Apple To Offer Unlocked iPhones In UK, France And Canada

Apple has announced that their customers in UK, France and Canada can now purchase SIM-free and unlocked iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4. We've learned that SIM-free, factory unlocked iPhones will also be offered to Canadian customers in July.

As per Apple's UK website:

"When you purchase your iPhone from the Apple Online Store, you’ll get it SIM-free. So you can sign up for service with the carrier of your choice and change your carrier at any time."

As expected, the SIM-free, factory unlocked iPhones do not come cheap. UK customers can purchase the 16GB iPhone 4 for £499 while the 32GB model will cost them £599. These two models are available for €629 and €739 respectively in France. The 8GB iPhone 3GS model has been priced at £419 and €519 respectively in UK and France.

Since these iPhones are not locked to a carrier, users have the freedom to sign up with any compatible carrier of their choice. Also, these subscribers may sign up for any service plan, including the prepaid options. Despite the high price, factory unlocked iPhones can be highly popular among international travelers who frequently switch carriers.

Apple has released an FAQ that answers some of the questions that customers may have about these new plans.