What's the reason I shoud not upgrade directly from Apple?

[cpthk]

In dev-team's site, their golden rule 8:

For 3G and 3G(S) users who are Pwned, PwnageTool is your key to updating in the future, just remember to never install an update directly from Apple, always use an .ipsw that has been created with PwnageTool.

I thought PwnageTool only creates a custom firmware, and I just have to flash in iTunes. And even I upgrade directly from Apple, I can still flash back to custom firmware, can't I? What's the reason dev-team doesn't recommend doing that?

Thanks.

[desepticon]

Because on those devices, if you upgrade with iTunes, you also upgrade your baseband. This used to be un-unlockable but recently blacksn0w was released which does unlock the new baseband. However, some people have reported issues with this new method.

By using pwnagetool to upgrade, you will be able to maintain your current baseband. This method is more stable in my opinion and might save you some headache down the road.

Also, there is the certainty that Apple will release updates in the future that will not be immediatley unlockable or jailbreakable, if at all. Avoiding the iTunes upgrade process assures that you will have working, unlocked, jailbroken iPhone.

Use PwnageTool to create a custom firmware file and then option+click (ctl+click in windows) restore in iTunes. Select your custom firmware package and the upgrade should go smoothly. Just make sure you check the right options in PwnageTool for your particuar iphone model and that you have a proper Apple firmware file for your device for pwnagetool to work with (check iClarified.com for firmware urls). You also might want to check out the PwnageTool guide here on MMi.

[cpthk]

so what if I have service with at&t, and I don't really care about unlocking?
and the thing is, I don't see why need to worry, even flash directly from apple, and become un-jailbreak-able. I can still flash back to old custom version, isn't it?

Thanks.

[se23]

You never know wen u mite need an unlock, jailbreak... Well we all want that! Re-sell value is higher & quicker if u dnt update baseband. Up to u tho.