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October 27, 2008 10:32 AM PDT

Software unlock for iPhone 3G coming soon?

by Tom Krazit

An unlocked iPhone 3G is a little closer to becoming reality, according to the iPhone Dev Team.

An easy way of unlocking your iPhone 3G could hit the Internet relatively soon.

(Credit: CNET)

Gizmodo picked up on a video produced by the iPhone Dev Team demonstrating that it has gained access to the baseband processor used by Apple in the iPhone 3G. The baseband chip is what controls the connection between the phone and the mobile phone network, meaning that a software download that could let you use your iPhone 3G on a carrier network other than the ones officially designated by Apple could be released soon.

I'm sure you remember the fuss about the original iPhone and those who sought to unlock it from the four carriers that were Apple's launch partners for the first iPhone. The iPhone 3G has proven a tougher nut to crack, because Apple apparently changed the baseband to make it more difficult to exploit than the baseband used on the original iPhone. You can unlock your iPhone 3G to use it on another carrier by modifying the SIM card, but what the iPhone Dev Team is trying to accomplish is a software-based unlock that you would just download and install.

There hasn't been as much demand for unlocked iPhone 3Gs, given the much greater distribution of that phone around the world. However, there are still some countries, like China, that don't carry the iPhone, and there are still some users who want to use their iPhones on a different carrier than the one designated for the iPhone in their country.

Tom Krazit writes about the ever-expanding world of Internet search, including Google, Yahoo, online advertising, and portals, as well as the evolution of mobile computing. He has written about traditional PC companies, chip manufacturers, and mobile computers, spending the last three years covering Apple. E-mail Tom.
Topics:

iPhone

Tags:

Apple,

iPhone,

iPhone 3G,

unlocking,

iPhone Dev Team

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) Showing 1 of 2 pages (40 Comments)
by firi October 27, 2008 10:49 AM PDT
Yessssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply to this comment
by mmntech October 27, 2008 11:52 AM PDT
I can understand why Apple wants to keep the phones locked in some ways. It hackers and script kids from hiding malicious code in apps. However, the locking is really curtailing what legitimate developers can and can't do with it. I'd jailbrake mine if only just to get WMA support so I could listen to XM Radio Online.
Reply to this comment
by Tom Krazit October 27, 2008 12:05 PM PDT
Don't confuse jailbreaking--making it so you can load applications onto the iPhone from places other than the App Store--with unlocking, which means to free the iPhone from the restriction that it only run on AT&T's network, or O2's, or whoever. The iPhone 3G has been jailbroken for a while, but unlocking has been harder to achieve without modifying the SIM card.
by winstein October 27, 2008 2:01 PM PDT
For years, I can just tell AT&T that I need to travel to China and they will give me code to unlock my RAZR phone. I can't use my iPhone if I travel to China today. I have to bring my old RAZR phone with me. So bacally Apple is telling me that I DON'T NEED iPhone when I travel outside of the US.
Reply to this comment
by kenohki October 27, 2008 5:37 PM PDT
What's the point of unlocking in the US? Maybe if you live in Europe it's useful. But in the US, only AT&T and T-Mobile use UMTS 3G and the iPhone 3G doesn't support the AWS band which means it's useless on T-Mobile's 3G network. So you wind up with a non-3G (quad-band EDGE) iPhone.
Reply to this comment
by skellener October 27, 2008 8:47 PM PDT
So? What's wrong with that? I'd like an iPhone that simply let me use it as an iPod that I can answer a call on. No data plan at all. Plus I really like the service I get from T-Mobile. I've never had a problem. I do not want to leave. Unlocked I can simply put in my T-Mobile SIM and go.
by seancneal October 29, 2008 2:47 PM PDT
@ Skellener: Just get a 2G iPhone then. The 3G is POINTLESS for T-Mobile. I have purchased DOZENS of 2G iPhones for sale in my area, and never paid more than $250.
by davidriveram October 27, 2008 6:20 PM PDT
Definitely a must. the company providing service with iPhone in Honduras, is very careless!!!!! I bought an iPhone and have no coverage in my town and no-refund on sales they said.
Reply to this comment
by joetesta70 October 27, 2008 10:57 PM PDT
Yea - the unlock for the iPhone is called: ANDROID
Reply to this comment
by make_or_break October 28, 2008 7:33 AM PDT
Android is at least partly why Apple would even consider unlocking the phone. Google's bow shot G1 ain't perfect, but I think it hits a lot closer to the mark than Apple thought it would. Apps are what will drive this next wave of smartphones, and Apple needs to offer an unlocked unit if it hopes to expand its consumer base. Lots of people will just sit on the sidelines because it's never been just about the phones; the choice of carrier is a big part of the equation.
by jamesjm October 28, 2008 4:53 AM PDT
If there is any way to be free from AT&T's miserable NYC service and coverage, I'd jump on it. Every third call I make or receive ends up being a dropped call. My previous carrier was Verizon. AT&T can not hold a candle to Verizon's service. Verizon just works.... AT&T in the NYC market is marginal and frustrating at best....

