Most iPhone users will be aware that there are a number of unofficial ways to unlock an iPhone 3G. However, I was surprised to hear that an official way is now available.
The unlock mentioned above was used by a user over in Finland who was on the Sonera network. When the 3G S was launched uses could buy out their old contact, thus finishing the 24 month term early. This entitles those users to get a free unlock courtesy of Apple.
And now I’ve discovered that Sonera is also happy to lend a helping hand in unlocking your old iPhone 3G. When the 3G was released last year, Sonera customers had to sign up for a two-year contract. When upgrading to the iPhone 3GS, those same customers are given the option to pay off the remainder of their original 3G contract. Paying off the contract, and thus completing the two years prematurely, entitles the customer to have their iPhone 3G unlocked.
The helpful assistant at the Sonera store made a note of my IMEI number and then passed it onto his boss ” after that there’s a special piece of software that only his boss is authorized to use. This mystical application submits the IMEI to Apple, which in turn authorizes the device for unlocking.
The unlock doesn’t happen in store and is activated when using iTunes to sync your phone.
Via: Gaj-It and The Apple Blog
Is it possible to unlock the new apple 3gs iphone to work on any network. If i buy 1 in USa WILL IT WORK HERE IF I CAN GET IT UNLOCKED?
Thanks for the informative article.
So how do I get my iPhone 3G to unlock in the USA, or Germany? What networks will it work on?
how do i unlock my iphone 3g?