KEY POINTS:
Hackers believe they are extremely close to unlocking the iPhone to work with any SIM card - meaning it could be used in New Zealand.
Glory-hunting programmers across the globe are working towards unlocking the iPhone to work on networks other than AT&T, meaning it could be used in New Zealand.
Kudos for whoever untethers the high-profile phone from the network will be massive amongst underground 'hackers'.
Currently the phone, which was released in the United States on Friday, is unable to work with any SIM card other than one from AT&T.
A SIM card from one iPhone will work in other iPhones and in regular GSM phones, but not vice-versa.
This means those outside of the US wanting to get an iPhone will have to wait until Apple has signed a deal with a mobile carrier in their country unless the highly-optimistic hackers are successful.
One group working out of the US has been sharing information on the phone's innermost workings and believe they are close to freeing it from the AT&T network.
"We know how unlocking of the phone occurs with a reasonable degree of confidence - we cannot yet trigger this unlocking or verify whether we are right but speaking for myself, I'm pretty sure I know how to do it " said a poster to iPhone Dev Wiki.
Another site, which offers to unlock phones for a small fee when the phone's defences fall, was offering encouraging words last night.
"Send us an email and we will put you on the unlock wish list. We will get back to you with information about unlocking your specific iPhone shortly. No hassle, no fuss.
"We have determined a number of things over the past few days about unlocking the iPhone, and that it is possible to unlock. Stay tuned."
Despite the fact it would be nice to own an iPhone before anyone else, warranties on the $650 device will be voided should the firmware or any other part of its systems are hacked or modified in anyway.
Tech companies and websites have also been busily voiding warranties on the brand new phones - reverse engineering them to deduce which components have been used in their manufacture and get a closer picture of how much the phones cost to make.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
