Attention UK, France, Canada! Apple Confirms Unlocked SIM-Free iPhones

[Michael Essany]

It's been a big day of clarification for Apple. From clearing up rumors about an Apple Store app release with an actual Apple Store application, to setting the record straight on SIM-free iPhones being unlocked, Apple fans are getting plenty of answers today - unless, of course, you want to know exactly when your white iPhone 4 will be ready

Today, Apple is confirming that the SIM-free iPhones sold in Canada, the United Kingdom, and France are, indeed, unlocked. Needless to say, these unlocked devices aren't locked in to any one provider - you know, like we're used to in the US. Available without contract and ready for use with any preferred carrier is a remarkably refreshing concept, isn't it?

From Apple:

When you purchase your iPhone from the Apple Online Store, you’ll get it commitment-free. So you can sign up for service with the carrier of your choice and change your carrier at any time.

Here's the financial skinny, if you're not already familiar. The SIM free unlocked iPhone 4’s can be purchased for £499 (16GB), and £599 (32GB) in the UK. It'll run you €629 (16GB) or €739 (32GB) in France. And, lastly, expect to cough up $649 (16GB) or $749 (32GB) in Canada. As expected, the iPhone is substantially more expensive without a contract attached. "Carriers typically sell the iPhone with a contract that subsidizes the initial purchase price of the phone," reminds Apple on its FAQ page. "By purchasing your iPhone without a contract, you can use any SIM or micro-SIM card from a compatible carrier, including your current one."

[Poseidon79]

That's actually not too bad... I expected factory unlocked iPhone 4 to be over $1,000 USD.

[ThugZilla]

Is it somehow possible to order one from the US?

[Harris.s.7]

Love it..... EU competition law, i did chuckle when the EU said it wasnt legal to lock to one carrier
Shame you guys and gals cant order direct.... if you have anyone visiting the UK then get them to pick one up, post the packaging back and then fly home as if it was your own phone (3 or 4 and customs might get a bit sus)

[19Dan89]

So any SIM means normal SIMs also?

[Robbyg]

Hi Guys im in the UK live here i will as memeber here order anyone a unlocked iphone pm me for any details or info thought i would help people out who cant have a unlocked phone

[kensleydusen]

can u order a phone from canda and ship to US?

[lunercrab]

Heck I'd love to buy and unlocked one. Just wish I knew someone outta the states

[Robbyg]

Apple will only let you order from your countries store mate

I get anyone an unlocked phone from UK as i live there just throw me a little cash for my time i'm no scammer either.Just seems unfair for anyone who cant get one unlocked

I can always do it through my ebay account and paypal so your safe

[danfarmer]

Apple will only let you order from your countries store mate

I get anyone an unlocked phone from UK as i live there just throw me a little cash for my time i'm no scammer either.Just seems unfair for anyone who cant get one unlocked

I can always do it through my ebay account and paypal so your safe

pm me your info!

All I can say is that's messed up. Why pretty much the whole World gets unlocked iphones, and the U.S. customers get screwed.

[battlecrushr]

Absolutely awesome

[catriple]

@Messany What is the source of this Article?

[iYeow]

I love it, I live in Canada , so I can buy an Iphone 4 with contract , subsidised by carrier provider and yet internationally unlocked. Awesome.

Now, Americans will love Canadians more... they need our help..hahaha...LOL

We have four Canadians' providers that sells Iphones, it makes sense to have it internationally unlocked . They are Fido, Rogers (GSM only ), Telus and Bell ( Both CDMA and GSM )

[Wrassle]

Interesting.. I wonder if the providers will start unlocking other phones once off contract now too. Off to see Canadian availability!

[JLEW700]

For once I'm glad I live in Washington State. Closest Canadian Apple store is only 2 hours away!!! Is there a limit to how many iphones you can buy??

[rickuk]

@Messany What is the source of this Article?

Its on the Apple UK store front page

[zozodouce]

apple will only let you order from your countries store mate

i get anyone an unlocked phone from uk as i live there just throw me a little cash for my time i'm no scammer either.just seems unfair for anyone who cant get one unlocked

i can always do it through my ebay account and paypal so your safe

send me your info it would be nice if i can get one.

[pacmac]

Unlocked will be nice if you can use the 3G radio for each carrier but I asume you can't..only use slow edge..not sure about other place but here in us we can only use t mobile but in edge so what's the point when your not using the phone at it's best to use it over 3G..I remember using t mo on edge and it slow..

This good for apple to make more money selling unlocked

[chi_towner1]

Wonder should I wait n see who I buy an unlocked iPhone4 from or just buy a iphone4 (subsidized) thanks to my mom n just wait the the dev e

Wonder should I wait n see who I buy an unlocked iPhone4 from or just buy a iphone4 (subsidized) thanks to my mom n just wait the the dev team

[Daerid]

Does anyone know what bands the Canadian iPhone 4G will support? i.e., I am from the US, and want to buy one unlocked, will it work on the AT&T 4G, 3G and Edge? or will it be gimped?