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It has not been that easy, in my experience. Apple did not sell an unlocked iPhone 6 until last month, and I think they may have done the same locked-only-for-
by rdw 12y ago
It has not been that easy, in my experience.
Apple did not sell an unlocked iPhone 6 until last month, and I think they may have done the same locked-only-for-a-few-months thing with the 5s. I don't recall seeing earlier iPhones for sale unlocked at all, you had to do something illegal to them up till surprisingly recently -- maybe the 4, not sure?
I think the legislation is responsible for the easier access these days; I've wanted to buy unlocked phones since 2005, but haven't really been able to until this year.
- jmmarco 12y agoIt has been happening since the iPhone 4s: http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/apples-us-online-store-begins-selling-unlocked-contract-free-i/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/apples-us-online-store-be...
- jacob019 12y agoI didn't know that about the iPhone, interesting point. Unlocked phones have always been available, but you should certainly be able to buy the phone you want. All the same, the free market has made unlocked phones available already without any legislation. I don't see manufacturers reversing course, especially now that consumers have so many choices.