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iBricking Redux: iPhone Firmware Update 1.1.2 On The Way

In what is sure to ignite another outcry against Apple, the latest firmware update for the iPhone will -- you guessed it -- wipe out access to third-party applications and wireless networks other than AT&T's. Again.

The firmware update, to 1.1.2, is said to be coming this week in conjunction with the iPhone's launch in the U.K. iPhones will be available in Great Britain starting on Friday, and will come preloaded with 1.1.2. Since iTunes 7.5 also is rumored to be released this week, it isn't a big stretch to surmise that Apple will make the 1.1.2 firmware update available to the general public as well.

There are some positives in the update. The iPhone will support more languages, notably Cantonese. There also is full support for French and German, with different keyboard configurations to provide access to special characters used in those languages. No real surprises there, as the iPhone is going to be hitting European shores later this month.

The bad news is, according to those who've seen the 1.1.2 firmware, it will again lock out access to third-party applications by fixing the loophole that currently lets users unlock their iPhones. According to MacRumors, one third-party application in particular is being targeted by Apple this time around: iToner. iToner allows users to create their own custom ringtones from their iTunes library and install them on the iPhone. Since this prevents Apple from earning some moolah, it's no real surprise that it would take action to stop this application. The update also will break access to unlocking the SIM card so iPhones can be used on other networks.

Not much else has been leaked about the firmware update, and it is unknown if it will provide any new features or functionality to the iPhone.

Undoubtedly, the ever-diligent hacking community will likely come up with yet more ways to circumvent the iPhone's locking software and open it back up. All we can do is sit back and wait for it all to happen. Again.

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