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AT&T purportedly unlocks in-contract iPhones for deployed military personnel

Zachary Lutz — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:02:00 EST

AT&T has gotten a good amount of attention lately for unlocking off-contract iPhone handsets, but a recent report from MacRumors suggests that the carrier is extending the same privilege to members of the US military currently serving overseas. While we haven't been able to verify the report, we'd like to believe that news of AT&T's goodwill gesture is indeed genuine. Naturally, we're rather curious to know whether this policy extends to AT&T's entire range of handsets. So, if you or a loved one is on active deployment, be sure to give this a try and let us know your experience in the comments below.

[Military photo via Shutterstock]

AT&T purportedly unlocks in-contract iPhones for deployed military personnel originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: AT&T now unlocking out-of-contract iPhones

Edgar Alvarez — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:54:00 EST

In case you've been living under a rock (or enjoying the weekend holidays), AT&T on Friday revealed its plans to start unlocking out-of-contract iPhones. However, customers looking to take advantage of the deal will have to meet a few requirements first, which include having an account in good standing (so pay those past due fees before inquiring), a fulfilled contract, paid an early termination fee or that a handset upgrade was done. The unlocking process can be achieved at any brick-and-mortar shop, online via chat or by dialing AT&T's 611. For what it's worth, we tried this and found it to be pretty straightforward. In this writer's case, it only took about 40 minutes after the initial approval went through. The most tedious step was that required restore, after which we were greeted with a joyful "congratulations your iPhone has been unlocked" message. Still, users are reporting mixed results: depending on whose account you believe, AT&T is asking users to wait 72 hours, or telling folks the unlock will complete on April 16th. Be sure to let us know in the comments how it's all turning out for you.

PSA: AT&T now unlocking out-of-contract iPhones originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T to begin unlocking off-contract iPhones this Sunday, April 8th (update)

Andrew Munchbach — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:23:00 EST

We've just received word of a spicy strategy change, to be enacted this Sunday, that's sure to please the AT&T iPhone-loving masses. On Easter, select Ma' Bell customers with iPhones -- those off-contract with accounts in good standing -- will be able to request a carrier unlock for their device. Once freed, any micro-SIM can be used -- provided its carrier's frequencies are supported -- by the smartphone. An AT&T spokesperson was able to confirm that "a policy change concerning iPhones" would indeed be rolled-out on Sunday, but declined to elaborate further. That sound you hear? International Love, being quietly spun from the corner office of Ralph de la Vega.

[Thanks, John Crawford]

Here's AT&T's official statement on the matter:

Beginning Sunday, April 8, we will offer qualifying customers the ability to unlock their AT&T iPhones. The only requirements are that a customer's account must be in good standing, their device cannot be associated with a current and active term commitment on an AT&T customer account, and they need to have fulfilled their contract term, upgraded under one of our upgrade policies or paid an early termination fee.

AT&T to begin unlocking off-contract iPhones this Sunday, April 8th (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gevey Ultra S SIM brings freedom to iPhone 4S, unlockers rejoice (video)

Edgar Alvarez — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:24:00 EST

Fancy yourself a world traveler but steadfastly refuse to pay a premium for an unlocked variant of Apple's 4S? Or perhaps it's just not up for grabs on that beloved carrier of yours. Well, a solution to all of your iPhone's freedom problems may be on the way -- and no, it doesn't involve jailbreaking. That is, if you're on iOS 5.0 or 5.0.1 and your Baseband digits are within the 1.0.11, 1.0.13, 1.0.14 boundaries. Unfortunately, those of you lingering on 04.11.08 are out of luck for now. The Gevey Ultra S, as it's so cleverly dubbed, is set to start shipping on March 3rd for $55. We've yet to come across anyone we know who's put it to the test, thus you'll be taking the dive at your own risk. Meanwhile, you can jump past the break to catch the Ultra S in some self-promoting action.

Continue reading Gevey Ultra S SIM brings freedom to iPhone 4S, unlockers rejoice (video)

Gevey Ultra S SIM brings freedom to iPhone 4S, unlockers rejoice (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iOS 5.1 leaked, bringing new unlock-to-camera action, more cultured Siri?

