Comments on: Apple: Next iPhone update could break unlocked phones

If you hacked your iPhone to run it on a network other than AT&T's, the next iPhone software update could leave you with an iBrick, Apple said Monday.

[Renegade Knight]

It's Not a Two Way Street

We have the right to unlock our phones. Apple does not have the right to lock them once we own them.

[allieguard]

Yes it is

You may have _bought_ and now _own_ the physical iPhone, but
you only _licensed_ the software and there are definite and specific
limitations to that license. You can't buy the software. If you
bought it, then Apple couldn't sell it to anyone else without your
permission. It may be harsh and it may be undesirable, but it is
clearly legal. If you want an unlocked iPhone, develop and build
your own, but don't steal Apple's.

[nachurboy]

Half-way true

Actually, you have a right to do whatever you want with your phone. But, as they said, you give up the right to have service, including software updates and warranty work. Apple isn't saying don't hack it. They're just saying if you hack it, don't expect any future support.

[imacpwr]

4 out of 5 SPONSORED LINKS below for unlocking iPhones

How hilariously ironic is that...!!!!

[close5828]

Apple is worse than MS

If Apple was as big as Microsoft, they'd be 10x worse....

Not only do they sock it to the early adopters w/ a $200 "early adopter tax" but they also keep those who pay Apple's outrageous prices from using it on anyone elses' network.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Who owns that iPhone?

If Apple is allowed to go in remotely and remove the functionality of the phone because you chose not to use the Apple-approved cell provider, then it raises the question of who actually owns the iPhone?

This could be a dangerous precedent if they get away with it.

But the argument made that you own the hardware and Apple owns the OS running on it is a valid one. Not one that I like, but I can understand it.

Interesting.

[imacpwr]

Re: Who owns that iPhone?

quote: "So, be forewarned: if you hacked your iPhone, you might
want to hold off on installing this week's update unless you're
willing to go back to using AT&T's network."

Read the WHOLE article (the quote's the last paragraph), it
doesn't sound as if Apple is doing the update remotely.

[umbrae]

Apple is such a liar...

"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,"

Bullsh... They are just protecting the AT&T contract, and are willing to break iPhones to do it. I cannot believe some people are still so dedicated to this company. The first Mac was a lie too. They did not have a working prototype until a week before they started mass production, and it was still release with only a portion of the advertised features.

[stupid pc argument]

Of course they are gonna protect AT&T

I really don't understand this logic people!!! They have partnered
up with AT&T. Simple as that. You and everyone else knows this
and are crying about it. A good business partner is gonna protect
there intrest in the contract. Man. Wake up!!

[mcugaedu]

Evil empire?

If Microsoft had done this, people would be railing against its evil monopolistic ways. But this is Apple, Which Can Do No Wrong.

[AnotherReader]

No, if it had been MS they would have time bombed it...

At least Apple came out BEFORE the update and said "this update coming out can break your phone if you have hacked it!" instead of just allowing it to come out and then BREAK those phones of poor, unexpecting hackers.

Heck, they probably would have put a two week delay on the part of the code that breaks the phone so most people would have assumed all was well and then installed the latest update.

Oh well. Everyone knew that future updates from Apple would not only POSSIBLY break the phone, but that it would PROBABLY break the phone. If you want to hack it and you are happy with how the phone works now, great. Just don't plan on updating it any time soon.

[stupid pc argument]

Call the whambulence!!!!

I am not sure where everyone gets off blaming Apple because
they don't openly support the unlocking of the iphone. First of
all everyone knew going into buying the product that it is an
AT&T exclusive device. With that being said anything else you
do to your phone is your busniess. Does that mean Apple has to
support you hacking it? NO! Does that make them an evil
empire? Um NO! Its just like every other phone makers who
choose one cellular service for one phone over the other
services. At some point if the phone is popular enough it
migrates over to the other carriers. I would also like to add they
are nice enough to warn you that this may break your phone.
They don't even have to do this. You are the ones who hacked
it, its not Apple problem. I just don't understand the mentality
of I know it is an only AT&T phone but I don't like it so I will
hack it and when Apple does not support me they are evil and
power mad...... Bullsh@! You hack at your own risk!! You don't
like it is with only AT&T don't buy it... Very simple. Stop
complaining already! Yhea you hacked it. Good job. Now pay
the price. Not Apple problem nor should it be. Guess what, its
yors for hacking it. Its not like Apple had this huge secret that it
would only work with AT&T.

[Cwadsgo]

iphone

Why in the world is apple so hellbent on trying to force anyone that purchases one of those greatly
overpriced gadets ....to use AT&T..I don't like AT&T either....Thats like buying a car from GM and you can only drive on toll roads..

[WJeansonne]

Double Suckers

First, they were suckered into buying a half-baked smartphone that was over priced and now these iPhone enthusiasts get hacked back. I just have to laugh at the situation.

By a Windows Mobile based phone and your troubles are over, especially the Samsung BlackJack. That phone is hot!!!

[tgrenier]

only apple

As far as I know, no other phone maker cares if you unlcock your phone. I have unlocked a few smart phones (windows) and my Erricson t39 M (best PHONE ever) and never had an issue. I gues sit fit apples modus operendi to control their devices even after they purchased.

Do Motorolla, Ericcson, etc care if you unlock their/your phone?
Tom