Steve Jobs - you made a big error partnering with this third rate cellular co.
Reply to this comment
by chili_dawg October 28, 2008 10:47 AM PDT
AT&T sucks ass in Denver too.... I would switch back to TMobile just to have the peace of mind that my calls won't drop all the time.
by stuntman_mike October 28, 2008 10:53 AM PDT
I live in NYC and I have great coverage from AT&T and always have. I have been an AT&T customer for almost 10yrs.

My friends and girlfriend all have AT&T as well and we all have great service. One of my friends that has AT&T actually works for Verizon.

I can understand other areas outside of New York, but NYC AT&T coverage is strong. Not sure why you ae having problems.
by ccaywood October 28, 2008 5:43 AM PDT
Will an unlocked iPhone work on Verizon's network even though it is CDMA? Also, is there any sort of projected date or more specific time frame for this software?
Reply to this comment
by DarkHawke October 28, 2008 6:09 AM PDT
No. The iPhone is GSM, so locked or unlocked, it's incompatible with CDMA networks, which is everyone in the U.S. except AT&T and T-Mobile. A CDMA iPhone would require a substantial redesign, so don't hold your breath. Maybe after the AT&T exclusivity contract expires in 2012. Maybe.
by photog_7 October 28, 2008 5:58 AM PDT
To jamesjm, while I agree that Verizon has the best coverage, the iPhones being sold today will never work with Verizon--locked or unlocked. Verizon and Sprint use CDMA technology, which is totally incompatible with the technology used by AT&T and T-Mobile. Unless Apple comes out with a CDMA phone, unlocking your AT&T phone won't get you on Verizon's superior network. Verizon had their chance to be the iPhone carrier before the deal was made with AT&T, but they turned down Apple's offer. That's unfortunate for those of us who need a reliable phone in addition to all the bells and whistles. I like my iPhone, but AT&T has less than adequate coverage in my area too. The Android isn't the answer--yet. Let's hope Verizon cuts a deal with Apple soon, or at least that Verizon comes out with an Android phone in the near future. I'm getting tired of seeing "No Service" on my iPhone in places where I had good service with Verizon. Verizon has ahistory of disabling features in their phones and charging for those features that are free with other carriers (which is probably why they can afford to have so many more cell towers in an area). I'm thinking the freebies and unlimited Internet service that make the iPhone so much fun didn't fit in with Verizon's business plan of "charge more than anyone and then build more towers to provide the best phone service." YMMV.
Reply to this comment
by make_or_break October 28, 2008 7:45 AM PDT
Verizon's unwillingness to submit to Apple's demands over control and features dictated the original move and deal with ATT. Would Verizon actually rethink their decision with hindsight? One would hope so, but their lack of an iPhone today was one of their own doing, and considering the way that they dumb down so many of the OTHER phones they carry doesn't bode well for even a future iPhone variant. But I suppose there's nothing that Verizon could do that would limit Apple from making an unlocked version that was compatible with Verizon's network (or Sprint's, for that matter).
by tecmic October 28, 2008 7:17 AM PDT
Quite honestly I'm totally fed up with the 'if, buts and maybe's' of owning an Apple iPhone. The unpredictability and unreliability of the 'other' functions of the iPhone are maybe acceptable for the time being but it's not acceptable for a cell phone to perform like that. The phone function must be reliable and give a 100% service, who knows your life might depend on it one day!
Reply to this comment
by Trane Francks October 29, 2008 5:47 AM PDT
> The phone function must be reliable and give a 100% service, who knows your life might depend on it one day!