Andrew Munchbach — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:37:00 EST

The gang over at BGR have allegedly acquired a bootleg copy of Apple's next mobile operating system iteration, iOS 5.1. In doing so, they have been able to confirm two rumored adds: a new unlock-to-camera action and Japanese support for Siri. In iOS 5.0, users can activate the camera from a locked device by double-tapping the home button and selecting the icon that appears. The new workflow? Wake the phone, then simply slide the lock screen toward the top of the handset -- making this feature easier to use and find. The other major difference is the expansion of Siri's vernacular -- more specifically, the addition of Japanese. iOS users in The Land of the Rising Sun will soon be able to get a synthesized "konnichiwa" from their iPhone. Domo arigato, Apple.

iOS 5.1 leaked, bringing new unlock-to-camera action, more cultured Siri? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile keen to help iPhone users, plans to offer new procedures for unlocked phones

Peter Cohen — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:31:00 EST

The iPhone might not officially be on the magenta network, but T-Mobile isn't about to turn its back on a million paying customers, either. According to a document obtained by TmoNews, the network plans to offer new "common procedures, information about feature and specifications and other basic device questions" to iPhone users starting Monday. T-Mobile has long had an open-door policy for customers with unlocked iPhones, since it doesn't have its own to sell -- though T-Mo CTO Neville Ray is hoping really hard that will change. Someday.

T-Mobile keen to help iPhone users, plans to offer new procedures for unlocked phones originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ultrasn0w bumped to version 1.2.5, now unlocking even more iOS 5.0.1 devices

Darren Murph — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST

Given that you're out on Christmas break and all, isn't it about time you finally tried out that whole "unlocking" thing you've been hearing about? A new build of ultrasn0w just hit the Cydia app store, with v1.2.5 adding more support for iOS 5.0.1. Of note, novice jailbreakers may want to reach out to more experienced pals before embarking, as you'll need a a compatible baseband in order for the unlock to work. The iPhone 3GS (running iOS 5.0.1.) is supported with the following basements: 04.26.08 - 05.11.07 - 05.12.01 - 05.13.04 - 06.15.00. The iPhone 4 is supported if your baseband checks in as 01.59.00. If you're looking to upgrade from a dustier firmware, make sure you preserve your baseband before unlocking. Hit the source link for a few tips, and remember: friends don't let friends jailbreak before completing a backup.

ultrasn0w bumped to version 1.2.5, now unlocking even more iOS 5.0.1 devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple's US online store begins selling unlocked, contract-free iPhone 4S: $649 and up

Darren Murph — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:35:00 EST

You can't expect to see one for "one to two weeks," but those hellbent on holding out for an unlocked iPhone 4S here in the US of A can finally snag one without jetting off to Australia (among other places). Nearly five months to the day after Apple started selling the iPhone 4 in unlocked fashion in the States, the iPhone 4S is joining the club, with a 16GB model going for $649, a 32GB model for $749 and a 64GB variant for $849. Just so you're aware, the unlocked phone enables you to use any micro-SIM from any GSM carrier worldwide, but it won't play nice with CDMA carriers "such as Verizon Wireless or Sprint." And yes, both the black and white versions are up for order. Hit the source link to part ways with your chosen amount of cash.

[Thanks, Hicham]

Apple's US online store begins selling unlocked, contract-free iPhone 4S: $649 and up originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gevey SIM provides janky but jailbreak-free unlock for iPhone 4 on iOS 4.3

Sam Sheffer — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:25:00 EST

If you've updated your iPhone 4 to iOS 4.2.1 or above, you might be aware that there is currently no unlocking software available for the accompanying basebands. Naturally, we'd imagine the Dev-Team will soon provide a remedy for this lack of freedom, but for now, Gevey has you covered... somewhat. For $70, this imposter SIM promises to unlock, without the need to jailbreak, all the current basebands found embedded within 4.0 - 4.3. In the video after the break, it appears multiple -- and frankly, just plain inconvenient -- steps are required to get the kit working on your iPhone. What's more, apparently you'll need to do all of this again if you switch off the phone. Oh, and we should mention this involves snipping off a corner on your SIM card, and carriers tend not to like that. Our recommendation regarding this contraption? If you're absolutely in the need of a carrier unlock and have the cash, proceed with caution. Otherwise, patience is your answer.

