When used in reference to electronics, "brick" describes a device that cannot function in any capacity (such as a device with damaged firmware).
iBrick is the nickname given to Apple's iPhone after an update or hack reduces functionality. The name is also applied to phones that are unable to activate through normal methods. A partial fix for a bricked iPhone has been discovered that restores some functionality.
iPhone Fast Facts
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Debut: June 29, 2007
- iPhone 3G release date: June 08, 2009
- Specs: 4.5" x 2.4" x 0.48"
- Weight: 4.8 oz
- Memory: 16 GB and 32 GB
- Connectivity: 3G, WiFi, EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
- Ringtone: Polyphonic and MP3
Video formats supported: H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; H.264 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats
Fixing an iBrick
Apple does not offer support for iBricked phones that contain unauthorized software. They will, however, support clean iBricks that resulted from a failed software upgrade. There have been reports of Apple store employees finding a secret fix for the issue. TUAW: Apple Geniuses are reportedly unbricking iPhones Users have reported employees occasionally taking an iBrick to the back of the store and returning with a working unit.
