iPhones have had locking from the start. You are correct about crapware however. That said this conversation is about unsubsidised, unlocked phones. Not phones

iPhones have had locking from the start. You are correct about crapware however. That said this conversation is about unsubsidised, unlocked phones. Not phones bought through carrier channels. Apple are breaking new ground by selling an "unlocked" phone, for an unsubsidized price, but still pushing carrier restrictions on it.