You’ve finally done it: you’ve somehow convinced yourself that the tremendous price tag shrouding the iPhone was justifiable in some shape or form. Now that in itself is a big feat, but there is an even bigger obstacle ahead: how are you going to unlock your iPhone so that you can use it without restriction?

Thankfully, others have done the hard part for you. All that is left for you to do is download, install, configure, and repeat.

Jailbreak! Unlock your iPhone for Good

First thing is first: we need to perform a jailbreak. This is simple a tool that we use to make the iPhone file system writable. Previously, we could only read files from it- but with the jailbreak, we can upload our content as we see fit.

This is going to come in handy for when we need to upload several files and installers. (But don’t worry, the jailbreak program iNdependence can be used to return the iPhone to the read only state so it is reversible if need be.)

Now that we can write to our iPhone, we need to activate it and put an SSH client onto it for easy navigation and operation. Activation is a one-click process within the program iNdependence mentioned earlier and putting the SSH program onto your iPhone is just as simple.

Next, we take the SIM card out and start modifying the files. Once these modifications which are documented within iNdependence are complete, we can slap the SIM card back in and rejoice: the iPhone is unlocked.

Are unlocked iPhones Safe?

Now that they are unlocked, will Apple try and disable the modifications thousands of people have engaged in? The short answer given from the team that made the unlocking process possible is: no.

The makers of the iPhone unlock claim it is upgrade and restore resistant- meaning updates from Apple will not interfere with the design of the hack, or interfere with it in anyway. Apple has yet to successfully combat the software hack- much to the appreciation of iPhone fanatics everywhere.

So my iPhone is unlocked: Now What?

After an iPhone is unlocked, one can use it on different networks. This has become quite popular because the only service the iPhone was made to work with was AT&T. As many have reported, AT&T have inflated rates, require contract agreements, and have less than stellar testing calling plans.

If you followed the steps to jailbreak the iPhone, you’ll be able to use 3rd party applications. This means you won’t only have the selection of programs downloadable from Apple and AT&T: instead, you can put any compatible program you would like on the iPhone.

Now that the iPhone is unlocked, however, video voice mail will not work. This is because video voice mail is strictly a part of the AT&T network. If you do indeed change mobile service providers, be prepared to lose this functionality.

Lastly, keep in mind that the technology that empowers the Apple iPhone is not compatible with all other networks. Only networks with GSM technology will be compatible- which is currently Cingular, T-Mobile, Fido, Rogers, and a few others. Obviously, you should check your mobile service provider before unlocking an iPhone- unless of course the thrill of the hack is what you’re after.