Apple has declared war against “unlocked” iPhones. Why? Because according to the company, the unlocking software used to open the phones damages them permanently, rendering them useless when future software updates will be pushed to the devices.

This is the first time Apple warned those considering opening their iPhone since the unlocking software started coming out several weeks ago.

The iPhone Dev Team, a group that freely distributes an unlocking tool, have responded Monday on CNN.com, saying that their application “does not cause ‘damage’ as they (Apple) wants us to believe.”

According to the group, hundreds of thousands of iPhone owners have already downloaded the software, and “that number continues growing every day.”

Is there anyone among you that has an unlocked iPhone? If so, what is your reaction to this news?