Apple announced its iPhone 4S in its “Lets talk iPhone” Event few days back. For the time being, it can only be purchased using a 2 year contract from one the companies offering it through Apple e.g. Verizon, Sprint or AT & T. For those of you, who dont want to fall to the 2 year contract trap, Unlocked iPhone 4S is a option which is coming direct from Apple itself in November this year.
You can get the following information on Apple’s own webapge. It says that Apple will be providing a unlocked version of its latest phone to the customers in November even though at a higher price compared to the 2 year service contract. Another downside is that unlocked Phone will only work on a GSM carrrier and not on a CDMA carrier. Here is the info from the Apple’s webpage.
The unlocked Phone includes all the features but without a contract commitment. You can activate and use it on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice, such as AT&T in the United States.* The unlockediPhone 4or iPhone 4S will not work with CDMA-based carriers such as Verizon Wireless or Sprint.
If you don’t want a multiyear service contract or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the unlocked iPhone is the best choice. It arrives without a micro-SIM card, so you’ll need an active micro-SIM card from any supported GSM carrier worldwide. To start using it, simply insert the micro-SIM card into the slot on your iPhone and turn it on by pressing and holding the On/Off button for a few seconds. Then follow the onscreen instructions to set up your iPhone.
Unlocked iPhone 4S Pricing
It will obviously come at a higher price compared to locked one. The pricing for unlocked Phone starts with $649 for 16 GB Model. 32 GB and 64 GB Model will come at a price tag of $749 and $849 respectively.
If I can afford, then I always prefer a contract free device compared to a locked one wither with a carrier or any other form of contract. Even though the pricing may look expensive for a contract free device or no-lock, still in my opinion it is better than a 2 year contract. But as I say, its a personal choice to buy a locked or a contract free device .