AT&T to Unlock Off-Contract iPhones from 8 April

Until recently, the only way to unlock an AT&T iPhone was to email Apple Chief Executive, Tim Cook and while he may be eager to step in and help customers, it is probably not a viable option to call up and escalate such matters every time you install a new update or switch carrier SIMs.

There is now, however, great news for AT&T users; the carrier has stepped into rescue customers by changing the policy for off-contract iPhones. According to this new policy, AT&T plans to begin unlocking off-contract iPhones from 8 April.

"We've just received word of a spicy strategy change, to be enacted this Sunday, that's sure to please the AT&T iPhone-loving masses. On Easter, select Ma' Bell customers with iPhones -- those off-contract with accounts in good standing -- will be able to request a carrier unlock for their device. Once freed, any micro-SIM can be used -- provided its carrier's frequencies are supported -- by the smartphone. An AT&T spokesperson was able to confirm that a policy change concerning iPhones would indeed be rolled-out on Sunday, but declined to elaborate further," reads a report in Engadget.

Engadget further reports that an AT&T spokesperson confirmed the change in policy, which will state that AT&T customers who finish 24-month contracts will get their iPhones unlocked so that it can support any other GSM carrier. According to the latest updates, it turns into a factory-unlocked iPhone, so you don't need to be worried about locking it again when you update to the latest iOS software version or install a new SIM from another carrier.

"Beginning Sunday, April 8, we will offer qualifying customers the ability to unlock their AT&T iPhones. The only requirements are that a customer's account must be in good standing, their device cannot be associated with a current and active term commitment on an AT&T customer account, and they need to have fulfilled their contract term, upgraded under one of our upgrade policies or paid an early termination fee," said AT&T, in a MacRumours report.