Continue reading Gevey SIM provides janky but jailbreak-free unlock for iPhone 4 on iOS 4.3

Gevey SIM provides janky but jailbreak-free unlock for iPhone 4 on iOS 4.3 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple adds pattern locking to an iPhone app that you can't have?

Chris Ziegler — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:22:00 EST

The nine-dot pattern lock option is one of those uniquely Android things -- it's been there ever since the G1, and even if you don't personally use it, odds are good that you recognize it. So when we see it on an iPhone -- apparently on an app used by Apple internally -- you can appreciate why we're going to do a double take. What you're looking at here is one of several screens obtained by 9 to 5 Mac, allegedly showing a version of Apple's employee-only AppleConnect app with support for pattern locking to keep prying eyes out. It seems that the app enforces some minimum gesture length to constitute a secure lock -- and considering some of the forensic science going on there, we bet it's gotta be pretty long. Of course, none of these means we'll see the feature show up in an actual iOS build, but the site says that the company's testing the mechanism in other internal tools... and if nothing else, Apple seems to be acknowledging that lock patterns aren't a terrible idea.

[Thanks, Jacob]

Apple adds pattern locking to an iPhone app that you can't have? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile Netherlands starts offering free iPhone unlocks

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:53:00 EST

We know exactly what Canada's Rogers is thinking right now: "c'mon, T-Mobile, you guys are leaving money on the table!" Though Rogers and its Fido subsidiary are charging CAD $50 to unlock an iPhone, T-Mobile's Dutch division is now willing to do it gratis, citing the fact that multiple Dutch carriers now offer the iPhone and they no longer feel the need to keep it SIM-locked. Refreshing attitude, isn't it? As of January 12th, newly-activated iPhones on T-Mobile Netherlands are unlocked automatically; existing customers can call into customer service to get an unlock now, or wait until February for a do-it-yourself method. Of course, the irony is that when a carrier treats you that well, you don't really want to leave -- but this'll be a great option for folks that do a lot of roaming and don't care to go the ultrasn0w route.

[Thanks, Gijs]

T-Mobile Netherlands starts offering free iPhone unlocks originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rogers, Fido offering iPhone unlocks for $50

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:58:00 EST

Bringing this up with your local AT&T rep is liable to get you laughed out of the store, but things are a little different up in Canada where one of the major carriers is now offering an unlock service -- for a fee. If you're on Rogers (or its budget subsidiary, Fido) and you're a customer in good standing with an iPhone that you've previously purchased from them and you're not currently in a contract, you can pay $50 Canadian -- that's $50 US, for those of you not up to speed on current conversion rates -- to have Rogers' customer service reps flip a switch that'll cause the phone to magically unlock the next time you restore it while connected to iTunes. Considering the restrictions, they should probably be offering the service for free, but it's a start.

Rogers, Fido offering iPhone unlocks for $50 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3G, 3GS get iOS 4.2.1 unlock, using risky ultrasn0w workaround

Sean Hollister — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 17:41:00 EST

Can't wait another minute for your iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS to be carrier-unlocked once more? If and only if you're already running the latest firmware, you can actually pilfer a bit of iPad code to pick the requisite locks -- though there are some serious risks in doing so. The iPhone Dev Team has a new version of PwnageTool that uses the 6.15.00 baseband from iPad firmware 3.2.2, which just so happens to run perfectly on the iPhone 3G and 3GS since both phones and tablets of that era use the same Infineon radio chip. If you know your way around an IPSW and regularly bench-press SHSH blobs, you can download all the software you need right now -- but if you don't, you might want to steer clear of the proceedings for the time being. We spoke about risks a moment ago, and in this case there are quite a few -- like the inability to downgrade from baseband 6.15 or ever do a full restore unless Apple relations improve, and it's fairly likely that Cupertino won't look kindly on your warranty if they find you running iPad software. Them's the breaks, kid.

iPhone 3G, 3GS get iOS 4.2.1 unlock, using risky ultrasn0w workaround originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 4 unlock available now (update: video!)

