iPhoneSIMfree shows us demo of iPhone unlock app, back end -- now due Monday

So the iPhoneSIMfree guys have some news today. First up, they called to let us know they did in fact delay the launch of their iPhone SIM unlock software (which was clear by the fact that no one has it yet) -- but it's now due Monday.

Today iPhoneSIMfree also sent a couple of publications (including this one) a demo version of their unlock app and trial access to their back end reseller tool. The demo software and reseller tool do not yet actually unlock phones since iPhoneSIMfree hasn't yet flipped the switch on the activation service end. But as proof that their end-user app does exist, the demo app shown here coursed through its normal routines (about 3-5 minutes start to finish) to show us what an unlock should be like.

Their reseller backend tool, which we also have shots of, allows bulk purchasers of iPhoneSIMfree unlocks to add customers' IMEIs to the unlock whitelist. Once added, apparently resellers merely have to just provide their customers the unlock app, which initiates the remote unlock service -- the whole thing is a little like Windows Activation where only whitelisted IMEIs can proceed with unlocking. Naturally, we documented all this on an iPhone -- but again, to be clear, the iPhoneSIMfree app that was sent out won't unlock iPhones. That all supposedly goes down on Monday.

Gallery: iPhoneSIMfree shows us demo of iPhone unlock app, backend -- now due Monday

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[Stevonw @ Sep 7th 2007 4:36PM]

YESSSSSSS

I just picked up an iPhone in the US at $400 and was hping this would pp up soon!

I wanna use it on 02 in the UK =D

[Callum @ Sep 9th 2007 6:57AM]

I'm hoping to do exactly the same, I got one for $375, woo! I went around all the mobile shops on the high-street trying to get some idea of who offers the best data-plan for my 'new phone'. When the salespeople enquired which phone I was talking about I mentioned it was an iPhone... never heard such disinformation and (in orange) lies; 'it just won't work' 'the phone is hard-coded to at&t'.

Can't wait to use this little app to crack it open, either that or i'll get my soldering iron out :D Let me know how it goes Stevonw

- Callum.

[Totalfixation @ Sep 7th 2007 4:36PM]

So what stop apple from releasing new features and preventing people from unlocking it? I assume Steve job would though that one day the phone will be unlocked, because most likely it has to be, should any regulations were enforced or some kids hacks it. So now its unlock able, Does that mean its time for apple to release some new feature with some really really cool stuff to entice people to update there phone, thus fixing the unlocking loophole? I suppose you can unlock it and not update it, but what if the new feature is just to cool not to have?

[Jonathan Keim @ Sep 7th 2007 5:39PM]

That's why there is no iChat ;-)

[william @ Sep 7th 2007 7:52PM]

I have to say, these jokers are doing a good thing but the lag time in getting this app out is ridiculous. Now that they figure they can not cash in on it any longer they "May" release it Monday? I dont like giving time to people like this and I really wish that there was a way to filter them out. Engadget, lets stop giving them airtime until they actually do release the app instead of sending screen shots of what it will look like if they do actually release it, who cares?

[Michael @ Sep 8th 2007 11:09AM]

I don't understand why they have to sell this. Isn't Apple going to shut them down in like 5 minutes time? It's like selling pirated movies in front of the studio that made them.
It should be a free open source app given to all.

[Manny @ Sep 9th 2007 5:00PM]

my innocent friend STEVE knew this would happend is part of the project that consist of selling more hardware !!!!!! and what do they say to at&t. ohhhhhhhhhhhh welllllllllllll lolz I just cant wait for the unlocking program to come out, cause if this people put a hard price im pretty sure so beautiful soul will share it in the torrent sites :))))))

[Serg @ Sep 10th 2007 4:15PM]

What's the reason to kill unlocked iPhones???
Stewie is probably thinking now:"damn that security was way to tought, it took them a month and a half to hack it... i lost sh$t load of dough$$$" ))

[Dead Robot @ Sep 7th 2007 4:53PM]

Oh my sweet mother of lady girly pants!

Me! Unlock my phone, Jesus!

[raphilou2 @ Sep 7th 2007 4:38PM]

Ready for firmware 1.0.3 on tuesday

[Matt @ Sep 7th 2007 4:45PM]

Don't update?

[Kawai @ Sep 7th 2007 6:01PM]

@ Matt:

Not if they add like IM or fix the safari crash bug or .

[Homeboy @ Sep 7th 2007 5:17PM]

Instead of all this non-sense talk and all sort of promises, launch the damn software and let it speak for itself.

[Chino B @ Sep 7th 2007 4:37PM]

Sweet, I'm buying an Iphone since the price dropped =] and Iphone unlock. Isn't that great.

[onin @ Sep 7th 2007 4:38PM]

nice . .

[Amit @ Sep 7th 2007 7:31PM]

If I get unlock app, then I'll buy the iPhone.

[FireFox @ Sep 7th 2007 4:39PM]

Why are they so foolish no to sell to end customers ?? They can make zillions ! And if apple sues them they have ennough money for a expensive advocate.

[Tim @ Sep 7th 2007 9:53PM]

It's a smart move. You already see Apple fans crying and suing Apple over obviously looked things (battery lawsuits, price drops, etc.)...

I wouldn't want to give them all the power to unlock their own phones. Pass the tech to another reseller that can get all the backlash, and avoid the common user from bricking their phone and crying some more.

[FireFox @ Sep 8th 2007 7:05AM]

That indeed makes sence to me. Protect the consumers against their self.

[The Pepto Pimp @ Sep 7th 2007 4:39PM]

What? iPhone? What's that? Is it a Cisco product? I better go do a search, never heard of this iPhone...

[paul34 @ Sep 7th 2007 4:43PM]

It's actually the phone Jesus used Himself to call up his disciplines. You can read all about it in the iGospel.

