Unlocking iPhones has nearly become pointless
By Dean • Jun 11th, 2008 • Category: iPhoneA changing sales procedure prevents buying without a contract. It was previously only sensible to unlock iPhones if the buyer could procure the mobile phone without completing a contract. According to recent rumours, this sales practice is now going to be changed: now unlocking the iPhone is really only something to do for fun.
Apple wants to change their sales methods. The device is not to be handed out, at least in the US and UK, without a simultaneous contract signing. Apple’s partner in the US is AT&T, and O2 in the UK. O2’s webpage states that the iPhone has to be activated at home using iTunes.
According to rumours, the new activation system should begin at the same time as the iPhone 3G’s market introduction. If the customers buy their iPhone in an AT&T shop, then the activation must take place immediately in the shop. On the other hand, when purchasing the mobile at the Apple Store it can also be activated at home via iTunes. Of course no one will receive the device in the first place, without first signing the contract.
Tags for this article: apple, iPhone, itunes