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:40:00 EST

It's the moment that many of you have been waiting for: the Dev-Team's ultrasn0w carrier unlock for iPhone 4 is out. You'll find version 1.0-1 of ultrasn0w in Cydia on jailbroken devices. If not, just add the repo666.ultrasn0w.com repository. It works for iPhone 4 baseband 01.59 and 3G/3GS basebands 04.26.08, 05.11.07, 05.12.01 and 05.13.04. If none of this makes sense then you've got no reason unlocking your device in the first place, buddy.

Update: No-nonsense video embedded after the break showing how to jailbreak and unlock. Easy peasy. [Thanks, Adam]

Continue reading iPhone 4 unlock available now (update: video!)

iPhone 4 unlock available now (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buying an iPhone 4 from a Canadian carrier? It's locked

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:44:00 EST

We've been tipped this morning (and have now been able to confirm, thanks to our own Myriam Joire braving the lines) that if you buy an iPhone 4 in a Canadian carrier's store today, you leave with it locked to that carrier -- despite Apple's trumpeting that you can buy it SIM-free. It appears as though the activation process might be responsible for causing the carrier lock -- either that, or the carriers' subsidized models are shipped locked, unlike the full-price devices you can buy directly from Apple. Either way, it's a bummer, and it's certainly something to take into consideration before you buy.

[Thanks, Chris]

Update: We've now confirmed that the lock is happening at the time the phone is activated -- in other words, it begins life carrier-agnostic. Pretty wild stuff.

Update 2: Tipster Mika G. tells us that unlocked phones purchased directly from Apple do not lock upon carrier activation, which jibes with Apple's wording that "you can change carriers at any time." Carrier-purchased phones, however, definitely do lock.

Buying an iPhone 4 from a Canadian carrier? It's locked originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 4 for Canada gets unlocked price: freedom is far from free

Ross Miller — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:24:00 EST

Sure, we in the US are pretty much stuck with AT&T when it comes to iPhone 4 indulgence, but Canada gets to pick -- for a price. We knew the of the option up north but not how much, and according to CBC News, that'll be $659 for 16GB, $779 for 32GB, and $549 for the 8GB iPhone 3GS. All Canadian dollars, of course -- the US conversion would be about $637 / $753 / $530, respectively. Carriers are still offering it up for a discount on contract, and to be perfectly honest, we think that's probably the route most people will take anyway. All the same, gotta love having a choice.

iPhone 4 for Canada gets unlocked price: freedom is far from free originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PwnageTool 4.0 hacktivation is go for iOS 4

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 01:31:00 EST

You waited patiently for the Dev-Team to pull together all the developer betas and now it's time for your reward: PwnageTool 4.0 has been released. The latest hack from team jailbreak works with previously jailbroken iPhone 3GS devices with the old bootrom, all iPhone 3G models, and yes, the second generation iPod touch too. It doesn't work with the original iPhone and other iPod touch models and, as always, there are plenty of caveats and bold print warnings to heed. But if you manage to weave your way into a jailbroken device (as we did with our iOS 4 iPhone 3G using redsn0w) then the latest copy of ultrasn0w will now unlock all basebands released since 04.26.08, including the updated version found in iOS 4. So get cracking kids, and remember, buckle up, back up, and be safe.

Update: 4.01 has already been released to fix an iBook issue.

PwnageTool 4.0 hacktivation is go for iOS 4 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Apple now offering iPhones contract free (updated: not unlocked)

Joshua Topolsky — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:08:00 EST

We heard from 9 to 5 Mac that Apple was due to begin selling a contract-free variant of the iPhone in the near future "at list price." And guess what happened when we inquired to an Apple store? That's right folks -- you can now pick one up for $499 (3G), $599, or $699 (3GS). We've confirmed this info at no less than five stores, so you should be hearing the same message at your local Appletorium. Given the current unfriendly climate between Apple and Google, this could be seen as nasty jab, though the devices are still carrier-locked to AT&T, so you're not being given much freedom... and it's certainly not much of a statement. In many parts of Europe (France and Poland, for example) you can pick up the carrier-unattached device (and we mean totally unlocked), but that doesn't appear to be the case here.

