Next Firmware Update May Brick Unlocked iPhones [Update: Phil Schiller Chimes In]

Apple recently released a statement today warning iPhone owners to exercise caution when unlocking their iPhone, saying that "many of the unauthorized iPhone unlocking programs available on the Internet cause irreparable damage to the iPhone's software, which will likely result in the modified iPhone becoming permanently inoperable..."

The complete statement reads as follows:

"Apple has discovered that many of the unauthorized iPhone unlocking programs available on the Internet cause irreparable damage to the iPhone's software, which will likely result in the modified iPhone becoming permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed. Apple plans to release the next iPhone software update, containing many new features including the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store (www.itunes.com), later this week....

"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."

I have to wonder, when they say that unlocking the phone will most likely result in bricking it (and that's essentially what they mean), does this mean that they are in fact planning to brick the hacked iPhones intentionally? If so, this might be their way of covering for themselves. When questioned, they could simply say that they gave fair warning.

On the other hand, it is entirely possible that they are being completely truthful, in which case warning those with unlocked devices not to update the firmware is very considerate, especially considering that they are most likely contractually obligated to protect from unlocking by AT&T and the other carriers.

Update:
As to the speculation that Apple might purposely brick unlocked iPhones, The New York Times got an interview with Phil Schiller during which he commented that the warning was intended to be a courtessy, and not a threat that they are purposely going to brick iPhones.

I would say that Apple is being honest with us about this one. We should expect better from them than bricking their own devices. Sorry, Apple!

For those who have or plan on having an unlocked iPhone, keep this in mind. You have been warned. No matter the reason, I expect Apple is being honest that the device will be bricked with the update.

Update #2:
For those of you concerned about risking having your iPhone bricked by the update, Erica Sadun has devised a way to re-lock your iPhone.

[via iPod Observer]