There was always a possibility that this is going to happen. Apple had already sent the warning signals. According to latest news reports the iPhone 1.1.1 firmware update has disabled iPhones that have been unlocked or are running third-party applications.
Although, the update process runs smoothly when the phone is restarted an activation message saying, “Insert an unlocked and valid SIM to activate iPhone” appears on screen. Similar stories were heard from Seattle where Joel Robison, a system engineer found his iPhone inactive after he installed the upgrade.Several iPhones in the Macworld offices went useless after having run through the update. WirelessInfo’s Richard Baguley who has an original AT&T SIM in the phone also faced similar problems.
Post iPhone release, many software hacks which enable iPhone users to by-pass AT&T restrictions have been developed. Apple has been trying out its best to surpass such attempts to unlock iPhone which can cause irreparable damage to the iPhone’s software.
In terms of features, the upgrade offers nice enhancements but probably not nearly an incentive for users with already-unlocked 1.0.2 firmwares to upgrade. Typing messages becomes easier, iPhone can be connected with a TV and the new iTunes Wi-Fi icon enables users to download music from Wi-Fi network.
Users who have already hacked their iPhone are recommended to wait-and-watch till further news to avoid damage to the phone.
