The number of ways in which the iPhone can be carrier unlocked is ever-growing, and so too are the legal threats. But the question remains: Just how can you sell somebody a product and then expect them to do exactly what you say with it?
The problem for the user is this:
Firstly, at this moment in time, AT&T is the only carrier with the iPhone. If you want an iPhone, you have to use AT&T, and if you buy an iPhone from them, you can't use it on another network.
That is, until it pops up over here in Europe - which is soon. Various providers are grabbing exclusive deals in European countries. So while the provider list grows, the iPhone you buy will only work on the carrier you bought it from.
But that's not true any more, because you can unlock them. The first paragraph of this article says as much.
That's great, because it means users can buy an iPhone and use it with whatever SIM they wish, right? Wrong!
One company is gearing up to sell an unlocking service. Other hackers have simply detailed some of the ways the device can be freed, making that info readily available online. Believe it or not, both the former and latter will face the wrath of Apple's legal beavers... one way or another.
Now, carriers don't like it when you get a phone from them - subsidised or not - and then stick another SIM in it. But don't forget that your contract with them will have minimum terms, so regardless of whether you use the phone with them or not, they'll get money.
Some carriers even ship certain contract phones unlocked... how very nice!
But with the iPhone, it's all about exclusivity. Turns out there are enough idiots in the world to want one, so carriers want to be the only place to get one.
And Apple's cashing in on that too, grabbing a share of revenue from the carriers in exchange for exclusive rights. So if Apple doesn't do its utmost to stop people doing whatever the hell they want with iPhones, it'll lose a wad of cash.
So, you see, in signing deals with mobile telco providers, Apple has essentially said "F*** the consumer, we can keep them from doing what they want with the phone. Now hand over the cash, telcos!".
It's all about money. Don't ever expect that you completely own anything you buy any more. There'll be a clause in the contract somewhere that ties you down - and woe betide anybody who tries to do something unsanctioned with something they've bought!
Of course, some consumers are more savvy than others, and won't put up with such bull. All power to them... hopefully some CEO somewhere will notice them before all the savvy folk end up penniless and in prison.
There's a little more reading on the latest unlocking debacle over at El Reg.
