Are there ANY exceptions to the rule of unlocking??

[mdlooker]

I just got finished talking to Verizon about the 4G Technology of their HTC phone. Well after talking to the guy for a while, he told me that there was a class action suit to makes them unlock GSM phones for customers traveling. He said that he didn't see any reason why AT&T would not be able to honor the same thing, despite it being an iPhone. So I called AT&T and they do the same thing for customers that have phones that are on a plan for 90 days or more but not with the iPhone. They said that they have contractural obligations to Apple and that they don't possess any unlock codes anyway.

So I called Apple. The Apple rep said that they don't have unlock codes but put me on hold because he wanted to ask about the canadian version. He comes back and says that they don't have unlock codes for US Version phones. So now I'm getting pis**d because I asked him, well the US and Canadian version phones are the same aren't they? I mean they have the same firmware and BB; it's just Canada's phones are unlocked so how is there a difference in a version. Same phone, same possibilities.

So now I'm wondering, what scenario warrants an approval to have an US "version" phone unlocked? Has it ever been done? I'm headed to Afghanistan on official orders so I wonder would this help instead of roaming charges or going to buy another phone as this one is perfectly capable.

 

[McGiord]

Either buy the Canadian one for ~$700 or get one of those SIM cards that "unlock" it.

 

[Crystal-RX]

I just got finished talking to Verizon about the 4G Technology of their HTC phone. Well after talking to the guy for a while, he told me that there was a class action suit to makes them unlock GSM phones for customers traveling. He said that he didn't see any reason why AT&T would not be able to honor the same thing, despite it being an iPhone. So I called AT&T and they do the same thing for customers that have phones that are on a plan for 90 days or more but not with the iPhone. They said that they have contractural obligations to Apple and that they don't possess any unlock codes anyway.

So I called Apple. The Apple rep said that they don't have unlock codes but put me on hold because he wanted to ask about the canadian version. He comes back and says that they don't have unlock codes for US Version phones. So now I'm getting pis**d because I asked him, well the US and Canadian version phones are the same aren't they? I mean they have the same firmware and BB; it's just Canada's phones are unlocked so how is there a difference in a version. Same phone, same possibilities.

So now I'm wondering, what scenario warrants an approval to have an US "version" phone unlocked? Has it ever been done? I'm headed to Afghanistan on official orders so I wonder would this help instead of roaming charges or going to buy another phone as this one is perfectly capable.

I am not aware of any scenario where a US version of Iphones get unlock code from carrier or Apple.

Software unlock is based on baseband. So, if you know what firmware version and baseband you have on your phone. You can list them here and we can tell you whether it can be jailbroken/unlocked.

Another option is that Gevey sim which has been discussed in this forum. It's seen to be working. So, you might want to try to unlock your phone with this method temporarily. See below link for this discussion;

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1117001/

 

[mdlooker]

I am not aware of any scenario where a US version of Iphones get unlock code from carrier or Apple.

Software unlock is based on baseband. So, if you know what firmware version and baseband you have on your phone. You can list them here and we can tell you whether it can be jailbroken/unlocked.

Another option is that Gevey sim which has been discussed in this forum. It's seen to be working. So, you might want to try to unlock your phone with this method temporarily. See below link for this discussion;

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1117001/

Thanks and I am JB to 4.2.1 through GP on BB 3.10.01. I read the thread last night about the SIM that unlocks, but I wonder if it can be blocked, rendering it useless on an Apple update or something? I wouldn't plan to update through itunes or anything like that but one never knows what may warrant a restore.

I just wonder, given the circumstances, if it ever has been done or could be done because that will weather the storms of updates and restores and things of that sort.

 

[Crystal-RX]

Thanks and I am JB to 4.2.1 through GP on BB 3.10.01. I read the thread last night about the SIM that unlocks, but I wonder if it can be blocked, rendering it useless on an Apple update or something? I wouldn't plan to update through itunes or anything like that but one never knows what may warrant a restore.