Update: We're getting mixed reports on the unlock status of these phones. One store says yes to the unlock, while others are saying they're still AT&T-locked devices being sold off contract. We're digging for more info on this now, so stay tuned.

Update 2: It's looking like those initial reports of unlocked devices are inaccurate. It sounds like these devices are still locked to AT&T -- so you're just looking at an off contract pricing scheme. Which is also totally lame.

Official: Apple now offering iPhones contract free (updated: not unlocked) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PwnageTool for iPhone OS 3.1.3 released for the version obsessed

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:53:00 EST

While the list of tweaks is absurdly small in the latest iPhone OS update, we know that some of you simply have to run the latest and greatest OS at all times regardless of risk. Fortunately for you, the Dev-Team has stepped to with a new version of PwnageTool (v3.1.5 for Mac OS X) that handles the update to iPhone OS 3.1.3 with aplomb while preserving your device's ultrasn0w unlock and jailbroken state. As usual, there's a litany of precautions depending upon the device you own so hit the source link and read the dev-team's words carefully before proceeding. With a little luck, patience, and undue stress, improved accuracy of your device's reported battery level can be yours -- Huzzah?

PwnageTool for iPhone OS 3.1.3 released for the version obsessed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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O2 UK gradually rolls out iPhone unlock, forgot to give us the instructions

Richard Lai — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:57:00 EST

Last week O2 UK announced that they will start unlocking iPhones while they lose the exclusivity deal with Apple. We signed up straight away (via the link below) and didn't hear anything until today -- just five days after O2 unlocked the first batch of iPhones, according to tweets from fellow users. As you can see in the picture half of our text message from O2 went missing for some reason, but luckily the procedure was easy enough for us to decipher: simply put in a non-O2 SIM card, then connect to iTunes and boom! You can see all this illustrated in the gallery. Sadly we're stuck with O2 for another twelve months, but are there any UK folks here planning to switch carriers soon?

Gallery: O2 UK gradually rolls out iPhone unlock, forgot to give us the instructions

Filed under: Handsets, O2, HSDPA, Apple, iPhone OS

O2 UK gradually rolls out iPhone unlock, forgot to give us the instructions originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple: Jailbreaking encourages cell tower terrorism, "catastrophic results"

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:37:00 EST

If trashing your push messaging wasn't enough to steer you clear of using your iPhone in unauthorized ways, this next bit of news might have you back on the straight and narrow. According to Wired, Apple's latest salvo in the fight over jailbreaking is a claim that pernicious, iPhone wielding techno-hackers at home or abroad could modify the baseband and use it to attack cellphone towers, "rendering the tower entirely inoperable to process calls or transmit data." Of course, the idea that this would become more likely if the legal status of jailbreaking changes is totally absurd, but why let that stand in the way of a legal argument?

In a related note, one of our editors (whose jailbroken iPhone shall remain nameless) got a strange baseband pop-up error this morning -- the very same morning that AT&T is suffering a "massive connectivity outage" throughout the northeast and midwest. Coincidence? Yeah, probably.

Read - iPhone Jailbreaking Could Crash Cellphone Towers, Apple Claims
Read - Anyone Experience the AT&T Outage?

Filed under: Handsets, ATT, Apple, iPhone OS

Apple: Jailbreaking encourages cell tower terrorism, "catastrophic results" originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple: Jailbreaking encourages cell tower terrorism, "catastrophic results"

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:37:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

Apple: Jailbreaking encourages cell tower terrorism, "catastrophic results" originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 15 year old spends summer hacking iPhones

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST

When we were fifteen we were too busy smoking Winstons behind the Country Fair on Pennsylvania state route 99 to do anything of real value for society, so perhaps that's why whenever we cover one of these "teenager does good" stories it's with a slight tinge of regret. Ari Weinstein, the precocious spawn of a real-estate developer and a social worker, says he began his career as a "hacker" at the age of 7 when he figured out how to get around AOL's parental controls. Since then its only been onward and upward for the lad, who has since made short work of the iPod mini, the iPod touch (which led to the development of iJailbreak) and, with as a member of the Chronic Dev Team, the iPhone 3GS. Now, according to the Wall Street Journal, "he's going legit, as he spends his summer tooling up a new app." Sure. As we know, once the hacking bug bites, there's no going back to the straight world. That is, until AriX (as he's known on the street) discovers girls. Jailbreaking fans, please enjoy a rather confused (and wildly conflated) video after the break.

