Apple finally weighs in on iPhone hacks, unlocking

Merely three days after hearing of one user's run-in with Apple over his unlocked iPhone, the company has released an official statement warning users that "unauthorized iPhone unlocking programs" could cause "irreparable damage to the iPhone's software." Furthermore, the firm stated that these apps could result in the handset becoming "permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed" -- you know, like the one coming "later this week" that includes the iTunes WiFi Music Store. As if that wasn't bad enough, the release also notes that "unauthorized modifications to the iPhone's software" violates the iPhone software license agreement and "voids the warranty." Ouch.

[Via MacNN]

[bruckwine @ Sep 24th 2007 5:54PM]

Big Bad Bro Apple has finally arrived for world and wallet domination!

[Mike D @ Sep 24th 2007 6:58PM]

apple has always been about wallet domination they're just finally showing their colors on the iphone

[LegendZ28 @ Sep 24th 2007 6:33PM]

I just can't figure out how software modification can void the warranty on a piece of hardware. It's not like if you install a program on your mac, and the hard drive dies, they can just up and void your entire warranty.

Every user should have to right to a restore program, if I don't touch the hardware, you shouldn't be able to void my hardware warranty, period.

[luidabruin @ Sep 24th 2007 6:33PM]

You guys are really something!
Come on now, let be realistic about this. EVERY big boy corporation is about MAKING MONEY! That is the nature of our wonderful system. Last time I checked apple was not a non-profit organization. You kids should really get a clue. Jobs is required to look out for the best interest of Apple shareholders…. And that means making a profit from the products they develop, developing new products in order to stay profitable, protecting apple intellectual property, and protecting the integrity of the partnerships Apple have formed in order to make money.

Honestly guys grow up, quit your crying (b**ching), go wash your face with proactive, and ask your mom and dad to explain how capitalism works and why it is a GREAT SYSTEM.

[Tony @ Sep 24th 2007 6:43PM]

@LegendZ28

So let's say you install some software(represents: iPhone unlock) on your Mac (represents: iPhone) and somehow the software causes your Mac to crash all the time, and eventually hardware damage.

Who's fault is it?
If Apple tells you that they can't support that software, and if the people who are providing the unlock software also say that it's at your own risk.

Guess what? It's at YOUR risk.
You can't expect Apple to repair damage from software they didn't create.

[david @ Sep 24th 2007 6:59PM]

And the M$ fanboys respond!

In a way Apple is just covering their ass against thousands of service requests because someone messed with the software. Any of us unlocking the phone knows we are doing it at our own risk. but there are probably thousands of people out there who would expect Apple to fix something that they themselves voluntarily "broke." Business is about money, all you M$ fanboys know that, all the Apple fanboys know that, so why do you expect more because Apple is now run like a business and not your friend?

[Jeremy H @ Sep 24th 2007 7:24PM]

@LegendZ28-

"I just can't figure out how software modification can void the warranty on a piece of hardware."

Software modification can make a device run very differently than it was intended. For example, I have a piece of software on my 8125 that enables the processor to be overclocked. If I wanted to I could easily fry the processor.

While I agree that Apple should release an SDK and enable 3rd party development to increase functionality, its ludicrous to expect them to support hacks that could potentially cause thousands of bricked or damaged iPhones; especially considering the millions of dollars they've spent to get their software to run as well as it does.

[narco @ Sep 24th 2007 7:51PM]

I've been an Apple 'fanboy' for over a decade and I don't understand what all the bitching is about. People have been wanting an iPhone for years, and now they finally have it and they're still not happy. I want a Mac Pro that dispenses Guinness, I know I can make one, but it'll void my warranty.

Either be happy with what you've got, or wait until that product does what you want it to do. And if you're that impatient, then maybe your priorities are out of order.

[LordFarkward @ Sep 24th 2007 10:44PM]

wait why is this news? why are u guys up in arms?

i have yet to come across a handset maker that actually encourages hacking. unlocking is one thing, cuz moto/nokia/sammy phones are NOT designed while having 'lock' in mind - the decision to lock them is made by the carrier

so back to my point. apple released the iphone WITH THE INTENTION to lock it to at&t, and by 'unlocking' it you're hacking it, and none of the companies like u hacking their products. don't believe me? go to modmymoto or howardforums or motomodders or ANY PHONE HACKING SITE and all of them will tell you that by hacking the phone you will void the warranty, simple as that.

grow up kids, i know it's fun to poke fun at a company with a lot of blind zealots, but you should poke fun with some sense.

