iPhone 2G users need not wait for an official unlock before upgrading to the iPhone 3.0 OS. Just a few careful steps and you will be done in no time with the final version of the OS 3.0. Since the jailbreak is not yet out, Cydia magic won’t work immediately, but everything else works perfect. We are testing the OS 3.0 and will post a review soon.
How to unlock and activate iPhone firmware 3.0
Things you (will/might)need:
- iPhone OS 3.0. Get it on torrent here
- iPhone Firmware 2.2.1 Custom Pwned version. Get here / or search for “iPhone1,1_2.2.1_5H11_Custom_Restore.ipsw”
- A system with iTunes 8.2
- A system with iTunes 7.x (this is required only if you brick your iPhone in the process)
- QuickPwn 2.2.5-2 (again required only if you brick)
Process to get the iPhone firmware 3.0 unlocked and activated on your iPhone 2G:
- Start with your iPhone 2G being unlocked and running the firmware version 2.2.1
- You need to load the custom firmware 2.2.1 you mentioned above before you go ahead with the 3.0 update. Put the iPhone in DFU mode and once iTunes gives you the option to restore – Press ‘Shift+Restore’ and upload the custom 2.2.1 firmware you downloaded.
- Once the custom firmware is uploaded the iPhone should be back on as normal and still activated+unlocked.
- Now you can simply connect it to iTunes and press SHIFT+UPDATE to load the iPhone OS 3.0.
Simple, Sweet, you must be ready with an unlocked+activated iPhone 2G running OS 3.0. Though no Cydia yet as Jailbreaking is yet to come. But expect that in a weeks time. You can also read instruction on PhoneArena for more help.
Incase something goes wrong, put your iPhone in DFU mode and load Firmware 2.2.1 on it and use QuickPwn 2.2.5-2 to get it live again (this needs to be done on iTunes 7.x). Backing up your data is advised.
Note: This worked for me, but we take no guarantees for any damage done by yourself 😛
Thx Varun from FoneArena for sending this tip.
How to enter DFU mode? Connect your iPhone via USB. Make sure the iPhone is switched on. Press home and sleep button together for 10 secs, leave the sleep button and continue holding the home button, the iPhone will connect in DFU mode and iTunes will give you an option to restore it.