iPhone 2.2 PwnageTool and QuickPwn Available

The iPhone Dev Team is at it again with new versions of their firmware jailbreakers, PwnageTool and QuickPwn. Available for both Mac and Windows users, the tools come with a warning for users who attempt to update their iPhone, iPod touch, or iPhone 3G software using iTunes.

According to iPhone Buzz, Apple handset users can kiss unlocking their iPhone goodbye, should they use iTunes to upgrade starting now. Apparently, the iPhone's baseband has been changed so that it will be almost impossible to unlock in the future. For a better understanding of the term “baseband,” read the description below.

The ‘baseband’ is the generic name given to the internal components of the iPhone that handle the phone calls and Internet access. This ‘baseband’ is a tiny and unique independent computer system that runs inside your iPhone, it is separate to the main system that handles the applications (such as email and google maps), and it talks to the main part of the phone over an internal communications network. Think of it like a cable modem or other peripheral that is attached to your home PC that needs occasional updates. When a software update is released and presented to you within iTunes, the baseband is sometimes updated (to fix bugs or add new features). The 2.2 update for the iPhone 3G contains such an update, so running the vanilla updater straight away with iTunes will reprogram and update the baseband. This could be bad for certain people, depending on your ultimate aim.

Users will need to follow strict steps in jailbreaking their device, which, needless to point out, Softpedia doesn't condone. One of the rules accompanying the new releases says that if they own a 3G handset and want potential soft unlock in the near future, they should not use QuickPwn, the official .ipsw, or the iTunes update process without using PwnageTool. Another note issued by the iPhone Dev Team says that late 2008 MacBooks have an issue with DFU mode. It has been previously revealed that Apple's new MacBooks are capable of disabling PwnageTool.

“While it’s possible to go from Pwned 2.1 -> Pwned 2.2 (using PwnageTool), you can’t yet go from stock to pwned. If in any doubt use a different machine,” the team says. “Choosing the correct tool is crucial. Be warned!”

Softpedia doesn't condone jailbreaking / unlocking your iPhone / iPod touch or any other device. Using hacks may render your device unusable or may considerably reduce the quality of your experience using the respective device. If you choose to download and install the PwnageTool, you do it at your own risk.