We know it will Blend, but will it stay Bricked?
Attention: Corrections to post were made as a result of post comments that were accurate. So read all the comments before you think about flamming.
Douglas E. Welch who was just on the show last night sent me an email with a link to a Gizmodo article where Apple is warning iPhone owners who have hacked their phones that “Unlocked iPhones Will Brick After Software Update (Coming Later This Week).”
Apple has discovered that many of the unauthorized iPhone unlocking programs available on the Internet cause irreparable damage to the iPhone’s software, which will likely result in the modified iPhone becoming permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed. Apple plans to release the next iPhone software update, containing many new features including the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store (www.itunes.com), later this week. Apple strongly discourages users from installing unauthorized unlocking programs on their iPhones. Users who make unauthorized modifications to the software on their iPhone violate their iPhone software license agreement and void their warranty. The permanent inability to use an iPhone due to installing unlocking software is not covered under the iPhone’s warranty.
Douglas points out that ” if Apple bricks hacked iPhones, permanently, it will make the
price cut revolt look like a 1st Graders tantrum. I get images of iPhone being thrown through Apple Store windows. ”
I have to agree with Douglas and my reason is because Apple is doing a classic job of speaking out of both sides of their collective mouths. In the press release Apple states that the update will “Brick After Software update,” “cause irreparable damage to the iPhone’s software,” however in the same press release Apple also say “Our advice to users: wait until Firmware version 1.1 is out later this week before you decide to unlock your iPhone. Full release after the jump.”
Which is it Apple? We know it will blend, but do you want users to unlock the iPhone or not.? This kind of ambiguous position by Apple is irresponsible. As reported by the Unofficial Apple Web Log Job’s stated last week that it was Apple’s job to “to stop them breaking in.” Get your story straight Apple because this press release is smelling rotten to the core.
September 24th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
1. Apple never said it would brick anything - they said it MIGHT brick something.
2. Apple was talking about UNLOCKED phones only - not once did they mention 3rd party apps.
September 24th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
3. Apple never said “Our advice to users: wait until Firmware version 1.1 is out later this week before you decide to unlock your iPhone. Full release after the jump.”. That was Gizmodo’s advice.
September 24th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Andrew
A. I have added the full Apple statement to avoid my confusion or anyone elses.
B. If “cause irreparable damage to the iPhone’s software, which will likely result in the modified iPhone becoming permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed.” does not equal “Brick” was does?
C. I never mentioned 3rd party applications either.
Thanks for the input and comments and the correction about Gizmodo. I stand corrected and have added Apples full text.
September 24th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Thanks for updating your post. When someone says Hacked iPhone, I and a lot of others think of apps, not unlocked. An Unlocked phone is a hacked, unlocked phone. Not just apps. You called the unlocked phones hacked phones.
September 24th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Well Andrew I have to agree with you that I need to get it right, however I think that people who have unlocked or hacked their iPhones may be in for some grief in the future. I wish that was not the case and I hope I’m wrong, but I think Apple is throwing a pretty big shot across the bow on by stating this. I may be a wimp for neither unlocking or hacking my iPhone, and I certainly hope they do not do something to “break” the iPhone but I fear the will. Again thanks for not simply flaming.
September 25th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Good thing I read the posts… cuz Andrew posted exactly what I was going to post. I hearing “Apple is talking out both sides of their mouth”, ie., it’s ok to hack we’ll look the other way, and we’ll bring hacked phones. The distinction is I think Apple is going to look the other way if I put voice memo software on my iPhone. But they’re coming at me both guns blazing if I mess up their ATT agreement.
I keep hearing how everyone is afraid to put apps on their phone. Believe me I’m no fan of lawyers but I’ll be leading a class action lawsuit if they brick my phone for putting apps on it. If I add door guards to my car does the auto company have the right to stop my car from running? Or heck, if I replace the entire engine, I don’t expect them to warranty it but they better not “brick” my car.
September 25th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
mmoran, it looks like at this point Apple is just talking about folks who have unlocked their phone. My point on the post is that Apple needs to be more clear and not say one thing and then send a different message. I think lots of folks will take legal action if Apple “bricks” the phones. We will see. I’m still chicken.
September 25th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Couldn’t agree with you more. I hope more people “clear the air” on what I think is a growing misconception. What do I care anyway I’ve got an Apple store opening in my neighborhood this week end!!!!
:) 
http://www.apple.com/retail/lehighvalley/week/20070930.html