Since its release, Apple’s iPhone has only been available on the AT&T network in the U.S, and other, Apple-picked networks internationally. However, the process of unlocking, or making the phone network free, has become quite widespread across the world. Additionally, with Apple’s release of the iPhone SDK and the App Store, focus has once again been brought to the unlocking of the iPhone. When asked if applications that allowed the unlocking of the iPhone would be permitted on the App Store, Apple CEO, Steve Jobs answered with a blunt “No.”

The unlocking of iPhones is quite widespread, and difficult for Apple to ignore. It is estimated that over one million iPhones are in use in countries where Apple is not yet selling the device, with sightings of unlocked iPhones coming from as near as Canada and as far as China. There is no doubt that the popularity of unlocking the iPhone has been rapidly growing, with Apple CFO saying that it is easier to name the countries where the iPhone isn’t being unlocked, rather than those where it is.

For people that do not want their iPhone service on the providers offered by Apple, the only option is to unlock their phone. This is done through a process called jail breaking, or bypassing certain checks in the iPhone programming, which results in a voided warranty and no support from Apple if any damage is done to your iPhone as a result. Experts have concluded that the only way for Apple to stop the unlocking craze is to make the iPhone service provider free. Until then the iPhone will continue being hacked and unlocked.