Hackers unlock Apple iPhone

Hackers have succeeded in unlocking the new Apple iPhone 3G just 24 hours after its official launch – increasing the likelihood of it being sold by traders in the UAE which doesn’t have distribution agreements in place.

Apple, which considers the unlocking of the iPhone a violation of its terms of use, has signed exclusive iPhone distribution agreements with network operators across the world, UAE daily The National reported on Monday.

But no such deal has been made for the UAE.

Cracked versions of the original iPhone, unlocked to be compatible with non-partner networks like Etisalat and Du, have been on sale here for more than six months, and the new model will almost certainly follow suit, the newspaper reported.
Despite their premium price, the iPhone is a hot seller. In markets from Dubai to Bangkok, the unlocked first generation iPhone sells for $600 to $800, a markup of more than 40%.

Although the new iPhone is almost half the price of its predecessor – being sold for as little as $199 – resellers in the UAE said they would sell the new device at current prices of at least $598, The National said.