I just wonder, given the circumstances, if it ever has been done or could be done because that will weather the storms of updates and restores and things of that sort.

I am sure Apple will come out an update to block this method of unlocking. It is just a Cat & Mouse game between Apple and Hackers. So, if you go with this method, then don't update software immediately when Apple issues one but rather wait until you hear feedback/concern from people in the forum first before updating it. For now, it's seen like it work up to the latest baseband 04.10

 

[SirStrumalot]

I wish they'd allow us to unlock while traveling. I travel a lot and usually end up using one of my other phones because buying a pay-as-you-go sim somewhere else is usually a lot cheaper than the ridiculous roaming charges.

 

[Daveoc64]

So I called Apple. The Apple rep said that they don't have unlock codes but put me on hold because he wanted to ask about the canadian version. He comes back and says that they don't have unlock codes for US Version phones. So now I'm getting pis**d because I asked him, well the US and Canadian version phones are the same aren't they? I mean they have the same firmware and BB; it's just Canada's phones are unlocked so how is there a difference in a version. Same phone, same possibilities.

iPhones are locked at the point of Activation in iTunes. There isn't a code to unlock an iPhone. Apple maintains a database of all iPhones and the carrier that each of them is locked to. If a carrier requests that a specific phone be unlocked, the database is updated by Apple and the unlock will apply when the phone is next synced with iTunes (and an appropriate SIM is inserted).

Apple has the technical ability to unlock any iPhone that has ever been sold, but it has contracts in place with carriers all over the world that state they will only unlock a phone if the carrier requests that they do so.

 

[awadeee]

This may just be splitting hairs, but iPhones (and other phones) that are bought on a carrier are locked to that carrier. The only differences is that somewhere between 4 and 6 carriers have the GSM iPhone in Canada and only ATT has it in the States, and that Canadian residents have the ability to purchase factory unlocked phones from Apple.

the phones are the same just on different carriers.

 

[eastercat]

I wish they'd allow us to unlock while traveling. I travel a lot and usually end up using one of my other phones because buying a pay-as-you-go sim somewhere else is usually a lot cheaper than the ridiculous roaming charges.

Please. AT&T makes a killing on roaming. Corporations care about profit. If they won't give unlocks to soldiers stationed in Afghanistan/Iraq, you certainly don't have a chance.

iPhones are locked at the point of Activation in iTunes. There isn't a code to unlock an iPhone. Apple maintains a database of all iPhones and the carrier that each of them is locked to. If a carrier requests that a specific phone be unlocked, the database is updated by Apple and the unlock will apply when the phone is next synced with iTunes (and an appropriate SIM is inserted).

Apple has the technical ability to unlock any iPhone that has ever been sold, but it has contracts in place with carriers all over the world that state they will only unlock a phone if the carrier requests that they do so.

Exactly. AT&T is screwing you over on the unlock. Canada has better consumer protection laws, which is why they can get unlocks. It turns out they don't think capitalism is the end all be all; however, they're starting to emulate us, so they might get screwed over in the future.

If you find yourself needing to restore, you just use your blobs and you won't be forced to install a higher iOS. It's not brain surgery. Granted, you actually have to have the blobs for the iOS you want to install. If you didn't get it when it was available, then you screwed yourself (and not in the good way).

 

[old-wiz]

AT&T has way too much political power for the government to ever force them to unlock the iPhones, even after your contract runs out.

 

[zorinlynx]

Exactly. AT&T is screwing you over on the unlock. Canada has better consumer protection laws, which is why they can get unlocks. It turns out they don't think capitalism is the end all be all; however, they're starting to emulate us, so they might get screwed over in the future.

Arrgh! WE should be emulating THEM! The world is so damn backwards.

 

[zorinlynx]

iPhones are locked at the point of Activation in iTunes. There isn't a code to unlock an iPhone. Apple maintains a database of all iPhones and the carrier that each of them is locked to. If a carrier requests that a specific phone be unlocked, the database is updated by Apple and the unlock will apply when the phone is next synced with iTunes (and an appropriate SIM is inserted).

