Apple selling SIM-free iPhones in Germany
A recent rumor that Apple wants to put some distance between itself and carriers in Europe gains solid footing as the company begins selling SIM-less iPhones in Germany. Granted, unsubsidized pricing is still big mouthful, but a future without carrier entanglements is coming into view.
As single-carrier availability ends in Germany — O2 and Vodaphone join T-Mobile — Apple has begun selling the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 sans SIM cards. Although the 16GB model sells for €629, you can activate just about anywhere in Europe — on a plan or pay-as-you-go basis. The caveats being that you need a GSM carrier and micro-SIM card.
This news follows yesterday’s report that Apple has partnered with Gemalto on custom SIM cards. Such a move could ease the activation process for users and carriers, However, it could have the added effect of delinking the Apple smartphone from carriers, making them the source of monthly bills and technical issues.
Are we one step closer to an iPhone worldphone?
via TUAW > AppleInsider
Related posts:
