The iPhone Dev Team strikes again. The clandestine independent programmers previously responsible for AnySim (a widely distributed and totally unauthorized iPhone unlocking solution) and Pwnage 2.0 (software enabling any iPhone or iPod Touch user to install third-party applications on their Apple device) have now resurfaced with "yellowsn0w," a free software download that promises to unlock the iPhone 3G for use across unauthorized GSM-based networks at home and abroad.
"Yellowsn0w" not only poses a potentially significant revenue risk for Apple's operator partners--in addition, consumers in regions where the computing giant has not yet officially launched the device may now acquire iPhones via the secondary market for use in their home countries. Asked about "yellowsn0w" by The Wall Street Journal, an Apple spokesperson declined comment on the iPhone Dev Team's efforts, but said Apple doesn't support unlocked iPhones in the U.S. and only offers unlocked handsets in Germany and Hong Kong "where government regulation requires it." An AT&T spokesperson told the news outlet that in the U.S., "the iPhone is meant to be used exclusively on the AT&T network. Any other use of the device is inappropriate and would void the warranty."
For more on "Yellowsn0w":
- read this Wall Street Journal article