Apple has the technical ability to unlock any iPhone that has ever been sold, but it has contracts in place with carriers all over the world that state they will only unlock a phone if the carrier requests that they do so.

I wonder why no one has been able to crack this scheme. You'd think someone could figure out a man in the middle attack or other sort of vulnerability in the activation scheme and use it to unlock any phone.

I'm guessing they must be using amazing encryption or some sort of one time pad for this. I'm surprised people like Comex and Geohot haven't been able to unlock the phone this way, instead having to find vulnerabilities in the firmware itself.

 

[mdlooker]

I called corporate today and spoke with their customer relations rep. She said there was absolutely nothing she could do because of the contract between them and AT&T. I could be getting scammed but you know how you hear and detect sincerity in a persons voice? I got that from her. She gave me a case number and her direct phone number for any further questions. It sucks but I wonder once a contract ends, what tie is there to that unlock code? Might be an interesting question for a lawyer. If Verizon had a class action suit against them for the same thing and consequently has to give out the code, why would be any different here? Hmm just a thought.

 

[Crystal-RX]

I called corporate today and spoke with their customer relations rep. She said there was absolutely nothing she could do because of the contract between them and AT&T. I could be getting scammed but you know how you hear and detect sincerity in a persons voice? I got that from her. She gave me a case number and her direct phone number for any further questions. It sucks but I wonder once a contract ends, what tie is there to that unlock code? Might be an interesting question for a lawyer. If Verizon had a class action suit against them for the same thing and consequently has to give out the code, why would be any different here? Hmm just a thought.

I hear you. They do give our unlock codes for all other phones once you fulfill your contract. Except the Iphone, this is ridiculous!

 

[labman]

Sorry My advice is by a official unlocked phone and sell you US phone. Only way you can prevent it from being relocked 100%. Not fair, not right but it is what it is. not looking like we will be able to factory unlock iphones in the US anytime in the near future.

 

[Spikestrip]

This may just be splitting hairs, but iPhones (and other phones) that are bought on a carrier are locked to that carrier. The only differences is that somewhere between 4 and 6 carriers have the GSM iPhone in Canada and only ATT has it in the States, and that Canadian residents have the ability to purchase factory unlocked phones from Apple.

the phones are the same just on different carriers.

We also have T-Mobile in the US. And to the best of my knowledge, the "unlocked" Canadian iPhones, as well as from any country, are only "unlocked" to the carriers in that particular country, not just to that type of cell service.

Spike

 

[Chundles]

We also have T-Mobile in the US. And to the best of my knowledge, the "unlocked" Canadian iPhones, as well as from any country, are only "unlocked" to the carriers in that particular country, not just to that type of cell service.

Spike

Incorrect. Factory unlocked iPhones can be used with any compatible GSM carrier world-wide.

 

[mdlooker]

We also have T-Mobile in the US. And to the best of my knowledge, the "unlocked" Canadian iPhones, as well as from any country, are only "unlocked" to the carriers in that particular country, not just to that type of cell service.

Spike

I actually called Apple again (can they see how many times someone calls. Lol) and asked them if it were possible to buy an unlocked Canadian version phone from the online store and they said yes but with 2 conditions:

1. As mentioned above - That will be unlocked but through that carrier. (Whatever that means)

2. There hasvto be a physical Canadian address to deliver it to.

The way that we saw to get around the unlocked obstacle would be to purchase a phone full retail with a pre-paid plan without contractural obligations. Still stumped on the address part though.

Any ideas??

 

[Spikestrip]

Incorrect. Factory unlocked iPhones can be used with any compatible GSM carrier world-wide.

Good to know. Makes more sense that way.

Spike

 

[rritterson]

I wonder why no one has been able to crack this scheme. You'd think someone could figure out a man in the middle attack or other sort of vulnerability in the activation scheme and use it to unlock any phone.

