Unlocking an iPhone is often interchanged with jailbreak. But they are not exactly the same. Jailbreak is a procedure that is done to allow you to use applications that are not approved by Apple on your iPhone. However, before you can unlock your iPhone, you must jailbreak it. Unlocking in this sense means breaking your SIM card lock and allows you to use your iPhone not only with Apple-approved carriers, but with whatever network you prefer.
For example, Verizon and AT&T are the only networks that you can use your iPhone with. By unlocking your mobile, you can use other mobile communication networks in your local region or anywhere else in the world.
However, you should be careful with this procedure, as it has some risks. For one thing, there is a possibility that your phone will get damaged during the unlocking process. Also, it will automatically void your phone’s warranty as soon as you unlock it. You can request technical support from Apple once you have done this.
Official updates for your iPhone will no longer be easy to install once you have unlocked the device. In some cases, you may be able to install the update, but running it on your phone will likely become complicated and troublesome.
However, your iPhone will continue to function normally even if you have unlocked it. There is no other unfavorable effect on its standard operation after unlocking. Your phone will continue to have the same features and functions that it had before you modified it.
This procedure is often advantageous for people who would like to use an iPhone, but who already have a contract with a network that is not associated with the brand. These people, of course, would not want to transfer to another operator as it would mean spending extra money on it. Fulfilling your existing network contract would be cheaper.
A frequent traveler would also want to unlock their iPhone. They can use a local SIM card while in another country. With this, they only have to worry about local phone rates. It helps them avoid steep international roaming charges when they need to call home to see how their families are doing or to clear up work-related issues in their offices.
If you are thinking of unlocking your iPhone, be sure to read more about the entire procedure and its pros and cons. Most importantly, be sure of the program or service that you will be using to perform this procedure.
