The o2 iPhone unlock page states that they will not be doing iPhone 4 unlocks for a while after launch which would suggest carrier handsets are locked.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
The U.K. iPhone 4 Thread
- Thread starter CD3660
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
The o2 iPhone unlock page states that they will not be doing iPhone 4 unlocks for a while after launch which would suggest carrier handsets are locked.
I think you're very right on this part. Here in Denmark the interest has been immense too, even compared to earlier launches. This is actually similar to the iPhone 3G launch and then some, as more people are aware of the iPhone now.
sparkie1984
macrumors 68030
how many times do we go through this on here?
it says on their website you can change carriers at any time! bought through apple sim free.
it says on their website you can change carriers at any time! bought through apple sim free.
I think it's because their main focus is sales over 'maintenance'. But you may be right, too.
yetanotherdave
macrumors 68000
right, from o2, they may well be locked. If you get it from the apple store, it will be unlocked regardless of contract, payg or sim free.
I will be double checking on the day, but that's what apple told me.
Maybe for contracts but putting a PAYG sim in will not lock it in any way otherwise Apple wouldn't advertise as sim free!
"Do I need to commit to a long-term contract for my iPhone?
Buying a SIM-free iPhone from the Apple Online Store allows you choose your own carrier and change carriers at any time. iPhone may also be available at a reduced initial price with a contract directly from your wireless carrier."
Just Got My Orange Micro Sim In The Post!! Woohoooo!!!! 😀 😀 So Happy...cant Wait Till 24th Now!!
If you read the original post the guy is talking specifically about contracts from networks. Not buying sim free.
nazuk
macrumors 6502
EXACTLY - that's my point, if you buy with contract, then it won't be SIM FREE even if you got the contract at a Apple Store.
That is what I was trying to say - thank you Project 🙂
yetanotherdave
macrumors 68000
You can sign up to a contract with a network in the apple store. It will still be unlocked. Sim free just means, they wont supply a sim with it.
nazuk
macrumors 6502
You are WRONG - but we will agree to disagree.
No iPhones are going to be unlocked if you apply a contract, and have NOT paid the full price of £499 and £599. But if you insist, good luck to you.
Hi everyone
Have been following the iPhone 4 saga on the VF forum and just found this one. Apologies if this question has been thrashed to bits but 300+ pages is a bit long to burrow through.
What is the general concensus of availability of white phones on 24th. My understanding is that it's a 'no no'. I didn't know if perhaps Apple were just having black on pre-rders for ease of logistics, or whether there was a problem in production which was causing the backlog. I understand that they are only producing half the expected 4 million a month due to screen shortages, but dont know is that's just rumour or fact
Alex
Have been following the iPhone 4 saga on the VF forum and just found this one. Apologies if this question has been thrashed to bits but 300+ pages is a bit long to burrow through.
What is the general concensus of availability of white phones on 24th. My understanding is that it's a 'no no'. I didn't know if perhaps Apple were just having black on pre-rders for ease of logistics, or whether there was a problem in production which was causing the backlog. I understand that they are only producing half the expected 4 million a month due to screen shortages, but dont know is that's just rumour or fact
Alex
nazuk
macrumors 6502
The consensus is correct, unlikely to be any white iPhones. However, no one knows for sure until launch day - Apple may have a surprise and have some only for walk-ins, and no pre-orders.
yetanotherdave
macrumors 68000
Ok 🙂
where are you getting your info? I phoned apple, who stated very definitely that all will be unlocked.
(not arguing, just stating source of info)
nazuk
macrumors 6502
Ok, for the final time, and i'm not being nasty - this has been on the Apple site, can't find the article, it's on Engadget and Gizmodo, and if you look yourself - because I can't be bothered, even the O2 website.
/peace
The way I understand it is that if you have pre-ordered online to be delivered, they will be sim-free and unlocked. If you go to a physical apple store you can either get unlocked (never becomes locked to the carrier), payg (becomes locked to the carrier upon activation) or contract (again, becomes locked to the carrier upon activation).
nazuk
macrumors 6502
That's right.
All iPhones Apple will have in store will be unlocked to begin with - maybe that's what they mean. It's when the contract is attached to the SIM card that the phone becomes locked.
Otherwise Apple would need to order in specific numbers of network locked units beforehand, which is just inefficient as they have no idea what demand will be like on the day. Much easier to have 2 stock models (16gb/32gb), unlocked, whose price and lock status is determined at the point of sale.
There is a chance that all phones sold will be unlocked, of course. I just think it's incredibly unlikely. The networks are subsidising the cost of the phone by as much as £250-599 depending on contract. Generally they want it locked down.
All iPhones Apple will have in store will be unlocked to begin with - maybe that's what they mean. It's when the contract is attached to the SIM card that the phone becomes locked.
Otherwise Apple would need to order in specific numbers of network locked units beforehand, which is just inefficient as they have no idea what demand will be like on the day. Much easier to have 2 stock models (16gb/32gb), unlocked, whose price and lock status is determined at the point of sale.
There is a chance that all phones sold will be unlocked, of course. I just think it's incredibly unlikely. The networks are subsidising the cost of the phone by as much as £250-599 depending on contract. Generally they want it locked down.
nazuk
macrumors 6502
yetanotherdave
macrumors 68000
The way I see it, once you are signed up for the contract, they are going to get your money. In theory they shouldn't really care if you can stick another sim in it, they're still getting your money.
We shall find out on the 24th!
Just an update to regarding the shipping on the iPhones, in the early hours of this morning, I listed that a plane from Hong Kong to Liege was supposed to leave at 4AM, as of yet it has been delayed and it is not yet ready to leave. No idea why there is a possible delay but no reason to worry just yet, especially since none of our iPhones have been 'Prepared For Shipment' yet, But I fully expect to do so today.
sparkie1984
macrumors 68030
has anyone from the uk's phones gone to prepared for shipment?????
maybe their already in the country?
maybe their already in the country?
