In a huge setback to the unlock gray market, Apple has finally killed illegal RSIM iPhone unlocks. Here’s all you need to know about it.
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Apple blocks the RSIM 13 unlock bug
The ICCID activation bug that allowed users to unlock any iPhone has finally been patched by Apple. We tried using RSIM 13 on two devices on iOS 12.1.2 with a functional ICCID but to no avail.
Kinglock, the unlocking expert at the GSM-Forum, has also confirmed the same, stating that Apple has patched the unlock bug and iOS 12.1.4 and below versions will no longer support RSIM 13.
For the uninitiated, RSIM, like the Gevey SIM, is a special SIM tray that can unlock an iPhone to any carrier. It has been the mainstay unlock solution for iPhone users for years.
Going forward, you will not be able to unlock your iPhone without upgrading to iOS 12.2 or above should you factory reset it. If you decide to use RSIM 13 again, your device will display an activation error.
With unlocking getting harder, ICCID numbers have become harder to come by.
Moreover, Apple is also patching functional ICCID numbers at a much faster pace now. It doesn’t take more than a few hours for an ICCID to go kaput.
RSIM 12 can still unlock any iPhone
No matter the current status of the unlock industry, the cat-and-mouse game isn’t over yet. You can still get an RSIM 12 to work.
There are, however, a few caveats that you must keep in mind –
- Firstly, the iPhone operating system must be iOS 12.2 or above (without a jailbreak installed) or else the unlock will not work.
- Secondly, the user must keep the interposer SIM inside the iPhone at all times. The unlocked status will be reset if the RSIM is removed.
What next?
Some oblivious users who ordered a new interposer SIM card or performed a factory restore have ended up with a carrier-locked iPhone.
If you are a jailbreaking enthusiast, don’t try to factory reset or upgrade your Apple device for the time being.
According to one of our sources, Chinese manufacturers are working on a new card capable of unlocking a device on any firmware version.
The iPhone unlock market is huge and unlocking is big business for the illegal gray market SIM manufacturers and stores alike.
With so much money on the line, someone just has to come up with a working replacement for the RSIM.
Were you affected by Apple’s decision to patch the ICCID activation bug? Let us know in the comments section below.
It’s just an act of monopoly. Apple themselves should unlock all networked-locked phones, it should not be the carrier nor interposer sim. They want consumers to buy a new one. On the other hand, critics are always trying to find ways to make the device usable. To simplify, the war is never-ending unless Apple humiliates.
So i have the r-sim12 on my iphone xr and it was working fine today but it just stoped working and asking for an LTE carrier sim card why is it foing that what can i do??
Which iOS version are you running?
I am using ios 13 in iphone xs max can i unlock it with the turbo
Hi. I cant find the ICCID on my phone. Can you help me please. Thank you.
You have to get the ICCID number from third-party services. Your iPhone doesn’t have an unlockable ICCID.
Go to Settings-General-About and scroll down and you’ll find the ICCID if you have a working SIM in the device