Unlocked iPhones on Sale Next Month – in France

Wed Oct 17, 2007 11:10AM EDT

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Want an unlocked version of the iPhone that's actually sanctioned by Apple? Then wing your way to France next month, when wireless operator Orange begins selling an unlocked iPhone—with Cupertino's blessing.

OK, "blessing" might be a bit of an overstatement. Apple's hand was forced by French law, which forbids the sale of cell phones that are tied to a particular carrier (hmmm, sounds like a good idea, no?). The International Herald Tribune reports that yesterday's announcement of Orange winning the iPhone deal in France was delayed for nearly a month as the carrier and Apple hammered out financial terms; an Orange rep denied that the unlocked iPhone was a factor in the delay.

Details about unlocked iPhone sales in France are still sketchy, however. What we do know is that a locked version of Orange's iPhone will retail for 399 euros (or about $560) when it debuts in November; the sticker price for an unlocked iPhone is still under wraps, but it "will cost more," the IHT reports. And here's a little something to consider for potential iPhone importers: the French iPhone will, of course, have all its menus written in French, and the last time I checked, I couldn't find a "Lauguage" setting on my iPhone. Any ideas out there, folks?

Related:
Apple chooses Orange as iPhone operator in France [International Herald Tribune]

Comments on Unlocked iPhones on Sale Next Month – in France

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  • 26 Posted by finalheaven0 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    apple would make more money if they just sold it without having contract with carriers they would sell so many more phones, which, is all tehy care about

  • 27 Posted by terric1126 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:01PM EDT Report Abuse

    in another year we'll be laughing at all the nimrods who bought this phone for 400-600 dollars anyway. i agree with one of the above comments, u.s. cellphone companies (and I have verizon) are a rip off!!! verizon coverage is better, (in my area) but i miss my tmobile switch sim card and have a whole new phone option!

  • 28 Posted by classact19 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:26PM EDT Report Abuse

    they are selling unlocked iphones now on ebay and everysell.

  • 30 Posted by skatesun on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    je t'aime. no wonder the euro is kicking it up. a bientot. surfy

  • 31 Posted by normsy720909 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    Please let me know how we can buy online using credit cards. I am interested to by the Iphone advertised on this page. Thanks Norman Mange email Address: normsy720909@yahoo.com.au

  • 32 Posted by turtlecap9707 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    apple is awsome they are more lawed about stuff thats why they get more bussiness because being lax brings in a market stratgy and helps apples success

  • 33 Posted by mdhall2005 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:14PM EDT Report Abuse

    um...i though xerox invented the mouse.. apple just capitalized off it.

  • 36 Posted by gundamxsolar on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:14PM EDT Report Abuse

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Engelbart huh? Yeah, that man is totally XEROX.

  • 37 Posted by kapsig1124 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:46PM EDT Report Abuse

    I propose a trade: we will return the statue of liberty in exchange for unlocked iPhone's with English menus!!! if you agree give a whoop whoop!!!

  • 38 Posted by glitter_gal8 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    France won't endorse the use of a particular cell phone carrier- yet "Orange" is a popular wireless internet provider in major cities that CHARGES for its use; Oh you scoundrels, you! Last time I checked it was on about 12 euros for 24 'anytime' hours... of corse if you stay *logged in*- it keeps charging you. Without an unlimited data plan like At&T offers, that seems like it could get expen$ive! (learned ALL about that lil rip off studying abroad in Paris & Nice this summer when I forgot to turn off my laptop) oh, & isn't the language setting synched from iTunes? Just like the internet 'bookmarks'? I could be wrong on that one... Whatever- worth every penny! I've purchased 2 iPhones already :) can't wait for the Leopard release! Apple you complete me??

  • 39 Posted by glitter_gal8 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    France already has a replica of Lady Liberty, but sounds like a fair trade anyhow- but tell ya what KAPPA SIG

  • 40 Posted by glitter_gal8 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    France already has a replica of Lady Liberty, but sounds like a fair trade anyhow- but tell ya what KAPPA SIG

  • 41 Posted by leekaho on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    I LOVE my iPhone, not perfect, but just like any other lover, it feels good just touching it and feeling it. Wow, it stirs my emotions.....

  • 42 Posted by glitter_gal8 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    ohhhh they edited my post.. Anti- France and Anti-Canada may be a lil too much for Yahoo. Dang. Lets trade France that 'other country' for iPhones! (you know the one, America's hat!)

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