[PhotoJoe @ Sep 25th 2007 12:49AM]

Funny. Plam doesn't give me grief over warranty issues when I install third party software or even leave the cellular carrier the phone was first sold from. What's the deal Apple?

[LordFarkward @ Sep 25th 2007 2:35AM]

Funny. PhotoJoe, installing programs is not the same as hacking. And palm doesn't have exclusive contracts with just one carrier. that's the deal.

seems like a lot of you guys still don't get it, so here's an example: you can enable java uploader on a moto, upload a .jar and .jad file to install a game. that's fine, moto doesn't mind. HOWEVER, if the phone comes with a particular flash and flex but you decided to put a foreign hacked flex over it which bricks it, it's not moto's fault and they will not fix it.

simple enough yet?

[starkruzr @ Sep 25th 2007 8:13PM]

@luidabruin:

Since when is the profit motive the only laudable goal for a company to follow? Perhaps you, like the rest of the archcapitalists who love to mock those who think fair play in capitalism is a good idea, have forgotten that both companies and markets are composed of real people.

Also, since when is forgoing long-term progress in favor of short-term gain a good idea?

[LJKelley @ Sep 25th 2007 12:13PM]

It is very bad boy from Apple. Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung allow GSM unlocking and it does not void your warranty because of it. In fact Windows Mobile updates never broke the software unlock I did on my smartphone.

[Preston @ Sep 24th 2007 5:57PM]

Steve really doesn't care about you. He only wants your money.

[dj-kenpo @ Sep 24th 2007 6:00PM]

and here I thought apple was just a charity organization giving away free computers and ipods.

thanks for shedding some light on this issue for me. ;)

[luidabruin @ Sep 24th 2007 6:09PM]

of course he wants your money.... thats part of his job description, you moron. as a CEO his allegiance is to us the shareholders.
now you can go to the corner and start crying about how Steve doesn't care about your feelings and how he has not returned your calls and emails asking him out on a date.

Jobs' job is quite clear to any reasonable adult. He is in charge of keeping apple profitable. To that end, he need to keep his costumers happy with apple products. I don't know where you got the idea that he has to care about you.

[PSM @ Sep 24th 2007 6:11PM]

I didn't think Apple was a charity organization, but I did think they cared about giving their customers the best possible product.

[Andrew @ Sep 24th 2007 6:27PM]

>>He is in charge of keeping apple profitable. To that end, he need to keep his costumers happy with apple products.

Costumers indeed. It's a circus out there.

[LegendZ28 @ Sep 24th 2007 6:35PM]

That's fine cause I don't really care about Steve either, I just want his products.

[octoberasian @ Sep 24th 2007 7:22PM]

I thought he wanted my first newborn child. I guess I should refund this iPod and get it back.

But, in all seriousness, Apple = Microsoft in terms of being money-grubbing.

[Simon @ Sep 24th 2007 8:27PM]

And Bill REALLY cares doesn't he.

[Twitchy @ Sep 25th 2007 5:41AM]

I dunno - until I see proof of the first bricked iPhone because of the software update I'm going to consider this statement by Apple more of an ass-shield (i.e. said statement was made so that no-one can sue them IF something goes wrong).

[BWhaler @ Sep 24th 2007 5:58PM]

I'd love to throw some hate Apple's way for this, but I can't.

We all knew the deal when we bought the iPhone. Apple is just doing their best to hold us to it.

Does this suck?

Yes.

Does AT&T suck beyond words?

Yes.

Is AT&T a bunch of scumbags spying for Bush and the MPAA?

Yes.

But, we all knew that going in.

The only way we as consumers are going to see the changes we want is more compeition. More records labels. More Apple's and Microsofts and Banks and Insurance companies and health providers, etc., etc., etc.,

There are simply too few companies serving us nowadays, and we get screwed because no one really needs to compete--just more marketing...

[Steve A. @ Sep 24th 2007 7:30PM]

Why is that Bush always seems to be mentioned? There seems to be a lot of Bush derangement syndrome going around these days. What evidence is there that at&t is spying for the Bush administration. If you actually do some research, you will see that it wasn't Bush that ordered the phone companies to work with the government. It was actually B.J. Clinton.