There has NEVER been a 100% coverage provider anywhere in the world. Period. You either get enough signal or you don't. I've sure never seen a combination of provider and phone that offered 100% service (i.e, coverage) everywhere.
by make_or_break October 28, 2008 7:49 AM PDT
It's too bad Apple won't market an unlocked iPhone on its own...at least in places where's it's not forced to by regulators as they do in some European countries. That kickback Apple gets from ATT (and probably others of their "exclusive" service providers from around the world) is the reason why; it's a predictable, locked-down monthly revenue stream that is too fat a carrot to ignore.
Reply to this comment
by anilsudh October 28, 2008 10:36 AM PDT
There is no predictable monthly revenue stream with the iPhone 3G
by molotov October 28, 2008 8:57 AM PDT
Using iPhone on AT&T service is just gross. The reception is terrible and you might as well be using a StarTac phone, really old technology. I understand there is some euphoria involved of being on an iPhone, but at what cost? High cost. We should really reconsider our priorities here people. I use T-Mobile and get reception anywhere! With AT&T I wouldn't even get reception in my kitchen. iPhone amplifies the problem with its own static receiver, but thats a whole other issue. iPhone is good, its just that the only cellular company who was able to pay the most for it; is the one that needs it the most. No one in their right mind would use AT&T. And the company knows it; that is why they were bent on getting a monopoly on the iPhone to attract the naivette and the desperate. Of course this will be denied through and through; it is probably etched in your brain, my poor AT&T users, that the service you get from AT&T is Superb and beyond comparison. Can you hear me now? No.
Reply to this comment
by myles taylor October 28, 2008 9:08 AM PDT
Although I have heard that AT&T sucks, I don't think they are quite as horrible as some people say. It's the largest wireless provider in the country right now, and will still be until Alltel merges with Verizon at the end of the year. I don't think that all 80+ million of the subscribers are out of their minds.

People who get bad service are naturally more vocal. I only complain about my phone if I have a problem. So I'm sure there are a lot of happy customers out there.
by anilsudh October 28, 2008 10:39 AM PDT
I use AT&T and get reception anywhere in the world. You must be living in TimBukTu land or in a cave.
by frnestrada November 20, 2008 12:25 PM PST
I agree with "anilsudh" AT&T has the best coverage than other carriers. Especially when I go to Mexico, I get the best reception ever. T-Moblie, Verizon and Sprint has one of the worst coverages in international roaming and some in the USA. AT&T might be expensive but has the best coverage.
by myles taylor October 28, 2008 9:06 AM PDT
What I don't get is how AT&T can advertise as having the best coverage. From what I've heard, they have the worst. At least I know when I see a Verizon ad that it actually backs up what it says. Seems like false advertising to me on AT&T's part. I want an iPhone, but I don't want AT&T's crappy coverage. People are constantly suing Apple; has no one sued AT&T yet over their claim that they have the best coverage?
Reply to this comment
by anilsudh October 28, 2008 10:40 AM PDT
And from what I have everyone other than AT&T are pathetic.
by anilsudh October 28, 2008 10:34 AM PDT
What is the point of unlocking when you have to sign a 2 year contract while purchasing the Phone?
Reply to this comment
by mavsrule200 October 28, 2008 11:11 AM PDT
If you buy the phone for the 499 price tag without the 2year upgrade savings, do you still have to sign a new 2 year contract and have the data plan? also if you unlock it can you use your simcard from your previous phone?
Reply to this comment
by fondy September 30, 2009 9:03 PM PDT
The $499 iPhone 3G (sold in the U.S.) is NOT unlocked. This is a point that Apple should explain in better detail. While it is 'contract-free', it still will not work with anyone but AT&T unless you jailbreak it and run the ultrasn0w unlocking tool (which voids the warranty). Also, AT&T will no longer provide voice service to iPhone owners unless they commit to the $30 unlimited data plan - regardless of whether or not you need it or whether the data service is even available in your area.

