Apr 9, 2011 10:48 GMT  ·  By

iPhone Dev Team member Musclenerd has taken it upon himself to announce that testing has begun on the iOS 4.3.1 unlock via Ultrasn0w, and that the updated tool is to be launched later today.

Available to iPhone owners via Cydia after jailbreaking their handset, Ultrasn0w is the iPhone Dev Team’s reliable unlock utility which allows users to switch carriers, bypassing the limitations imposed by Apple and supported operators.

Via a tweet fired off a few hours ago, Musclenerd said “4.3.1-compat ultrasn0w update for *current unlockers* is out to external testers.” He confirmed that, “Barring any hiccups, release is tonight.”

In a recent blog post, the Team warned Ultrasn0w unlockers that they should hold their horses.

“WARNING WARNING — ultrasn0w users don’t update yet!  We need to first release an update to ultrasn0w that fixes some incompatibilities when FW 4.3.1 is used on the older basebands supported by ultrasn0w,” read the post.

“And remember once we do fix ultrasn0w for 4.3.1 (we’ll announce it here and on twitter), you must only get there via a custom IPSW from PwnageTool, Sn0wbreeze or xpwn!  Don’t ever try to restore or update to a stock IPSW, or you’ll lose the unlock!”

In other words, those who plan on unlocking their iPhones on iOS 4.3.1 will need to perform their iOS 4.3.1 software update by employing one of the jailbreak utilities enumerated above.

This article has a purely informational purpose and doesn't, in any way, suggest that you should hack your Apple device.

Using hacks may render your device unusable, or may reduce the quality of your experience employing the respective device.

If you choose to download and install jailbreak tools, you will do so at your own risk. Unlocking / jailbreaking your iPhone / iPod touch / iPad / Apple TV may violate your warranty or the EULA with Apple and / or your cellular-service provider.