• Apple Attacks Hacked iPhones

    Apple Attacks Hacked iPhones

    Techtree News Staff, Sep 29, 2007 1342 hrs IST

    Apple's move comes even as hackers were about to dismiss the company's warning as a mere arm-twisting tactic...

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"Hackers Inc" are seeing red after Apple Computer released a software update that renders useless -- unlocked iPhones aka iPhones that have been altered so as to be able to work with cellular carriers other than the official one, namely AT&T.

Hackers had it coming when earlier this week, Apple Computer warned about its upcoming software -- that would not only offer access to iTunes and fix a few security bugs -- but significantly, possibly end-up permanently disabling the unlocked iPhones.

Put-on-the-defensive, the hacker community has responded saying that depending on the type of unlocking program used, iPhones may or may not continue to work after installing Apple's newest software update.

In case of unlocked iPhones that live to tell of the software onslaught, they will be workable only with the original SIM card that ties the phone firmly back to official carrier, AT&T.

Apple's move comes even as hackers were about to dismiss the company's warning as a mere arm-twisting tactic.

Meanwhile, it can't be told how many people have actually managed to unlock their iPhones, but from the looks of it, the activity has been particularly popular in Europe.

Installing Apple's latest iPhone update remains optional.

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Discussion Board
(13) Comments
Roguegene
,Banaglore, on Sep 30, 2007 08:18 PM
if you have a lock, then u also might have the key, and if there is a key, then there are the key makers ! question is how many times shall u change the lock ;)
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Abhi
,Kollam, on Nov 13, 2007 11:59 AM
Bravo... lol
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PARESH
,SURAT, on Oct 04, 2007 12:09 PM
WHEN WILL ARRIVES IN INDIA? WHAT PRICE IN INDIA?
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Thampi Meenkutt
,mumbai, on Oct 02, 2007 08:23 PM
the 1.1.1 hack on it's way.32 hours to go.The iphone is essentially a Mac users gadget.This is a syndrome which PC users will never understand.A mac is a Mac.I bought mine in New York a few weeks back and using now on a local network.Everything is superior,Everything.In the west now you have 2 extremes,The Nokia Toy users and the Iphone/Blackberry community.Camera/Video phones are a man made exclusive to India phenomenon.You cant even compare the most advanced Nokia N series handset to an Iphone.It goes hands down.
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Nadir H Karanji
,Mumbai, on Oct 02, 2007 09:49 AM
Apple should be kicked in the **se for this . Its monopolistic behaviour in supposedly the most Free market country in the world. They should have released the phone unlocked world wide - Apple was scared so it had to agree to piggyback on AT&T and they have sold their users down the river. Its sad and not expected from a company that is supposed to "Think Different" . I am an Apple enthusiast and user for the past 10 years - will never change till the last day possible but am very disappointed that this protectionist hyprocracy comes from the man who wanted to open music standards across the net and disallow copy protection - what happened Mr. Jobs , have you forgotten your roots and organization culture ?
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Pats
,Blr, on Oct 01, 2007 06:28 PM
And how long is this lock going to last ... the next weekend is 5 days away :-) . I am predicting by Sunday, we can have an update of the crack for this ...
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Anonymous
,MUMBAI, on Sep 30, 2007 10:15 PM
yes the 1.1.1 is not to be updated on your unlocked iphones or else its of no use for sometime till the new hack is out. It wont take much time though...lol.....but i guess i have an idea trying to revert from 1.1.1 to 1.0.2.....ill let you guys know if it works on the iphone....i have currently unlocked 20+ iphones and counting.....loll......if u guys have any issues with your iphone, feel free to contact me for help
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Mumbaiwala
,Mumbai - Central, on Oct 01, 2007 06:22 PM
is Iphone available in mumbai? would like to buy? and how much it cost? n where?
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Rex
,Bangalore, on Oct 01, 2007 09:40 AM
The iPhone is an overpriced and crippled phone, possibly the only appeal would be for technophobes who can't figure out how to use a smartphone. Our Indian mobile arena is much better-buy the handset of your choice, use the operator of your choice. No locking phones to carriers, no crippled handsets (can you imagine, you cannot use any of the songs as ringtones; u gotta pay and download!) Stick with Nokia/SE/Motorola/whoever else sells unlocked handsets and be happy.
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vineet
,bangalore, on Oct 01, 2007 10:29 AM
yes you are right ,I think all the praise is getting to Apple's head...you can see a hint of microsoft here........what were they thinking ...launching such a crippled phone into the market.....the nokia N series or the Moto razr may not be so fancy but they are much superior to the I-phone when it comes to freedom ,functionality (the I-phone isn't even 3G)and pricing....I wouldn't pay thousands of bucks extra and then sit with a gadget which doesn't give me any choice...
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rohit
,mumbai, on Sep 30, 2007 01:30 AM
you know monopoly newer works
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Mark Walker
,London, on Sep 30, 2007 12:24 AM
Apple knew they had this up their sleeve, before launch, they are far from stupid. They get losts of publicity and loads of sales whilst the unlocking appears to work. Lets hope their challenge to 'Hackers' is taken up and they have bitten off more than they can chew. It may stop such dodgy tactics from other faceless organisations, who will feel all powerful, if they win.
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Loves Hacking
,Hackerville USA, on Sep 29, 2007 06:12 PM
I imagine this is only a temporary setback for hackers. I don't' see how the iphones can be permanently disabled. They're software based so the hackers will come up with another solution. This is only a cat and mouse game. The media is doing just what Apple hoped it would by blowing this story out of proportion. Scaring people into thinking their phones will be permanently damaged. I doubt it
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