[Jake @ Sep 7th 2007 4:44PM]

HAHA Oh I get it...cause it's a popular product and your acting like you never heard of it...Oh man that was good dude.

Do you do stand up? That was so fresh man...

[LikesGadgetsWillTravel @ Sep 7th 2007 6:27PM]

@paul -- that's actually the iGospel according to Steve. People actually believe there's salvation in overpriced white or black electronic devices.

@jake -- the joke actually was that iPhone was Cisco's registered trademark for a while.

[kunaal @ Sep 7th 2007 5:08PM]

can i be one of those lucky readers?

[elias @ Sep 7th 2007 6:42PM]

Somehow iphonesimfree keep on delaying. No matter what question I ask to know that they are real the only answer is a proforma and to wire them money to Republica of San Marino. They don't even let us see the website from where the wholeselers going to operate. The only clear communication is a proforma with instructions to get the money.
If they were real why don't they give 1 license to every potential bulk buyer to get some confidence.
Facts: They are operating from Africa and the money is expected in Republica of San Marino.
They don't answer any question and they lie constantly. Originally they mention that when they get the money they will give instant access to the licenses but know they want to get the money and maybe Monday or Tuesday you will see something. The way things look if you wire them money, you will fibnd out Monday or Tuesday that you are out of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

[paul34 @ Sep 7th 2007 4:52PM]

What?

[Killian @ Sep 7th 2007 5:13PM]

I accidentally gave you a + because I was so confused after I read that, I couldn't figure out what was going on

[John @ Sep 7th 2007 6:49PM]

Yeah, its really sketchy about wiring the money. How are they going to distribute this? I wouldn't bank of getting a bulk from iphone simFree, that website will be gone in a week!

[John @ Sep 7th 2007 6:26PM]

Yeah, its really sketchy about wiring the money. How are they going to distribute this? I wouldn't bank of getting a bulk from iphone simFree, that website will be gone in a week!

[John @ Sep 7th 2007 6:00PM]

Scott Bourne, is that you?

[elias @ Sep 7th 2007 6:47PM]

nope I'm not who you think I am

[brandon h @ Sep 7th 2007 4:52PM]

Someone's been watching too much Family Guy.

So other than being able to use the phone with different carriers (I'm already quite happy with the Death Star, best reception i've had in South Puget Sound area in Washington State and i've tried all the major carriers, but I agree ATT is evil), does unlocking the phone give any additional functionality?

[Common Core 2 Duo!! @ Sep 7th 2007 4:59PM]

FINALLY! A DUE DATE! FINALLY SOME NEWS!! FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY!!!!

[sylentmode @ Sep 9th 2007 11:15PM]

Man,....if I could get an unlock (for free)....and was sure it worked, I'd go buy an iphone.

[Easty @ Sep 7th 2007 5:08PM]

Awesome. Buying 2 this weekend on a visit to NYC, didnt fany the hard solution.. gonna watch here with mucho interest. P.s. Jesus phone, superb..

[Common Core 2 Duo!! @ Sep 7th 2007 4:59PM]

whats the price??? price?!!!

[Steve @ Sep 7th 2007 4:59PM]

I'll wait til this thing hits the open market for a week or 2 til I get the Iphone to replace my dash.

[Ed @ Sep 7th 2007 5:01PM]

yaaaaaaaaaaay!

bout damn time.

i was just about to buy me a hyper sim.


wooot wooot.

thanks ryan...

[Jesse Isaacson @ Sep 7th 2007 5:05PM]

This is a SUPER dumb question, but just hoping for some insight. Suppose you through in a SIM from one of T-Mobile's new WiFi phones (samsung & Nokia). It wouldn't just work over WiFi would it? It would need some serious software hack yes?
(Live in VT, no reception from any carrier at current spot, but have WiFi and would like to ditch Verizon Lan).

[Todd @ Sep 7th 2007 5:05PM]

Their logo is lame. I would preferred they use the Death Star blowing up, from those last few moments of Episode I.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Star#Cultural_impact

[john @ Sep 7th 2007 5:07PM]

cant wait for the unlock

[Matt @ Sep 8th 2007 1:20PM]

These comments all look like people are expecting to be able to download a free tool on Monday. But not to worry. Somebody will get ahold of the application, figure it out, and release a version that won't require finding a reseller.

Let's face it, there will be no resellers that Apple or AT&T will allow- that's how iPHoneSimFree is getting away with this. Let us hope that some people who are good at, uh, software decide to have a go at it and do their thing.

[sebastian.lahmeyer @ Sep 7th 2007 5:26PM]

gizmodo has video about the software unlock...

[Josh @ Sep 7th 2007 5:26PM]

I think that this either:
1. A hoax. Hence the selling in bulk.
2. Something that apple will change with an iphone update.

Either way, I'm interested in the outcome...

[Howard, Fine & Howard @ Sep 7th 2007 5:39PM]

I wonder how Apple would find out what measures were taken to unlock the device. They would have to buy in bulk from iPhoneSimFree to know what the software does. They may drop a a couple thousand on 50 licenses to include a fix in future updates.

[Rob @ Sep 7th 2007 5:29PM]

Another Nigerian scam.

One born every 15 seconds. Rank me lowest. But, judging by their awful looking site, I smell a rat.

But, good luck to everyone.

[Santz24 @ Sep 7th 2007 5:42PM]

So what is the price then? And how will the payment go?

[cynyc @ Sep 7th 2007 5:44PM]

Why are the "Stocks" and the "Notes" icons in each other's spots?

[nate @ Sep 7th 2007 5:57PM]

This has been one heck of a delay for such a hack.

http://answers.nobosh.com

[Shane Reustle @ Sep 7th 2007 5:56PM]

How long till apple puts a stop to this stuff? :P