iPhones Available, Open to Crack

Madhavi Gokhlay, Oct 12, 2007 1247 hrs IST

Today, you can get an iPhone for around Rs 31,000 from 'Alpha Electronics'; for about Rs 27,000 from 'Heera Panna'; for somewhere between Rs 27,000 and Rs 30,000 from any custom-notified shop.

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Raza Noorani (20) and Nigel Jairaj (21); main occupation: B.Com students; side occupation: unlocking Apple iPhones (till recently, it was cracking PSPs)...

Apple Computer may delude itself that the India launch of its iconic iPhone is slated for not before next year, but iPhones are proliferating ever since the gizmo's US launch about a month and a half back. Both Noorani and Jairaj are ready to swear by this!

Today, you can get an iPhone for around Rs 31,000 from 'Alpha Electronics'; for about Rs 27,000 from 'Heera Panna'; for somewhere between Rs 27,000 and Rs 30,000 from any custom-notified shop. A month and a half back, the prices per iPhone were in the region of Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000.

The gray market has its own sources for sourcing these iPhones; the usual suspects being contacts in customs, or carriers who come to India loaded with iPhones, or simply people who travel to- and fro- between India and the US.

"You've paid for the iPhone. The tie-up is between Apple and AT&T. It's their problem entirely. So there's no big deal about using iPhones in India, way before their official launch," quip Noorani and Jairaj.

The duo use a Windows-based software for unlocking iPhones. Originally into cracking PSPs, their iPhone foray began with a night well spent fiddling with a friend's iPhone. The morning saw the iPhone unlocked, much to their delight. That's how they got hooked onto the idea.

Subsequently, they bought an iPhone SIM free unlocking software online for nearly GBP 70, and have been cracking iPhones since -- for a price!

Customers based out of Mumbai are charged Rs 2,000, while those based outside of Mumbai (even outside of India) are charged Rs 2,500 per unlocking. In case of the latter, CDs containing software are sent to these customers, after which Noorani and Jairaj instruct them over the phone as to unlocking of their iPhones.

Otherwise, the process takes place pretty much from the comfort of Noorani- and Jairaj's homes. All they need is the iPhone that is to be unlocked, the accompanying USB cable, and a computer with Windows XP Service Pack 2. No need for an Internet connection.

Within a span of 15 to 20 minutes, a single iPhone gets unlocked. However, each iPhone is different by virtue of the fact that it's been manufactured under a different batch. To that extent, the unlocking process differs from phone to phone.

All said, Noorani and Jairaj are not alone in this venture. Some of the shops in Heera Panna, and a handful of individuals in this city claim to be able to unlock iPhones.

However, doing a good job is an entirely different story. Every now and then, the youngsters get customers coming to them, who've bought 'unlocked' phones from somewhere for a hefty price, and whose phones are now no longer working properly. It's up to the twosome to fix these iPhones. They say they charge about Rs 500 for fixing such iPhones, simply because they don't want to fleece customers who've already been fleeced more or less.

Besides, they've undergone a similar experience. They recall a gruelling week spent working for a shop in Heera Panna, within which time, they would've unlocked at least 30 iPhones a day. But, were paid just Rs 1,000 per unlocking, while the shop charged its customers up to Rs 4,000 only in unlocking charges per iPhone.

Going-it-alone, are they making much moolah? They won't tell but looks like it's enough to keep them going!

USER COMMENTS

heyy.. plzzzz help me.. i want to unlock nokia 6500 orange.. i asked alot of ppl bt they say its not possible.. plzz helpp...

