Apple iPhone owners who have unlocked their handsets so they could use carriers other than AT&T may end up with a phone that doesn't work after the company's next software update, Apple warned Monday.

Apple iPhone More Photos View Specs

Apple executives say they have discovered many unauthorized iPhone unlocking programs available on the Internet causing irreparable damage to the iPhone's software. Now modified iPhones may become permanently inoperable with future Apple-supplied iPhone software updates installed.

Apple plans to release the next iPhone software update, containing many new features including the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store, later this week. Users who make unauthorized modifications to the software on their iPhone violate their iPhone software license agreement and void their warranty. The permanent inability to use an iPhone due to installing unlocking software is not covered under the iPhone's warranty.

- Apple iPhone Specs

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