[aaron @ Sep 24th 2007 6:44PM]

where do you get your facts, dude?
Tmobile, Verizon, Qwest and Sprint all spy on you for George Bush. It's a federal requirement, not an elective.
Who else would have been the best provider? Verizon (CDMA????) Sprint (CDMA???Financial problems???) Tmobile (underdeveloped, underfunded, weak data network)????

You don't have a whole lot of options dude. Tmobile would have been the only other viable option but Tmobile's data services are underdeveloped for the kinds of traffic an IPHONE launch would subject it to.

[LegendZ28 @ Sep 24th 2007 6:37PM]

I love that Apple says your warranty is screwed if you unlock their hardware, removing it from the network they choose because AT&T was willing to pay them the most money, and AT&T gets the blame.

I like Apple too, but some of you guys are just plain ignorant.

[luidabruin @ Sep 24th 2007 6:43PM]

Hey LegendZ28,

To reiterate: grow up, quit your crying (b**ching), go wash your face with proactive, and ask your mom and dad to explain how capitalism works and why it is a GREAT SYSTEM.

Sincerely,

Realitycheck

[stephenbratz2 @ Sep 24th 2007 7:03PM]

Replying to this here so it gets your attention.

Below you claim that Microsoft and Palm release locked devices. Since when does Microsoft make a phone? They make an OS for phones. An OS that is not tied to any specific carrier, does not exclude carriers, allows developers to create software, allows users to load software, and a few years ago they even released a majority of the sources. Again, Microsoft is not a device manufacturer. So don't lump them in with Apple.

I will also comment on your great use of diversion. You claim that "I'd love to throw some hate Apple's way for this, but I can't.", but then later you bring up something completely unrelated to the iPhone, something about overriding user preferences (I assume the windows update thing?). What does that have to do with the conversation, or are you just trying to deflect scrutiny from Apple to Microsoft? Don't believe you one bit when you say that "I'd love to throw some hate Apple's way for this, but I can't."

And to use your own words:
Thanks for playing.

[Przd @ Sep 24th 2007 7:36PM]

@aaron

Actually, AT&T has had a special relationship with the US government for years if not decades with regards to spying on US citizens. In fact, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, along with others, has filed suit specifically against AT&T, alleging that has been spying with the NSA on US citizens without warrants. The case has been moving through the courts, and sufficiently scares the powers that be that a bill whose main purpose is to stop this case (and others like it that would surely follow) has been quickly moving through congress. So, there are some facts for you; frankly, almost any company would be better than AT&T.

[rp @ Sep 24th 2007 5:58PM]

Apple didn't get to where they are without it's core users, and now Apple is abandoning them for other companies. The only way to get Apple to listen to the consumer instead of other corporations (AT&T, recording industry, movie industry, let's face it, they all have a major part in this because all Apple cares about is selling hardware) is to send them a lot of feedback. If everyone gets pissed off, then Apple will have no choice but to rethink it's strategy here. I've already sent several scathing letters.

[dj-kenpo @ Sep 24th 2007 6:04PM]

listen man, apples doing what it can. if you think it's all lollipops and rainbows over at appl hq you're wrong.

it's alot of kissing ass too old men that don't like change who would rather be stuck in their ways.

apple doesn't own the cell towers, end of story.

if ANYONE didn't see this coming, then they need to sit with the 'special' kids typing 3 words per minute in computer class.

[John M @ Sep 24th 2007 6:14PM]

kenpo--

Why are you always so negative? You must be a glass half empty guy. I will say that at the very least your rhetoric entertains me.

[dj-kenpo @ Sep 24th 2007 6:23PM]

it's how I get my kicks.
that, and I'm a realist ;)

[John M @ Sep 24th 2007 6:25PM]

lol...well i enjoy your post over almost anyone elses...just try to look at the positive side sometimes...or dont and continue to make me laugh my ass off

[dj-kenpo @ Sep 24th 2007 6:42PM]

the word 'rhetoric' makes me smile. but the internet is not a place for my happiness, I save that for the real world. so i will continue to make you laugh by taunting others in sometimes illogical fashion that leads to questions such as "was that sarcasm, or stupidity?".
Not even I can answer such questions.

