Does multi carrier iPhone 5 mean it will be unlocked?

[Gjwilly]

Locking/unlocking is all done through software/firmware so couldn't they make an unlocked phone that automatically locked itself to whichever carrier it links with first?

 

[EddyP]

Locking/unlocking is all done through software/firmware so couldn't they make an unlocked phone that automatically locked itself to whichever carrier it links with first?

Good question. Good idea.

I hope you're wrong. 🙂 But you could be on to something.



Obviously if people knew a lot of details it would be easier to unlock your own phone. But does anybody know more about how the phones are locked to a carrier?

 

[0007776]

Locking/unlocking is all done through software/firmware so couldn't they make an unlocked phone that automatically locked itself to whichever carrier it links with first?

I beleive that is what the phones in some of the countries with multiple official GSM carriers do already. It makes it easier to manage stock. For the OP's question, I'm sure the iPhone 5 will be available unlocked on day 1, the real question is will AT&T start unlocking iPhones when the contract is up?

 

[awadeee]

I beleive that is what the phones in some of the countries with multiple official GSM carriers do already. It makes it easier to manage stock. For the OP's question, I'm sure the iPhone 5 will be available unlocked on day 1, the real question is will AT&T start unlocking iPhones when the contract is up?

I highly doubt it.