The iPhone Dev Team has released a new version of PwnageTool 4.1.3 that enables unlocking iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS with baseband higher than 05.13.04 version. The new unlock is termed as Ultra-recycle since it makes use of iPad's modem firmware to be flashed on the iPhone 3G/3GS to regain the unlock and enjoy iOS 4.2.1 update.

These iOS geeks found a workaround to update the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS with baseband 06.15 from iPad 3.2.2 IPSW update. However, note that once you update your iPhone 3G/3GS with 06.15, you can' t downgrade it.

The iPhone Dev Team has dubbed the new version as PwnageTool 4.1.3 Unlock Edition since it specifically deals with unlocking iOS 4.2.1 for iPhone 3G/3GS only when updated with 06.15 baseband. Before you jump the gun, read the warnings or pitfalls of unlocking with 06.15 baseband below:


No downgrade possible from 06.15 and baseband version will be visible to Apple. Warranty (if you care about it) would be void.

Any future critical fix for 05.xx baseband won't be available to you. You lose your unlock if you update baseband with a new one.

If you have 06.15 baseband on your iPhone running iOS 4.2.1, you won't be able to restore to stock firmware (it will fail). Unlock can be regained only by restoring to custom IPSWs.



Do note that iPhone 3GS owners with older bootrom need to wait till the unofficial bundle is released. The new ultrasn0w unlock for 06.15 baseband can be obtained using two tools; PwnageTool 4.1.3 Unlock Edition (Mac Only) and redsn0w 0.9.6 beta 5 (Windows and Mac OS X).

PwnageTool 4.1.3 Unlock Edition (Go for Simple mode unless you're an expert):


Download the iPad 3.2.2 IPSW from the link given in blogpost

Run PwnageTool and follow the obvious instructions on screen to create a custom IPSW using the baseband 06.15 from iPad 3.2.2 IPSW and the iOS 4.2.1 update for your iPhone 3G/3GS.

Once the bundle is made then update your device using iTunes 10.1 and press ALT key, then hit restore button to locate the IPSW.


Redsn0w 0.9.6 beta 5:


Download the redsn0w tool and iOS 4.2.1 for your device

Run redsn0w and let it recognize the new iOS 4.2.1 till it goes in DFU mode

Once your iPhone 3G/3GS is in DFU mode, check the Install iPad Baseband option that will fetch and get you the 06.15 baseband after downloading iPad 3.2.2 IPSW from Apple Servers.


Once you're done flashing the 06.15 baseband on your iPhone 3G/3GS, then run Cydia App and to go install ultrasn0w 1.2 package for unlocking your device.

If you haven't followed any of the above mentioned terms and process, kindly wait till a hassle free tool is made available for unlocking your iPhone 3G/3GS. Instead of being hasty to get locked on to a recycled baseband, you can rather wait for proper unlock.