Apple defends statement

Following its warning about warranty coverage for unlock-damaged iPhones, Apple execs defended their decision, but claimed that they were not intentionally disabling phones. The company on Monday warned that some users may end up with a phone that doesn't work after the company's next software update. Apple executives said they have discovered that many of those unauthorized unlocking programs cause some software damage to iPhones and cautioned users that the damaged iPhones would not be eligible for warranty repairs. While the forthcoming iPhone software update will add features such as accessibility to the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store, it may also render the device completely inoperable if it has been hacked into, the company cautioned.

"This has nothing to do with proactively disabling a phone that is unlocked or hacked," Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, told The New York Times. "It's unfortunate that some of these programs have caused damage to the iPhone software, but Apple cannot be responsible for ... those consequences."

Several different unlocks methods have emerged, including a relatively simple free unlock program released by the iPhone hacking community as well as pay-per-unlock services that charge up to $25. Many international users have been looking to the unlock programs to use Apple's iPhone in countries other than the US, the only place Apple currently sells the iPhone. Only recently did Apple announce the iPhone for the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, but those customers must wait until November. Customers in other European countries and Canada -- as well as those who prefer to use a different contracted mobile carrier -- are still out of luck.

"From the consumer point of view, this is extremely concerning to anyone who has unlocked their phone -- especially people outside the U.S., where this is the only way to use the iPhone with any carrier," Erica Sadun, a Denver computer programmer who developed a graphic interface for one software program that unlocks the iPhone to the publication. "Apple has essentially told them, 'Sorry, we cannot work with you.'"

In response to the statement, hackers have begun outlining ways iPhone users can re-lock their iPhone before applying the new software update to avoid damage; however, it is unclear whether Apple's iPhone software update will require the hackers to update their unlock process/software.

by MacNN Staff