Apple, AT&T foiled again: iPhone 3G unlocked

Despite the best efforts of Apple and AT&T, it appears that the latest version of the iPhone has been unlocked via the same method as used on the original iPhone.

A Brazilian blog, TechGuru, posted the first report of it. Gizmodo checked it out, and said the method involves using a special SIM card adapter. It tricks the phone into thinking it's on an approved network.

"This method forges the International Mobile Subscriber Identity, making the phone believe it's working in the network in which it's supposed to work," Gizmodo writes.

If you speak Portuguese, please enjoy the video demonstrating the working unlocked phone below:

[bobmarleypeople]

Just what I was waiting for. Now to buy an iPhone ^_^

(oh and I'm in the UK so it's a little easier to get hold of an iPhone without signing a contract)

[Someone-else]

that's that only thing Brazilians know(BTW, i'm also from Brazil), cracking stuff like that
too bad the iPhone here costs more than US$1000 (the old one, i couldn't find the 3G for sale yet, and i doubt it'll cost less than the old one), that's why i'm still using my old Samsung c400

[coderxpert]

I think that Apple is actually pretty stupid.

They could be making all the money selling the iPhone without a contract in countries like Brazil, or even in the US, but no, they like to play a childish "hard-to-get" game, which only make crooks rich. They could actually sell the new iphone 3G for about US$500 in Brazil and a lot of people would buy it. Instead, they let crooks get away with selling them for over US$1,000, so LAME!

I'm actually pretty pissed because I currently have ATT, and cannot get the new iPhone because I am not "eligible" for a phone upgrade until Sept/2009... I guess I could get one for $399 (early upgrade price for the 8GB - an extra $200), but who would? This is freaking crazy!

[purcell429]

Ummm.... how does this screw over AT&T? So you can unlock it, and use it on who's network exactly? AT&T has the only GSM 3G network in the US. I guess you could make calls with it on T-Mobile and use Wi-Fi, but what the hell is the point?

[GameOvR]

Did you forget about TMobile? Thats GSM. Also by unlocking it, its very useful for travelling because than you can just swap SIM cards. Do your research!

[grj]

I'm new to the iPhone discussions, but I understand that I can buy an unlocked iPhone. That being the case, I can hook up with any provider? What about the iPhone oinly features?

If I understand, the purpose is to get around ATT's contract. Can I then use my iPhone on verizion? Can I get the other features that are iPhones alone? Are there limitations on my new iPhone?

Just questions....

[JdotRperiod]

It will once Tmobile rolls out it's 3G officially in Oct.

[sr4372]

i could care less about the 3g part,,, what is good about the iphone 3g for me is the upgraded earpiece and speaker on the phone itself compared to the first gen...
the sound quality and volume are much better on the new 3g ,, its the hardware i care about , i can use the unlocked better sounding 3g iphone on my 2g network and be a happy camper.

[damnseabee]

Verizon wireless has 3G network in US. I have and use it since Jan 08.

[Big_Dick_Little]

Verizon is not a GSM/3G network it uses EVDO

[brianmedia]

But Verizon does not have a GSM 3G HSPDA/UMTS network, which is what the iPhone runs on.

[JTungs]

damnseabee... He said GSM 3G. Verizon wireless is CDMA and cannot support the iPhone.

[italopaula]

Most BRazilian networks are GSM. So this is an advatage for them.

[italopaula]

Translation of the video:
"Hey Guys! Today is July 14th 8:49am." points to the iphone
"Show here... the unlocked Iphone 3G. It's totally unlocked, for those in the online community who didnt believe it. We won it (we made it)! "
Zooms to the iphone
"Just for you all to see... General... About.. TIM Brasil (a network in Brazil... kind of like AT&T)... Version 2.0... Serial Number... E-mail... everything very pretty. Firmware... everything 3g.. for real."
"To prove to you it's really working I will call myself. This is my own line here in the office."
Dials the phone
"There you go people. It's working. Unlocked 3G!"
"Now I'm gonna prove you that the SIM card that's in here is my card. The TIM SIM card."
"Crap... the 2.0 is locking up on me... ok. Here we go" Dials "There you go. The first unlocked 3G phone in the world! Brazilians - the first one. Just to show you again... here... the applications... Apple store, so you can buy games..."
Should the logo on the wall
"Show who made it. Desbloqueobr. Thanks"

[bunelan]

thnx for the translation, but um.. so since the sim card isnt atts sim is it always gonna be locking like it happend to the guy??

[drkleener]

Brazil rocks!!! Apple sucks!!! People dies, people f...s!!!

[gmon750]

How is this even relevant now? So it can be unlocked. So what? In order to buy a 3G iPhone, you have to purchase a 2-year contract (or whatever international contract) in order to take the iPhone out the door. Please correct me if I'm wrong but Apple & carrier already got their $$ from you.

Only way this is even relevant now is if they managed to get their hands on a non-contracted 3G iPhone that somehow got unbricked at purchase or they unlocked a 2.0 upgraded iPhone 2G model which is no longer sold new.

[italopaula]

How's this relevant? People can travel all over the world with their iPhone... in a GSM network... People can buy used iPhones 3g's on ebay... etc

[mrglsmrc]

it means iphones will be stolen from apple stores because now there is an effective black market all over the world. expect shortages and price hikes.

[bugma302]

Coming Soon............The Open Phone from Psystar............maybe not.

[kak6190]

so where can we get this sim adapter from??

[JustinDoDrop]

Outstanding! I just love unlocked phones! Whew Yoo!
www.FireMe.To/udi

[bobnoxiouss]

This is relevant because of the excessive roaming fees charged by ATT and for people who have to travel or work abroad for extended periods. I am from the USA have an original iphone contract but working in brazil for at least a year, and an unlock makes my situation much easier.

[inachu]

When will we be able to play quake on our iphones?

COMMON ID SOFTWARE!

[Lucky Bob]

"I'm actually pretty pissed because I currently have ATT, and cannot get the new iPhone because I am not "eligible" for a phone upgrade until Sept/2009... I guess I could get one for $399 (early upgrade price for the 8GB - an extra $200), but who would? This is freaking crazy!"

Well who are you mad at? Yourself for signing a two year contract when you did? Or are you ticked at ATT? Because if that's the case, why would ATT give you another subsidized phone when you're already in a two-year contract?

[livecrunch]

I knew it was coming! I I mean Apple can say whatever they want but I don't know any of the phones that aren't unlocked now days.
Also you should see my post about it and see the interesting question I asked people what do they think about unlocked iphone 3g:
http://tinyurl.com/iphoneunlocked

[johnqh]

This unlock has been available online for months. It works on most GSM phone. It changes the Sim card signal before it reaches the phone, so it has nothing to do with iPhone, Blackberry, WM or any phone.

You can get it online for $8.