by Ibtisam, sharjah, on Aug 06, 2008 03:25 AM, Report abuse Reply

Heyy.. Will the crack work for the new version iphones? Wanted to get one from the US but I am not sure it will be easily unlocked.Kindly help. -Kshitij

by Kshitij Deo, Lucknow, on Jun 28, 2008 06:53 AM, Report abuse Reply

plz help me for unlocking sagem my600x orange

by pardeep kumar, ferozepur punjab india, on May 12, 2008 09:57 AM, Report abuse Reply

my k850 says insert correct sim..can sum pls tell me wat to do

by plaga, banjul, on Apr 16, 2008 04:15 PM, Report abuse Reply

can som 1 give unlock code for lg kp200 plsss

by nswguy, woy woy, on Apr 04, 2008 07:31 AM, Report abuse Reply

pls give me unlocker apple iphone pls

by abid, u a e, on Mar 18, 2008 07:49 PM, Report abuse Reply

hello, I have a LG KG 300. I'm forgot the password phone. can you help me ???

by zosep, Bandung, on Feb 25, 2008 08:41 PM, Report abuse Reply

Hello, I have a Nokia 6170. I have the PUK Code for the sim card but not the PIN Code. How can I use the PUK code by starting the telephone? And can the PIN Code still be used afterwards. I want to check my childrens phone without them knowing it. Can anybody help me? Is there a combination I have to type in? Thanks a lot and best greetings from Germany Robert

by Robert Konig, Coburg, on Feb 18, 2008 03:39 PM, Report abuse Reply

Hi Guys, I just purchased Apple Iphone from US and I want to unlock that phone so I can use it in Pune, if anybody can help me that will be very helpfull. Thanks in advanced

by Vin21, Pune, on Feb 11, 2008 01:34 AM, Report abuse Reply

i want to unlock iphone 8GB in delhi. please contact and inform how to proceed

by RAVI MITTAL, DELHI, on Nov 26, 2007 06:07 PM, Report abuse Reply

hai i got i phone from us and need to unlock could u help me out unlock the phone.

by s.chandra kumar, tipupur,tamilnadu, on Nov 05, 2007 06:51 PM, Report abuse Reply

call me on 9820541041 to get your world unlocked

by pspguru, Mumbai, on Nov 03, 2007 12:44 PM, Report abuse Reply

can i have my iphone code broken too?in hyd?

by A.PRANATHI, HYDERABAD, on Oct 28, 2007 03:19 PM, Report abuse Reply

unlocked iphone are on sale at rediff...priced at just 17.7K :)

by dr kaushik, kolkata, on Oct 19, 2007 12:22 AM, Report abuse Reply

wonderful and useful information !

by Alhad Sabadra, DHULE, on Oct 18, 2007 02:01 PM, Report abuse Reply

Firmware 1.1.1 is now crackable all due to the valiant efforts of the few dozen hackers who helped us do it. So if you got an iPhone with fw 1.1.1 or have updated it by mistake and need some help, please mail, cuteprick at hotmail P.S: Its a Pure Software Unlock And for the evern wise cynics, you can sure get ur iphones unlocked by getting help from some great tutorials online. We Personally suggest the devwiki. However our unlock service is for those who cannot manage to do it on their own.We are here to help not "fleece". Cheeriio Reza-Nj

by Reza-Nj, Bombay, on Oct 15, 2007 11:06 PM, Report abuse Reply

these guys are bunch for idiots. I'm sure they are just bullshitting about having paid 70GBP for such software. IPhone Dev Wiki already provides all the tools necessary for free.

by Vinay, Mumbai, on Oct 15, 2007 01:24 PM, Report abuse Reply

Hey anybody seriously into cracking Iphones for usage in Mumbai, please leave your phone or email addresses here. Lotsa people I know including myself have a Iphone to crack. :)

by Vijay, Mumbai, on Oct 15, 2007 11:44 AM, Report abuse Reply

why pay for it when detailed tutorials and softwares are avilable for free on the net just Google it places like give you good links http://www.iphonehacks.com/ thats a lot of mony for just unlocking hahah ripoffs my guess is the buggers got it for free

by chhanga, Chennai, on Oct 15, 2007 10:57 AM, Report abuse Reply

Please note that unlocked iPhones stop working when official Apple updates are loaded later (MSN news). Any comments from the Techtree team ?

