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It is worth noting that in every region where Apple does not have carrier exclusivity, they sell unlocked phones. So the locking is an exclusivity / subsidy co
by lzw 16y ago
It is worth noting that in every region where Apple does not have carrier exclusivity, they sell unlocked phones.
So the locking is an exclusivity / subsidy component.
It seems clear to me, by studying Apple's patents, that they originally wanted the phone to be unlocked and on every carrier, they even tried to end the subsidy system by selling the iPhone direct....
- drpancake 16y agoMy theory is that carrier exclusivity was the price they paid for maintaining complete control of the OS. This seems to make more sense in the UK, where O2 was the exclusive carrier to begin with, until it was given to the other carriers later on. It was a bargaining chip.
- lzw 16y agoI agree completely, and they needed the deal to get the first phone out there. Now that it has been such a success, they don't need that leverage band starting to go nonexclusive and to unlock the devices.