Continue reading Video: 15 year old spends summer hacking iPhones

Filed under: Cellphones

Video: 15 year old spends summer hacking iPhones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3GS jailbreak released by GeoHot ahead of Dev Team

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:33:00 EST

Be warned, this is beta stuff and we haven't been able to test it ourselves. However, a number of breathless tipsters and commenters are reporting a successful jailbreak and unlock of their iPhone 3GS. The magic begins with a 3GS jailbreak released by GeoHot. See, George is fed up with the Dev-Team's insistence on waiting until Apple releases iPhone OS version 3.1. As he puts it:

Normally I don't make tools for the general public, and rather wait for the dev team to do it. But guys, whats up with waiting until 3.1? That isn't how the game is played. We release, Apple fixes, we find new holes. It isn't worth waiting because you might have the "last" hole in the iPhone. What last hole...this isn't golf. I'll find a new one next week.

Meeeeow. After performing the jailbreak, ultrasn0w should then take care of the unlock although we haven't seen official comment on this by GeoHot or the Dev-Team yet. Good luck, backup, and kiss the children goodbye -- it could be a long weekend if you brick your new iPhone. Now hit the read link if you must.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

iPhone 3GS jailbreak released by GeoHot ahead of Dev Team originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3GS exploit confirmed, jailbreak and unlock coming 'soon'

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:47:00 EST

And so it continues. Geohot has returned with some help from hacking buddies chronic, posixninja, and pod2g with news that the same "24kpwn" exploit used to cracked open the iPod touch 2G will work on the iPhone 3GS. That means a jailbreak and unlock can be launched just as soon as the existing tools are updated for the iPhone 3GS (which won't be long). As George Hotz laments,

On a personal note, I'm sad. Apple, it took me a week to break through your new defenses. And to let us reuse an exploit like that; 24kpwn was so 5 months ago. Although I imagine it must have been painful watching the devices roll by on the assembly line, knowing they all had a hole in them and you couldn't fix it.

Oh George.

[Via Dev-Team Blog]

Filed under: Cellphones

iPhone 3GS exploit confirmed, jailbreak and unlock coming 'soon' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ultrasn0w iPhone 3G unlock for 3.0 is 0ut

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:02:00 EST

Have at it kids, the iPhone Dev-Team's Ultrasn0w unlock for legacy iPhone 3G owners is ready. The unlock works with the original iPhone as well but not the iPhone 3GS; for that you'll have to be patient. Hit the read link to get started on your eight-step program to carrier independence. No donuts or coffee but at least it's free.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Ultrasn0w iPhone 3G unlock for 3.0 is 0ut originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unlocked, official-sounding iPhone 3Gs available from Buy.com

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:29:00 EST

If you're looking for a quick way to stick it to AT&T, we might suggest an unlocked iPhone 3G running on T-Mobile. Not just any old pwned iPhone, though -- how about something a little more official? Buy.com is offering fully Apple-warranted, "never-locked" 16GB iPhone 3Gs for the princely sum of $799.99, which might very well mark the first time such a unit has been offered by a major retailer stateside. You'd be looking at well less than $800 for an off-contract unit from AT&T that's been unlocked the hacky way, but if you'd rather stay on the up and up, this looks like the way to roll.

[Via dealmac.com]

Filed under: Handsets, Apple

Unlocked, official-sounding iPhone 3Gs available from Buy.com originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3G unlock revised, now with less beta

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:23:00 EST

The iPhone Dev-Team works in mysterious ways, but it also works in quick ways. Granted, the iPhone 3G's initial unlock took way longer than anyone would've liked, but when reports started surfacing that it wasn't working particularly well after the first beta release earlier in the week, they appear to have worked doubletime to get a better version into circulation. The release is now up to v0.9.4 -- still beta -- but if you tried the first cut and struggled, we'd suggest giving the new version a whirl.

