14 DAY TRIAL // The iPhone is a prime target for hackers, crackers and modders, not only because of the underlying power of the little handheld, but also because of all the features that users would simply love to see on it. The Apple TV was a popular little gadget for this crowd, but it looks like the iPhone is a much juicier target, but despite this, nobody is making much headway.
There are a lot of things that people want to be able to do with their iPhone. From using Flash and Java, to instant messaging applications or simply the ability to use the device outside of the AT&T network, there are a hundred reasons to break an iPhone. Unlike the case of the Apple TV or any other device, an unlocked iPhone appeals not only to the hardcore tweaker, but also to the average person that doesn't know hexa from a firmware update.
The iPhone could prove to be very lucrative for the individuals that finally manage to bend it to their will, as such a device that would work on any network, or even outside the United States would sell for a pretty penny. Not surprisingly, the efforts extend beyond the hobbyist hacker crowd and even companies are joining the race. Such is the case of UK-based Uniquephones, a company that unlocks cell phones, which has engineers all over the world working around the clock to come up with an answer.
The only catch is that even if the iPhone is unlocked, Apple could easily break any and all such hacks with a mere software or firmware update. This fact, coupled with the fact that it has been over a week and nobody has succeeded yet make for a bumpy ride. Apple obviously doesn't want the iPhone running around without AT&T supervision.