iPhone 3G will need 'unbricking' when purchased?

This shiny new iPhone 3G might actually be an expensive brick unless activated in an authorized store.

(Credit: Apple)

More signs are emerging that Apple is taking new steps to restrict iPhone hacking with the release of the iPhone 3G.

AppleInsider got its hands on a memo sent to AT&T retail employees that warns them to be on the lookout for a special iTunes "unbricking" utility that was supposed to be pushed to the computers of all retail employees last week. According to the memo, "this icon is for the iTunes utility that will be used for unbricking iPhone 3G devices during the activation process. ... Please note, this is not a full version of iTunes and is for use with activations ONLY. Employees should not use this software until Launch Day."

A similar memo was distributed to employees of Rogers, Canada's besieged iPhone carrier, according to a post in the forums of iphoneincanada.ca. That memo also suggests that the iPhone 3G will need to be physically connected to the in-store computer to be activated.

We already knew that the (mostly) convenient at-home activation process that was used for last year's iPhone launch was out this time around. It appears that every iPhone 3G will have to be activated in the store at the time of purchase, and all buyers will have to sign a two-year contract to boot, before it can be taken home.

But what hasn't been clear is whether Apple has taken any additional steps beyond the activation process to deter iPhone unlocking. Since March or so, iPhone hackers have been able to get control of the iPhone by getting around the way the iPhone checks for a security certificate before loading code into the system, rather than trying to work around each firmware update as it is released.

The AT&T memos suggest that Apple is shipping the iPhone 3Gs as "bricked" devices, which brings back memories of the bricked iPhones that resulted after some folks unlocked their iPhones and then downloaded the 1.1.1 software update. It's currently possible to hack an iPhone before it's activated on a cell network and unlock it to run on a different GSM network from the one it was intended, but if the iPhone 3G ships to stores as bricked, that might not be possible.

With the release of formal iPhone applications, it's been interesting to wonder how unofficial iPhone development projects would continue. There's little doubt groups like the iPhone Dev Team will continue to build applications that Apple decides are not allowed in the App Store, but they might have an uphill battle if Apple has changed the way the iPhone 3G works.

The retail employees of both Apple and AT&T might also have an uphill battle on their hands trying to get all the iPhone 3G devices unbricked and activated on July 11, the first day the phones go on sale. Silicon Alley Insider notes a survey by RBC Capital Markets indicated that 56 percent of those looking to buy a smartphone in the next 90 days want an iPhone 3G, which is in line with what CNET News.com readers said in our own poll earlier this year.

[Galaxy5]

I sincerely hope there is a solution less kludgey than this mess. They're going to struggle mightily to get people through the stores if these reports are true, and it'll be a blemish on Apple for two reasons - first, you destroy the added value and delight of unboxing the phone yourself, and second, you won't be able to get in and out of the store with your phone quickly - nor will you be able to give an iPhone as a gift.

[tashman]

So the iPhone is worth all of this. I think not. People put down the kool-aid, walk away from the grass field, I'm sure your family members miss you.

Geez, I thought Microsoft was bad, this is ridiculus.

tim

[Perry_Clease]

I am a little suspicious of the memos, would they use the term "unbricking" when they could use unlock or something more corporate sounding. I am not saying that the iPhones will not need to be processed by the cell carrier before it they can be used, just questioning the use of "unbricking" Whatever, in a week and half we will know.

[Ronlap]

I would like to venture a guess that since iPhone 2.0 software just went GM a couple of days ago and the phones probably shipped from China about a month ago, that perhaps they are completely generic and sans OS but in a state where new software can be loaded onto them. This was different where iPhone 1.0 was already set up for one carrier.

Note that Palm has specific Treo software loads for specific carriers, and perhaps iTunes cannot handle activating/updating the phone until the base Carrier-specific OS and settings are loaded.

If this were the case, the phone might be 100% worthless outside of the store and couldn't be unlocked anyway.

[bwvla]

Theirs irony that Mac's first ad was a 1984 knock off, and now Apple is the one that wants us in single file lines where we all get the same.

I've enjoyed my iPhone 1.0, If viewed as a platform the iPhone has amazing potential, especially if a certain percentage of it is left open.

I cant help but be disappointed with Apple's neurotic need to control control every iota iPhone beyond a point which is reasonable. While I understand their desire to present a quality experience, there is a point where its less about quality and more about things less noble.

Would you be pleased with a car that "exclusively" takes Exxon gas, or it will brick itself? And that same car can only have after market cup holders if bought from the dealership only or it will brick itself.

I think its fair for them to say the warranty is void if you use another network or install 3rd party apps from a source other than the iStore. But to deny customers the right to use bought property as they wish starts pushing authoritarian buttons.

[MadLyb]

So, purchase any other phone from AT&T and activate it from your home. Buy the 3G and have to go to a store (the nearest one is 50 miles from my house)? I am so glad I am not buying one of these.

[Galaxy5]

I shouldn't have to wait to get plans from ATT/Apple before I figure out how next Friday is going to be planned out. Since I'll be out of town for an extended period starting the 13th, I'd like to get my 3G soon after the start of sales, but I don't know if I need to take time off to queue up, etc.

[dsstroud]

I am glad I purchased the original iphone now. I bought it on opening day and was in and out and very easily activated at home. Despite my desire for 3G and GPS, will probably hold off on upgrading the hardware to the iphone 3G and be satisfied with my free 2.0 software update. With all the features and third party software it will be like getting a new phone without the hassle and chaos that will mar July 11 and beyond. Some suggested the original iphone would now be worthless. I would say the draconian activation policy will make these phones much more valuable now.

[richto]

Im sure the unbricking utlity will be across Bit Torrent before the phone is even in the stores

[luckyblank]

Imagine if Microsoft had done this for their OEM units. Yowch!

Iphone will get my money as soon as they allow phone calls through WiFi at no charge, and no Data plan sub to use the whole thing. Doubleplusunbrick!