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

iPhone 3G unlock revised, now with less beta originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3G unlock revised, now with less beta

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:23:00 EST

Filed under: Software, Apple, iPhone OS

iPhone 3G unlock revised, now with less beta originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dev-Team teases v2.2-compatible iPhone 3G unlock for the New Year

Darren Murph — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:44:00 EST

Ever since the Dev-Team kinda sorta promised that they would have a neatly packaged iPhone 3G unlock ready for release by the year's end, we've all been waiting on pins and needles, counting down the moments until freedom was in hand yet again. Now, a cryptic message on the crew's blog has been followed up with a not-at-all secretive image (shown above), which shows that whatever magic they've got going on will work with the latest (v2.2) iPhone 3G firmware. According to a related writeup at yellowsn0w, we're clearly told that the unlock tool will be made available by midnight PST at the latest, though we're hoping those guys have their AM / PM mixed up -- otherwise, you might be waiting until noontime tomorrow. At any rate, now you've more than a day off and black eyed peas to look forward to tomorrow, right?

Via yellowsn0w and MobileCrunch]

Filed under: Handsets, Software, ATT, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, Apple, iPhone OS

Dev-Team teases v2.2-compatible iPhone 3G unlock for the New Year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dev-Team teases v2.2-compatible iPhone 3G unlock for the New Year

Darren Murph — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:44:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

Dev-Team teases v2.2-compatible iPhone 3G unlock for the New Year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 2.2 OS re-locks (some) legitimately unlocked iPhones

Jacob Schulman — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:42:00 EST

Uh oh -- closing holes is all well and good, but it looks like Apple may have closed one too many holes in the iPhone's firmware this time around. In a possible attempt to discourage intrepid iPhone unlockers, it seems like the bigwigs in Cupertino accidentally relocked some legitimately unlocked units. Users in Apple's support forums report have been having mixed results, with some users no worse for the wear and others only able to make emergency calls. So if you've got an unlocked iPhone (and would prefer not to have to ship it to Vietnam) maybe you should resist the urge to hit that update button until this situation gets sorted out. Either way, be sure to sound off in the comments if you've got an unlocked iPhone and have successfully (or unsuccessfully) upgraded.

[Via IntoMobile and iPhoneAtlas]

Filed under: Apple, iPhone OS

iPhone 2.2 OS re-locks (some) legitimately unlocked iPhones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3G unlocking down to a tough, old-fashioned science in Vietnam

Chris Ziegler — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:42:00 EST

Most would-be iPhone 3G unlockers are impatiently waiting for an easy software solution that's been in the works since release day, but in some parts of the world, entrepreneurs are taking matters into their own hands. Enter Vietnam's Tuan Anh Do, who employs a team of some 30 technicians diligently tearing iPhones and iPhone 3Gs apart to remove the baseband chips, reprogram them, and solder them back into place at a charge of about $80. Considering that the end result is a totally carrier-unlocked device, the cost could be perceived as reasonable by some Vietnamese who desperately want an iPhone on the domestic carrier of their choice -- but there's the ever-present risk of re-locking, which 2.2 conveniently does. Of course, that just means more business for Do, who charges another $50 to unlock re-locked handsets. All told, probably not a business model Apple would approve of -- but it's pretty awesome that a single handset has given rise to an entire cottage industry.

[Thanks, JagsLive]

Filed under: Apple

iPhone 3G unlocking down to a tough, old-fashioned science in Vietnam originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone Dev Team teases with 3G unlock video

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:18:00 EST

Wondering where your iPhone 3G unlock's at? Rest assured, the delightful world of hackery hasn't been standing still in the months since the 3G was released, and to prove it, the iPhone Dev Team has slipped out a little teaser video (only with an iPhone 3G unlock could a 55-second video of terminal commands be called a "teaser video," by the way) showing some talented son of a gun having his or her way with the phone's baseband. An unlock isn't publicly available just yet -- but it looks like they're getting close. Any T-Mobile USA execs wryly smiling right about now? Check the full video after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading iPhone Dev Team teases with 3G unlock video

