Hey guys, i need a little advice here. I've been drueling over the iphone since it came out but unfortunatley im stuck with T-mobile for awhile. I've been debating on whether to go ahead and buy the iphone and unlock it but i really dont wanna get stuck with this wonderful piece of technology that no longer works because apple releases a firmware update that locks me out.....

SOOOOOOO, i know that you guys have no real idea, but do you think apple will lock the iphone back down with its next update or let us have our fun???

P.S. thanks for the input, it will probably decide if i buy it!

This raises interesting question. My first answer is that HOW they can do that?

Remember that neither iTunes nor iPhone install updates to themselves without asking you first. Even if there were a backdoor for force update, using it would be a publicity nightmare for Apple. So - do you think they CAN lock us back?

Lol, I am in your same position... I seriously need a new phone and a new mp3 player, and the iphone seems the way to go. I have the same concern you have, that I might not be able to use it later. The other question I have is what kind of data plan should I get for the iphone. Does it have to be any data plan, or would the unlimited internet plan thing work too? Sorry if I hijacked your thread, I just don't want to make a new thread talking about the same thing. Any answers are greatly appreciated.

Originally Posted by squirrelfon

This raises interesting question. My first answer is that HOW they can do that?

Remember that neither iTunes nor iPhone install updates to themselves without asking you first. Even if there were a backdoor for force update, using it would be a publicity nightmare for Apple. So - do you think they CAN lock us back?

Yeah, i see what you're saying and i really dont think apple wants to play that game but i think the x-factor here is: how many screws does AT&T have and how tight can they turn them???

Well, what screws AT&T has at all? They have exclusive contract with Apple. Apple doesn't break it. You don't have contract with them at all (if you got T-Mobile).

I think AT&T is SOL. Actually, I'm fine with that

I am pretty sure in the future firmware releases, Apple will plug this security hole that made the unlock possible. BUT, they cannot FORCE you to update. As mentioned earlier, iTunes always asks before doing an update, so you have the choice to stick with your iTunes 7.X and firmware 1.0.2.

Now, I think they will do the same thing Sony did with PSP. And that is give out new firmware releases as "hacks" start to appear. The way they lure people to upgrade is by adding new features (i.e. they could add MMS, Video Recording, VOIP (i doubt it:p)....).

So overall, if you get an iPhone now and unlock it, you will be able to use the device forever as long as you dont get greedy and try to upgrade to future firmware updates to get new functionality BEFORE people have found a new way to unlock.

GO BUY ONE

Well, I think since they won't have time to change iPhone hardware it's not necessary to buy iPhone now - just repeat exact this procedure with 1.02 will always work.

As for features - I think after less then 2 months of development we already have more interesting applications here then Apple will make in a year. Now take the amazing prospect of open API. So, my choice is obvious :p