[an error occurred while processing this directive]
BBC News
watch One-Minute World News
Last Updated: Friday, 28 September 2007, 09:38 GMT 10:38 UK
Apple iPhone warning proves true
The iPhone
Users may not be able to add Apple features to an unlocked phone
An Apple software update is disabling iPhones that have been unlocked by owners who wanted to choose which mobile network to use.

Earlier this week Apple said a planned update would leave the device "permanently inoperable".

Thousands of iPhone owners hacked their expensive gadget in order to unlock it for use with other mobile carriers and to run a host of unsupported programs.

There are also reports of the update causing issues with unaltered iPhones.

On Monday Apple issued a statement in which it said many of the unauthorised iPhone unlocking programs caused "irreparable damage" to the device's software.

The company said this would "likely result in the modified iPhone becoming permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed".

That warning has now proved correct as many owners are reporting their phones no longer work following installation of the update.

Apple requires iPhone owners to take out a lengthy contract with AT&T in the United States but there are a number of programs on the net that unlock the device for use with other networks.

Some owners are reporting on technology blogs and Apple's own forums that the update is deleting contacts information, as well as photos and music, on iPhones that have not been modified in any way.



VIDEO AND AUDIO NEWS
Apple cracks down on iPhone hackers



SEE ALSO
Apple warning on unlocked iPhones
25 Sep 07 |  Technology
Apple in iPhone price cut apology
06 Sep 07 |  Business
Apple overhauls entire iPod line
05 Sep 07 |  Technology
Apple launches TV service in UK
29 Aug 07 |  Technology
Legal threats halt iPhone crack
28 Aug 07 |  Technology
Mac and iPhone sales boost Apple
25 Jul 07 |  Business

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Has China's housing bubble burst?
How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire
Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific