Apple's Plans to Brick Unlocked iPhones

**Locked** · 09-25-2007 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by dhayek

kidding about what? me being a coward? when it comes to loose my beloved iphone, yes i am a big coward

or kidding about disconnecting internet on sync?

I was just kidding when calling you a coward

, didn't mean in it for real of course. Anyway, concerning the update just don't worry. iTunes will never update your iPhone firmware without your consent.

**Majn00n** · 09-25-2007 02:15 PM

Apple has no defence in this case IMHO. Now please don't go and try to flame me or whatever because im stating my opinion.

But the ONLY reason Apple is locking this iPhones is so that their pockets can get fatter. No logical explanation as to why they're locking the phones.

BTW, reading all the statements made by Apple staff, it doesn't actually state that there will specific parts of the software that will try and brick your iPhone. I think it's a scare tactic but won't brick your iPhone...It'll lock it up, but it will be almost as simple as unlocking it again..

**Peacer** · 09-25-2007 02:42 PM

What is the new firmware supposed to add? And who needs the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store? I'm pretty satisfied with my current iPhone version.

**romeo0119** · 09-25-2007 02:50 PM

people, just dont update....why make a big deal.

**jmcallister** · 09-25-2007 03:09 PM

I came across this article recently, thought I'd get everyone's opinion, and see what the community thinks:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles...nt_damage.html

Could this really be true?

**nehvada** · 09-25-2007 03:23 PM

i dont think its the intention of apple to "brick" the unlocked phones. they just stated in fact that they cannot guarantee that it will be a flawless upgrade to 1.1.1 and that there will be a higher risk to brick the phone while doin this.

and its clear, cause how should apple know what other developers included in their unlocking software and how this effects the firmware and basband?

we all knew that there is allways a risk involved unlocked this toy. and we all know for sure "just wait an have a cup of tea" until the next firmware is hacked

**cjunky** · 09-25-2007 03:27 PM

I agree compltely.

1. This is just posturing. Remember that the 02 deal is fresh on the paper, as are the deals with other major european celcos.

2. The 02 deal was a slice of handset sales (and a ban on handset subsidies for the iphone) plus 40% of revenue. Not profit revenue.

3. It is perfectly feasible that apple could "break" our iphones if they wanted to. Microsoft has been adding "e-fuses" or functionality limiting activation process for years and despite rumblings little has happened in the way of a backlash.
However
I think its unlikely. They have ALOT to gain from nurturing the iPhone development community. Communities mean loyalty and if they are careful sales of the next version.

Its posturing as they walk a tightrope between reassuring cellcos and investors that their business model is fine, this isnt a problem for them and letting a community developers run off on along leash.

If they had wanted to lock the iphone down they would have used the model that is established in cellcos today. PKI. Certs on handsets and signed apps.

Private keys get handed out to software testing/signing/houses and are signed by apple. Those keys are used to sign the software. If one of those keys gets lost/compromised then apple can revoke it OTA (over the air) at the drop of a hat.

But they didnt. Instead they used the thing that their developers/fanboys/etc would be most familiar with hacking. It could be coincidence, but then again it might not be.

Either way, just sit back and enjoy the show.

Remember anything man makes man can break.

Cj

**gray** · 09-25-2007 03:37 PM

lets dot the i's.

first, yes, dev team unlock method will definitely corrupt you phone (so called security zone of the baseband). this means - when you update your baseband firmware with itunes you get bricked phone.

second, if u did nordump before you unlocked the phone you have nothing to be afraid of. you can always restore your phone to the factory state so it will be impossible to tell was that particular phone unlocked or not.

and the third. dont hurry, do not update to 1.1.1 once its released. wait until dev team make official statement about the new firmware. personally i believe that dev team will be able to solve all unlock related problems, at least in baseband part of the iphone.