I'm guessing they must be using amazing encryption or some sort of one time pad for this. I'm surprised people like Comex and Geohot haven't been able to unlock the phone this way, instead having to find vulnerabilities in the firmware itself.

The unlock code is encrypted in the baseband. If iTunes sends the matching code it unlocks. But to compute the unlock code from the encrypted version you need the private key.

Muscle nerd has apparently founds enough flaws in the baseband to reduce the complexity to 40bits, which is brute forceable if you have a large cluster of CPUs. We have to wait until future flaws reduce that further, get the unlock code via brute force, then saurik could code an activation server. It'd be a permanent unlock for all phones out when the flaws get out, but future iPhones would be unlocked.

In the USA your best bet is to sue AT&T and get them to unlock ALL phones on request. I'm in a 2 year contract so they get my money no matter what. To keep it locked is just asinine and a way to pound me with international roaming charges.

Anyone know what happens if you ask O2 or Orange to unlock an AT&T phone? Probably wouldn't work, but maybe.

 

[Spikestrip]

The unlock code is encrypted in the baseband. If iTunes sends the matching code it unlocks. But to compute the unlock code from the encrypted version you need the private key.

Muscle nerd has apparently founds enough flaws in the baseband to reduce the complexity to 40bits, which is brute forceable if you have a large cluster of CPUs. We have to wait until future flaws reduce that further, get the unlock code via brute force, then saurik could code an activation server. It'd be a permanent unlock for all phones out when the flaws get out, but future iPhones would be unlocked.

In the USA your best bet is to sue AT&T and get them to unlock ALL phones on request. I'm in a 2 year contract so they get my money no matter what. To keep it locked is just asinine and a way to pound me with international roaming charges.

Anyone know what happens if you ask O2 or Orange to unlock an AT&T phone? Probably wouldn't work, but maybe.

Only AT&T can send the unlock codes to an iPhone currently locked to AT&T.

Spike

 

[mdlooker]

Only AT&T can send the unlock codes to an iPhone currently locked to AT&T.

Spike

Spike I believe Apple has the codes. The AT&T guy just seemed TOTALLY dumbfounded when I asked him for it. Apple call center on the other hand said they absolutely couldn't do anything about it at their level because of contractural restraints. He was going back and forth with his supervisor. The customer relations lady had me on hold for like 3-4 min and came back and said I'm sorry, our hands are tied with the contracts they have with AT&T. Now all of this, of course, could be false but that's howvI was reading these guys and gals.

 

[Crystal-RX]

Only AT&T can send the unlock codes to an iPhone currently locked to AT&T.

Spike

Who do you think have the unlock code to give to AT&T and who is the maker of the iPhone? The code eventually hold by Apple but because of the contract, Apple can't give out these codes.

 

[old-wiz]

In the USA your best bet is to sue AT&T and get them to unlock ALL phones on request. I'm in a 2 year contract so they get my money no matter what. To keep it locked is just asinine and a way to pound me with international roaming charges.

Absolute waste of time. AT&T has way more money and lawyers than you do, plus they also have the political power to make sure that nothing comes of it.

 

[Daveoc64]

Only AT&T can send the unlock codes to an iPhone currently locked to AT&T.

As I said above, iPhones aren't unlocked using codes - it's simply down to a database that Apple maintains.

Apple will only change their database to unlock a phone if a carrier requests it.

It is up to the specific carrier whether or not they do this and what requirements they place on a customer (e.g. minimum waiting time, unlock fee etc.).

Anyone know what happens if you ask O2 or Orange to unlock an AT&T phone? Probably wouldn't work, but maybe.

Apple only allows carriers to request an unlock on a phone that has been synced to iTunes with their SIM in it. iTunes will only allow an AT&T iPhone to sync with an AT&T SIM, so O2 or Orange would simply be unable to unlock the phone.