Hardware unlock of iPhone achieved?
updated 01:35 pm EDT, Tue August 21, 2007
iPhone Hardware Unlock
It's now possible to unlock the iPhone for use on other carriers through hardware, according to an online group searching for access controls on the iPhone. While previous method have required the combination of a special SIM card as well as software, the new and currently secretive method allegedly functions by soldering circuit board connections within the iPhone itself. The technique is said to be risky and maintains a "high probability" of rendering the phone inert but allows any SIM card from a GSM-based carrier beyond AT&T to send and receive calls without modifications and while still using the iPhone's original software.
Information about the hack is being withheld until about one week from Tuesday, when the group claims it will publish detailed instructions of how to repeat the process. Refinements may also allow hobbyists to perform the same technique using only software, achieving a much sought-after unlock that avoids the need for separate hardware to provide complete access.
A video demonstrating the reported hack functioning with a T-Mobile SIM card is available below.
(via Finding JTAG)
Risky?
08/21, 03:19pm reply
Please, a little soldering never hurt anyone...
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
RE: risky?
08/21, 04:12pm reply
most cell devices are horribly compact, and it is very difficult to put solder in the right place.
bloggerblog
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007
software
08/21, 04:14pm reply
He does say at the end "hopefully it will be a software unlock by then" schweet! But then watch Apple and AT&T put an end to that software update.
bloggerblog
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007
but what we didn't see...
08/21, 05:03pm reply
was the silver dollar sized hole in the back of the phone to get this modification the ability to work.
Herod
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007
Waste of time + void your
08/21, 05:15pm reply
What a waste of time plus void your warranty and break your new $600.00 iPhone to boot.
DON"T DO IT PEOPLE! You'll be sorry!
horvatic
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2002
RE: waste of time + void
08/21, 09:44pm reply
Apple "warrantees" are as good as void anyway.
bloggerblog
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007
furthermore
08/21, 09:49pm reply
If I travel to europe, middle-east, far-east, or to wherever I feel like, I wanna be able to get a SIM card and take advantage of the local rates, and yes I'd wanna use my iPhone, and why not, I sure as h*** paid good money for it.
bloggerblog
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007