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Apple limits UK iPhones on unlock scourgeThu, 07/03/2008 - 05:32 — Andy Space
Citing insider sources, the report explains that fewer than 15 per cent of all the iPhones sold by O2 when it slashed prices on the 8GB model actually ended up in use on the carrier's network. The rest of them were unlocked for use on other UK networks, or were sold abroad. That move likely reflects habit and custom among mobile users in the UK, who are now well-versed in switching networks to get the best deal. iPhone critics here have frequently slammed Apple's decision to offer the device through just one carrier. Whatever the consumer politics inherent in the claimed unlock craze, Apple has apparently elected to limit supplies of the iPhone 3G in the UK, with the report claiming 16GB models will be particularly hard to find, and warning the white model may never ship in the UK. We do hope this report is incorrect, as the 16GB model appears the only sensible choice of model, once we consider the applications we'll likely download from the App Store.
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Comments
BS
I call BS! There is no way Apple would intentionally limit supply of the iPhone in one of the world'd largest economies!
Besides, did Apple not make money from unlocked phone? Sure they lost money from the revenue sharing scam but this time around that deal is no longer there!
BS! I tell you!
Total BS, yes. Limit
Total BS, yes. Limit supplies of the white iphone? Why in cthulu's name would they do that?
Apple, like any large company, care only about making money. More phones sold == more money. Restricting supplies makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
Apple is making money.
Apple was making plenty of money on original iPhones whether they are unlocked or not, maybe they made more if they were activated, but either way they weren't losing money. The new subsidized model instead of revenue sharing deals mean Apple makes the same amount whether they are unlocked or not. What still seems strange (existing contractual obligations excepted) is why unlocked phones are still not being made available in any markets. Perhaps their contract with AT&T excludes them offering unlocked phones anywhere in the world until the exclusivity provision expires. Perhaps it's concern that non-sanctioned providers won't provide support for some trick features, namely visual voice mail.
Damn it I need a phone I can use on multiple carriers internationally. That's literally all I care about, I'm sick of using my iPhone in the US and my cheapy world phone everywhere else. I life free, but I'd be satisfied with a "pay to unlock" scheme as well. I pay apple or AT&T a couple hundred bucks they let me use whatever SIM chip I want.
Makes no sense
If Apple's going to force in-store activation, what have they got to worry about?
i hope the UK will remain the
i hope the UK will remain the unlock capital because i want to buy one (2 actually) from there and use it here in canada, so i don't have to go thru rogers. sigh..
The number of unlocks has
The number of unlocks has more to do with the fact that unlocking software was widely available and easier than ever to use by the time it got released in the UK. Combined with the ridiculous rates of O2 and restricted minutes, this was a no-brainer for most.
No unlocking software was available for the US launch.
if apple didn't just have the
if apple didn't just have the iphone excluisvly on 02 then this wouldn't be the case!
The Uk mobile market is huge - Apple should allow iphones to be avaliable on all networks...until they do - long live the unblocked iphones!
Get it through Optus in
Get it through Optus in Australia. $729 including tax. Plus $80. So if you export that and get it tax free, you're looking at about around US$700 or $800 for the 16GB one. They're the only ones I know of who will unlock it legally.
I'VE JUST ARRIVED IN OZ,
I'VE JUST ARRIVED IN OZ, WANTING TO DO SAME AND IT'S BIG RIP OFF !
NOT TO MENTION THEY'RE STILL WAY BEHIND REST OF WORLD. HUGE DELAYS/CUES!
EVEN GOOD BROADBAND IN OZ IS NON EXISTING OR IT'S A HUGE RIP OFF !
B***S*** DOWNUNDER I MUST SAY. AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IS CRAP OR NON EXISTENT TOO !
Good luck with Optus
It is Australian law that telcos have to offer an unlock so you should be able to get an unlocked iPhone from Vodafone, Telstra or Optus. But good luck, local demand is huge.
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