In the meantime, it’s become apparent the ‘IMEI’ value in the string of text sent is really a UUID (application identifyer), not even the device IMEI, rendering the entire point useless. But then again, as many point out, even if the IMEI were to be sent, it wouldn’t matter either.

IMEI numbers are sent to networks during every other second for crosschecking their blacklist, and this just isn’t with iPhone’s, it’s with every phone on practically every network. People need to understand that the IMEI numbers are quite a vital part of your phone, especially if your on a contract based payment system. Imagine losing your phone with out the ability to blacklist it to prevent people from making calls, they could rack-up hundreds even thousands of £/$/€ on your contracted bill.

The only problem is though, people can still access the phones system and uses it’s functions (other than making/recieving phonecalls/sms and accessing the internet).

But as for the widget’s using IMEI numbers, this can help Apple with a number of things. the iPhone is a much sought after product and I can imagine alot of thievery happening because of this, with Apple having access to the IMEI numbers in this way, they can block functions on stolen phones.

Then there is always them being able to see who and how people are using these widgets.