iPhones are now bricks they have no one to blame but <br />themselves. They were warned every step of the way and chose <br />to hack the phone anyway. <br /><br />This isn't about Apple being a monopoly, or keeping people <br />from making choices. Most major new phones get exclusive <br />contracts with specific carriers. Apple isn't the first or the last to <br />do this. The people who are whining now are a bunch of <br />petulant, self-indulgent crybabies who feel they have the right <br />to have everything the way they want it -regardless of the <br />legality or ethics of the situation. "I want an iPhone and I want it <br />on T-Mobile, so I should have that!" -Who cares about things <br />like patents, copyrights, contracts, or license agreements. The <br />only thing that matters is what &lt;they&gt; want.<br /><br />Maybe if we give them milk and cookies and have them take a <br />nice nap they'll wake up in a better mood...

[ethana2]

Not you.

'Sure, you own the phone' no. Wrong.<br /><br />...but it depends on your definition of 'own' doesn't it? My definition clearly excludes the iPhone. --which is why I will simply _not_ buy one.<br /><br />Open Moko/ Gphone FTW.

[UrbanBard]

All manufacturers have limits on their product's use.

What percentage of iPhone owners want to hack their phones <br />anyway-- 1%?<br /><br />OOOOOH, 1 percent of iPhone buyers are disgruntled. I'm sure <br />Apple is distraught. It must be quaking in its boots.<br /><br />Meanwhile, over 85% of iPhone buyers are satisfied or very <br />satisfied with their purchase. Guess who Apple cares about? You <br />hackers or them? <br /><br />I expect that three to four million iphones will be sold over the <br />Christmas quarter. I'd guess Apple can do without your support. <br />We can do without your whining.

[swctexas]

GIVE ME A BREAK YOU WHINERS!

I am sick of whiners who do something like buy an iPhone <br />knowing damn good and well it has restrictions AND THE IDIOTS <br />BUY IT WITH THE HOPE OF GETTING AROUND IT then whine and <br />talk about evil Apple when something goes wrong.<br /><br />There is a point of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY much akin to <br />putting money in a slot machine knowing full well you MAY lose <br />it! And then, just because the bad Casino is a big corporation <br />you want your money back? GET REAL<br /><br />Apple has no liability to IDIOTS who bought the phone hoping <br />to hack it morally or legally! YOU KNEW WHAT THE DEAL WAS <br />WHEN YOU BOUGHT THE PHONE MORONS!<br /><br />And if you couldn't afford the AT&#38;T exclusive program to <br />activate it and keep it activated, you couldn't afford the phone to <br />begin with!<br /><br />People who buy high performance cars have to pay for premium <br />gas. It's just the reality. And you don't go whining to a car <br />company when you bought it KNOWING IT WOULD COST MORE <br />TO RUN IT!<br /><br />I'm sick of whining little ninnies who want things to always be <br />their way, in their favor with no regard for the consequences if <br />THEY CHOOSE to do something outside of the manufacturer's <br />requirements.<br /><br />IF YOU THINK IT WAS WRONG FOR APPLE TO REQUIRE AT&#38;T <br />ACTIVATION....DON'T BUY THE PHONE TO BEGIN WITH YOU <br />IDIOT!<br /><br />You did not suddenly wake up and find "EUREKA"....my phone <br />doesn't work.<br /><br />YOU WERE TOLD!<br /><br />NOW LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR CHOICES AND <br />QUIT WHINING TO THE REST OF US WHO UNDERSTOOD THE <br />DEAL AND DID IT RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING!<br /><br />WHAT A BUNCH OF SISSIES!

[swctexas]

AND ALSO....THE HEADLINE OF THIS ARTICLE IS MISLEADING AND BIASED

APPLE DIDN'T HOSE ANYONE!<br /><br />EVERYONE KNEW THE RULES WHEN THEY BOUGHT THE PHONE!<br /><br />ONLY IDIOTS WHO TRIED TO BREAK THEM HOSED THEMSELVES!<br /><br />NO SYMPATHY....NO MERCY!

[nouser]

Well Said

+1

[sbeat]

It seems to me...

that its failure on the consumer's part for crippling their iPhone. <br />If they had read Apple's software license agreement for the <br />iPhone, they would have known that. Of course, everyone would <br />have had to click on the "I agree" button so they did legally say <br />they agree to the terms and conditions...<br /><br />What's amusing to me is that people still updated their phone <br />even with the BOLD line that says modifications to the iPhone <br />software will result in the iPhone becoming "PERMANENTLY <br />INOPERABLE."<br /><br />So, the second fault occurred when once more blindly pushing a <br />button (in this case the "Next" one).

[rcrusoe]

Have it our way

"Well, you can't say they didn't warn you." I agree.<br /><br />I've been hacking every kind of box you can image since the PDP-11 and I purchased my iPhone with the expectation of using it as is.<br /><br />Why? A couple of reasons. The primary being best describe by Tim O'Reilly when he writes:<br /><br />"Apple's insistence on controlling the user experience really does pay off, versus the fragmented, siloed experience of most phone applications -- with the phone manufacturer, the carrier, and the app developer all hobbled by the business firewalls of the carrier's making.<br /><br />Is the iPhone my perfect device? Nope. I won't be happy until I can sync my To Do's.<br /><br />But if today's uber update proved anything to me, it's that Steve &#38; Co. apparently built in a pretty good software upgrade path. So I'm expecting more wanted features to flow through iTunes in the future.<br /><br />In the meantime, perhaps all the modder's out there should listen to the manufacturer rather than to each other. It appears Apple knows what they are doing - whether we like it or not.<br /><br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://radar.oreilly.com/archives/2007/09/i_love_my_iphon.html" target="_newWindow">http://radar.oreilly.com/archives/2007/09/i_love_my_iphon.html</a>

[mandelbomb]

What about Virgin Mobile

I don't know why the arguement. There are lots of similar companies doing the same thing. What about Virgin Mobile. I can't unlock their phones to use on another network, nor can I install my own applications on them. <br /><br />Really Whats the difference!

[zanely]

You broke it, you own it

What moron would hack a company's software and then try to apply a standard version update to the code they just screwed up? doh!

[bvdon]

an idiot would update after hacking

Only an idiot would hack a phone, then try to update the <br />software.... and a liberal idiot would then whine about it and <br />threaten lawsuits. Conservatives would just take their lumps and <br />buy another phone.<br /><br />Me? I let the suckers figure it out for a year or so, then I buy a <br />phone when they are cheap and all the cool tricks are stable.