I too was under the impression that the whole 'locked to AT&T' restriction was a result of them subsidizing the cost of the phone. It's outrageous that those of us who pay full price for the phone still don't have the freedom to choose our carrier.

To make matters worse, installing the new OS 3.1 firmware on the 3G or 3GS modifies the phone's baseband, making it impossible (maybe permanently) to unlock the phone again.

Based on personal experience, until Apple truly unlocks the iPhone, I would steer clear of it. Not just because of AT&T's quality control issues, but also to protest Apple's refusal to acknowledge the rights of the customer. For slightly more than the price of a still-crippled iPhone, you can get an iPod Touch AND a decent unlocked smartphone.
by cnetpdx October 28, 2008 12:28 PM PDT
I have the same question as many, I bought the original iPhone at full price, but have not upgraded to the 3G. AT&T service is so bad it's embarrassing. I was with T-Moble and had maybe a couple of drops a year, with AT&T is 5 or 6 drops a day. I live in a metropolitan area and it frankly makes me look unprofessional that I drop out 2 or 3 times in a conversation or live by voice mail because my phone has no bars.

Can some reporter investigate and find out what happens when my AT&T contract runs out? Can I move back to T-Moble or will my iPhone be frozen out by Apple? This doesn't seem legal if that's the scheme . Did I sign something that says I can NEVER use it on anything besides AT&T? I"m not going to continue with AT&T, but I'd like to take my iPhone with me. I know I can jail break it, but I'd like to be able to use the App Store and get upgrades without penalty.
Reply to this comment
by FraudFighterPro October 28, 2008 5:55 PM PDT
There is a page on AT&T website that states the phones are locked to AT&T permanently - no unlock.:

http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/main.jsp?t=solutionTab&ft=searchTab&ps=solutionPanels&locale=en_US&_dyncharset=UTF-8&solutionId=61097&isSrch=Yes

Good thing the class action suit regarding this and other things is moving forward.... next update is end of November.

I was not told that the phone could not be unlocked when i bought it, even though the courts have upheld that I Have the legal right to do so.
by FraudFighterPro October 28, 2008 5:59 PM PDT
To any that ask why people with a 2 year AT&T contract want to unlock... it is simple economics when traveling abroad. I should be able to pop in another carrier's SIM at any time and pay a reduced rate for International roaming. I am still paying my AT&T plan every day, but if I go to Europe and I want to pay $0.10 per minute instead of $1.29 I should be able to.

The US courts have upheld my right to unlock the phone. They never said the carrier has to help, so Apple and AT&T have colluded to prevent me from Unlocking at all.
Reply to this comment
by cnetpdx October 29, 2008 8:02 PM PDT
OMG! I just went to the AT&T site and it does say it can't be unlocked! I don't see how that can be possible since I paid for the phone myself. How do I find out about class action law suits? I'll join one in a second. I'm assuming that we will at least be able to use our iPhones as an iPod Touch once I switch after my contract is up.
Reply to this comment
by Agneta November 1, 2008 7:08 AM PDT
Where I live (Madison, WI) I have no complaints about the AT&T service, and I would stay with the service and not even mind the 2-year contract requirement to get an iPhone. What I cannot accept and why I will not buy one (being the owner of an iMac and Macbook, iPod Touch and iPod Classic) is the inability to use other SIM cards when travelling in Europe, which I do three to four months of the year. Until this ridiculous rule changes, I will continue to be happy with my present unlocked Sony Ericsson W810 despite it not being 3G.
Reply to this comment
by frnestrada November 20, 2008 12:27 PM PST
Well you can buy a unlocked I Phone 3G off eBay the ones that are legally unlocked by apple in Australia and there you go.
by star0311 November 2, 2008 2:50 AM PST
Well its about time! Though I do have a contract with ATT, I just need it unlocked so that I can enjoy my iphone worldwide because I travel quite a bit with my job!
Reply to this comment
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