by Valsan, Vellore, on Oct 13, 2007 08:40 AM, Report abuse Reply

@ Vasan, Not Only Iphone's, but all the unlocked phone when updated legally using the provided official software get's Locked! or atleast to my Experience SE'z LOCKS up !

by Vizzpv, Chennai, on Oct 14, 2007 07:59 AM, Report abuse

apparently, apple keeps coming out with newer updates. however, unlockers manage to counter the newest update and manage to unlock the iPhone yet again.

by techtree staff, mumbai, on Oct 14, 2007 01:58 PM, Report abuse

i got the latest batch of iphones ...no crack yet ... but if any info do let me know

by stebin, mysore, on Oct 14, 2007 01:47 PM, Report abuse Reply

thanks vedhandha fr the encouragement. I would just like t tackle the issue of legality here. When you pay a fortune for buying ur iPhone its upto you whether you throw it down the gutter or better, unlock it ! plus, its fun being a part of the war goin on between apple and unlockers ! keeps us both on our toes. Same for Sony PSP too ! Regards Reza-Nj

by pspguru, Mumbai, on Oct 13, 2007 02:42 AM, Report abuse Reply

Any contact details? Perhaps an email ID if you don't want to give out your number?

by C_Gogo, Mumbai, on Oct 14, 2007 12:33 AM, Report abuse

Well I don't really understand whats the point in paying so much money, when you youself can unlock the iPhone with simple FREE GUI based Applications like AnySIM available. Same goes for the PSP. The Original Developers i.e. iPhone Dev Team or Dar-Alex themselves do not ask for any money and do it free for the community without expecting anything. If the article was about such person then it was worth it, else there are 100's of such people who take a lot of money for a simple job !

by Tanmay, Mumbai, on Oct 13, 2007 09:43 AM, Report abuse Reply

Hi i have an Iphone which is 1.01 (1C25 ) want to unlock pl guide me so that i can go ahead pl reply

by Kersi, Mumbai, on Oct 13, 2007 08:18 PM, Report abuse

what is the cost of the 8 gb iphone in india i have got two iphone of 32 bit sim card and i want nlock them pls tell me what to do and how

by RAJAT VERMA, DELHI, on Oct 13, 2007 04:58 PM, Report abuse Reply

Is it legal?

by Sendoh, Pokhara, on Oct 13, 2007 04:48 PM, Report abuse Reply

unlocking iphone for Rs. 1000/- call 9869032799

by amit, mumbai, on Oct 13, 2007 12:40 PM, Report abuse Reply

What does it mean ? <b> based out of Mumbai</b> are charged Rs 2,000, while those <b>based out of Mumbai</b> (even out of India)

by Anonymous, ss, on Oct 12, 2007 01:29 PM, Report abuse Reply

Absolutely correct, Me also saw the same thing. I think the guys @techtree write while they are sleeping.... Don't know why I come to this page every often, I suppose to find the next goofup of techtree. kudos for this errors techtree. keep it up

by Christopher, Ahmedabad, on Oct 12, 2007 01:36 PM, Report abuse

maaf karo, typo tha

by Techtree, Mumbai, on Oct 12, 2007 02:35 PM, Report abuse

Yaar yaha tech reader se jyada to proofreader aate hain...jo likha hai uska matbal samajh mein aayaa tha ki nahi??? Baat karte hain......Abe ek European/Chinese/Japanese agar angrezi ki MBE karta hai to tum logo ko koi piroblem nahi hoti hai...lekin agar koi Hindustani angrezi galat likhta hai to tumhe duniya khatre mein lagti hai...huh....

by Ashish, Noida, on Oct 13, 2007 09:19 AM, Report abuse

good job and work guys ''Noorani and Jairaj'' -- buts please be sure your talents and abilities do not end u up in jail due to jealousy of someone on you. "Anyway good work guys you deserve appreciation"

by Vedhandha Desig, Tiruchchirappalli, on Oct 12, 2007 09:57 PM, Report abuse Reply

lol ! what responsive readers !! waah !

by reza, bombbay, on Oct 12, 2007 04:08 PM, Report abuse Reply