The iPhone: Unlocked!

The big news on tech blogs today is that the iPhone was finally unlocked. Considering that Apple-hating hackers have been tearing into the thing since it came out, it’s no huge shocker (kind of like Castro’s death. Or not.) Two claims have come in so far and a third will be announced on Saturday.

One using hardware and software modifications came in from 17-year-old George Notz who posted step-by-step instructions. Another was by a team of six at iPhoneSimFree.com, whose software-only solution was tested and confirmed by Engadget:

It’s high noon, Apple and AT&T — we really hate to break it to you, but the jig is up. Last night the impossible was made possible: right in front of our very eyes we witnessed a full SIM unlock of our iPhone with a small piece of software. It’s all over, guys.

The third will come in the form of a downloadable software service (available for a mere $25-$50) tomorrow at iphoneunlocking.com.

According to the lastest PC magazine, AT&T (the formerly-exclusive carrier) has promised to take action against anyone who unlocks the iPhone. We’re thinking they probably have a hit out on poor George already, Live Free or Die Hard-style.