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New iPhone Hack Lets You Switch Carriers

Software makes unlocking the gadget easier, but is it legal?

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 13, 2007 8:06 AM CDT
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(Newser) – New software that allows iPhone users to unlock the devices for use on any network without having to disassemble them is available online. Hackers have been on the case for 2 months, MacNewsWorld reports, and this week's breakthrough means customers can buy phones directly from Apple and don't have to be tied to a 2-year contract with AT&T.

The unlocking programs, which range from free to around $60 online, disable some of the iPhone's snazziest features, but analysts say they might herald a significant change for the mobile phone industry. If they're legal, that is—some say that a loophole allows such hacking for personal use, but the commercial software's distributors could face legal backlash.

BIZ CPT-IPHONE 2 HK
BIZ CPT-IPHONE 2 HK   (KRT Photos)
A Close up of a Apple iPhone in San Francisco on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. Jobs apologized and offered $100 credits Thursday to customers who shelled out $599 for the most advanced model of the iPhone, only to have the company unexpectedly slash the price $200 in a push to...
A Close up of a Apple iPhone in San Francisco on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. Jobs apologized and offered $100 credits Thursday to customers who shelled out $599 for the most advanced model of the iPhone,...   (Associated Press)
FILES - A picture taken 11 March 2005 shows a man using his mobile...
FILES - A picture taken 11 March 2005 shows a man using his mobile...   (Getty Images)
IMG_9825
IMG_9825   ((c) Ki n Ph%u1EA1m)
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Blogger braves the intricacies of iUnlock and offers advice
Wired

Tidings of an even simpler upcoming version of the program
Ars Technica

A comparison of two unlocking programs, plus lots of links
ComputerWorld

Live-blogging of the race to confirm that the hack works
Gizmodo

 
cell phones • iPhone • Apple • AT and T • hack • unlock iPhone • gadget

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