iPhone UK - Query

[sammy2066]

So if you buy directly from the Apple Store, you get an unlocked phone.

What if you buy a subsidized phone with a contract from either Vodafone, O2 or any other provider in the UK, will that phone be locked to their respective networks or will it still be unlocked?

Essentially, my question is whether every iPhone sold in the UK, regardless of price or place of purchase going to be unlocked?

I'd appreciate any clarification on this issue.

Cheers,

Sam

 

[donbenjy]

Initially it will be unlocked. You can buy a subsidised phone from Apple on O2, Orange, Voda or Three. When you buy the phone, they register the IMEI with the Sim number, which the Apple salesman I was chatting to today said was what locks it.

What are you wanting? A sim-free, PAYG or contract?

 

[sammy2066]

Initially it will be unlocked. You can buy a subsidised phone from Apple on O2, Orange, Voda or Three. When you buy the phone, they register the IMEI with the Sim number, which the Apple salesman I was chatting to today said was what locks it.

What are you wanting? A sim-free, PAYG or contract?

Well, for me an unlocked phone holds tremendous value, just for the flexibility it will offer me and the hassle it will potentially save me.

I'm starting school at Warwick in October. So I'm looking to get a 32GB from the Apple Store and then get on a 12 month SIM-only plan ...

Killer website right here ... http://www.pricemyiphone.com/

So you're saying when they register your IMEI with Apple and you go home and activate the phone, that's when it gets locked?