Out of the box, a US-bought iPhone basically offers zero functionality. The only feature that works is the emergency call. Its remaining capabilities, such as the Safari Internet browser, Email client, music and video player (iPod functionality), time planner, Google Earth etc., are not yet usable. Enabling these features requires Apple’s iTunes software, either on a Mac or a Windows PC as well as a service plan with US carrier AT&T – at least that’s the official method. Using the tool “iNdependence” v 1.2.1a, activation succeeds even without a phone tariff, so that all applications save the phone functionality itself are usable.

All of the modifications performed in this article were done from a Mac. We will show you how to unlock your iPhone using a Windows PC in a follow-up article.

Important note: All iPhones currently sold in Apple stores in the US are shipped using the firmware version 1.0.2. Since September 28 Apple has been offering an optional firmware upgrade to version 1.1.1. The update, which does not bring any major improvements with it, is installed through iTunes. At present, modifications are only possible up to v1.02 – if your phone uses a newer version, you will need to downgrade to unlock it.

In addition to the iNdependence 1.2.1a tool , you will also need to download the firmware file (v1.02), which weighs in at 91 MB. To successfully complete the activation process, iTunes 7.4.x needs to be installed on your computer.

After launching the iNdependence utility on the Mac, select the directory containing version 1.02 of the firmware in order to modify the file. This process takes several minutes. In order for the changes to become active, you’ll need to restart your iPhone by pressing the button on the top right corner (sleep button) for three seconds. Now all applications are enabled and available. The network configuration tool works (WLAN, access point selection, etc.), allowing you to connect to the Internet and download email. Our image gallery also gives you step by step instructions.