Apple: iPhone firmware update coming this week; unlocks will void warranty

Apple today issued a press statement via PRNewswire indicating two key data: currently available unlocking solutions for using the iPhone on a carrier other than AT&T in the US or other authorized carriers in Europe cause "irreparable damage to the iPhone's software," and the iPhone firmware/software update (thought to be version 1.1.1) that adds the WiFi iTunes Store and other features -- including international/multiple keyboards, video out, ability to turn off EDGE roaming, and more -- later this week.

The statement says that current unlock methods make changes "which will likely result in the modified iPhone becoming permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed," adding:

"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."

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