Apple is finally responding to the groups who are offering ways of bypassing the SIM usage restrictions placed on the popular iPhone. Currently, US-based iPhones are only usable on the AT&T network, but some smart people have figured out a few ways to get the device to work on other GSM networks. Apple, clearly a bit peeved about this behavior, has come out stating that future upgrades would disable cracked iPhones, but some are saying that Apple could be breaking the law by making such a threat.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 states that is it illegal to void a products warranty if changes to it do not damage the product. Opponents of Apple’s response are claiming that the changes do not alter or modify anything in the iPhone but the software, which can easily be reverted back to the original. However, George Hotz’ iPhone hack, the first one to be proven to work, involves hardware modification, as you can clearly see in “Step 3″. This operation unquestionably voids the warranty, and this is very likely what Apple is aiming at. What, do you think Apple’s lawyers are stupid?

Regardless, the outcome of this row should be very interesting, indeed.

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