Filed under: Software, Apple, iPhone OS

iPhone Dev Team teases with 3G unlock video originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple now selling iPhone 3G unlocked in Hong Kong

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:10:00 EST

If you can't get your goods into China via the front door, there's always the back. Apple is now selling its iPhone 3G unlocked via its on-line Apple Store in Hong Kong. The 8GB model sells for HK$5,500 (about US$694) or HK$6,200 (about $797) for the 16 gigger. Already available since July 11th with a local Hutchison Telecommunications contract, this is the first time that Apple has sold its device unlocked in Hong Kong:

"iPhone 3G purchased at the Apple Online Store can be activated with any wireless carrier. Simply insert the SIM from your current phone into iPhone 3G and connect to iTunes 8 to complete activation."

Unfortunately for the 1 billion mainland Chinese, the terms and conditions limit sales to those in Hong Kong only -- not that the gray market cares about T&Cs. It'll be interesting to see if Apple extends the unlocking more broadly (presumably as exclusivity deals expire) or if this is strictly a local phenomena, perhaps in direct response to having its WiFi and the imperialistic 3G gutted from handsets sold under Apple's rumored China Mobile deal.

[Via PC World, thanks Twins N]

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio, Portable Video

Apple now selling iPhone 3G unlocked in Hong Kong originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pre-owned iPhones fetching crazy prices post-iPhone 3G launch

Darren Murph — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:09:00 EST

This little phenomenon has been going on ever since lines were wrapped around buildings as consumers waited impatiently for the iPhone 3G, but even now, original iPhones are fetching wild prices on the secondhand market. In a weird twist of economics, Apple's iPhone actually maintained the majority of its value even after its successor hit the market. Why, you ask? Put simply, first-gen iPhones purchased from eBay or other pre-owned resellers arrives sans an AT&T contract, and of course, it can be (relatively) easily unlocked to work with some other carrier. PSA: if you're still sitting on your old iPhone for no apparent reason, now would probably be an excellent time to test the market.

[Image courtesy of IFOAppleStore]

Filed under: Handsets, ATT, GSM, EDGE, Apple, iPhone OS

Pre-owned iPhones fetching crazy prices post-iPhone 3G launch originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 2.0.1 breaking some carrier unlocks

Nilay Patel — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:19:00 EST

Uh-oh, it look like it's not just the underground unlockers who're having problems with the iPhone 2.0.1 update's revisions to the 3G's baseband -- Vodafone customers who've paid to have their handsets unlocked are starting to report failures to connect to iTunes followed by the appearance of an "0xE8000001" error code. There are also reports from a handful of other carriers, but Voda's selling Steve's baby in 10 countries, so most of the complaints are from its customers. Other than that, there are some isolated reports of brickage, but we've mostly heard good things about 2.0.1, and our iPhones are definitely feeling a little better -- how about you?

[Via TUAW]

Filed under: Handsets, Apple

iPhone 2.0.1 breaking some carrier unlocks originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 2.0.1 breaking some carrier unlocks

Nilay Patel — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:19:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

iPhone 2.0.1 breaking some carrier unlocks originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Method devised for pwning first-gen iPhones running 2.0 via Windows

Chris Ziegler — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:29:00 EST

Feeling a little left out after yesterday's Mac-based Pwnage Tool festivities, Windows users? Fret not, because the ever-vigilant, ever-studious hacking community has managed to come up with a series of steps to get you back on your feet again with a fully pwned first-gen handset. The whole shebang isn't necessarily for the most casual jailbreakers -- let's just say it isn't quite as straightforward as the Mac procedure yet -- but it'll allegedly get you going if you're starting with an iPhone running 1.1.4 (there are additional steps if you jumped the gun on 2.0, you impatient son of a gun, you -- think of it as penance). As always, exercise extreme caution, understand that this could cause your iPhone to spontaneously combust into a useless pile of metal, plastic, and ash, and let us know how it goes in comments.

[Thanks, Z-]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Method devised for pwning first-gen iPhones running 2.0 via Windows originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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