[rp @ Sep 24th 2007 7:13PM]

Point is, I didn't want Apple to get in bed with AT&T or any specific carrier. I certainly didn't want them to sign any contracts that bound them to provide tech support, updates, or anything else while AT&T sits on their ass raking in money. AT&T does virtually nothing in this deal and Apple does everything. If AT&T has a runny nose, Apple's gotta wipe. That's some bullshit.

[MattWPBS @ Sep 25th 2007 7:54AM]

@ RP

You are aware that Apple gets a hefty chunk of revenue from the calls made on the contracts, right? Apple's the one raking in the money on this, hence why they want to lock people to the carriers.

[Xavier Gill @ Sep 24th 2007 5:59PM]

It seems like every post now is just another example of Apple becoming more and more anti-consumer. Where they always this bad?

[KaptajnKold @ Sep 24th 2007 7:36PM]

It seems obvious to me that as Apple keep getting more and more high profile, they will inevitably become target for more and more critisism.

I for one don't get what the big deal here is. Apple is merely saying that if your phone stops working as a consequence of your tinkering with the software, it's not their problem.

Of course it could also be seen as Apple saying that if your phone stops working because the buttons fall off suddenly, it's not their problem either, since you voided the warranty by tinkering with the software. But doesn't strike me as very plausible.

[Josh @ Sep 24th 2007 8:17PM]

button mate, button.

[Matt @ Oct 3rd 2007 7:27PM]

No its buttons, because there are the home, volume, and sleep (lock)/off buttons.

[DickHardknocks @ Sep 24th 2007 6:00PM]

What I don't understand is why APPLE didn't simply design this phone to be used with ANY GSM sim card in the first place? Why the exclusive AT&T contract?

#1 They had to know people were gonna unlock it sooner or later.

#2 They could have made deals with T-Mobile, AT&T, and even NEXTEL (with a special iDEN enabled model. Which would equal much more money...

#3 People would be more likely to go for one if they didn't have to leave their GSM provider for a new one. They shoulda been able to just pop their SIM cards in and move on.

I can't believe Apple could make more selling through AT&T rather than just selling out of APPLE STORES, an online.

[John Sinshack @ Sep 24th 2007 6:14PM]

They partnered with AT&T because they wanted to keep making money off of the iPhone for a long time after the original purchase.

[frozenrubber @ Sep 24th 2007 6:31PM]

You are forgetting the most important element, Apple has a cut of the monthly service plan. You call that crippling the phone, Apple sees that as a constant source of revenue. When all is said and done, Apple will make more money off your service plan than that of the initial purchase.

The deal they struck in France regarding the cut they receive of the service plan is just sick.

[tom @ Sep 24th 2007 6:01PM]

also notice the fact that they don't post this up on Apple.com, but instead use a press release firm...

[chuck @ Sep 24th 2007 6:03PM]

The most important thing:

Is there any way that Apple can PROVE that you hacked and unlocked your iphone? If you have a problem, just remove the applications you added and put an AT&T sim back into the phone when you take it to your Apple store.

Am I missing something?

[Xzavier @ Sep 24th 2007 9:21PM]

Perhaps...

So what do you do if the iPhone locks up and wont let your uninstall the hacks/modifications or restore the OS to it's original form, hence the reason why you are taking the iPhone to the Apple store in the first place... For Apple to do what you couldn't do... Fix the HACKS!

You answered your own question!

[Zeb @ Sep 24th 2007 6:04PM]

I never thought I would see the day when I actually trust Microsoft over...well anyone frankly.

But im disliking apple more by the minute, mainly because of their ties with AT&T.


Zune for Life!

[PSM @ Sep 24th 2007 6:19PM]

About two weeks ago I was convinced that I wanted an iPhone. I know it's best to wait for 2nd gen, so I wasn't going to buy, but I definitely wanted one NOW NOW NOW! In just a couple weeks, Apple has completely changed my mind. I'm now trusting Microsoft of all companies, to assure that my next phone will be open and allow me access to the features that I need and want. I've never liked Windows Mobile, but at least Microsoft is doing a better job of protecting the consumer from the big bad phone companies.

[spass @ Sep 24th 2007 6:29PM]

You think is just Apple?

I bet Microsoft would have done something similar if they only had the chance...