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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  • 7 Posted by adorenz on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:46PM EDT Report Abuse

    The english word "language" can only be translated into french as "langage". Langage in french is the human capacity to emit organized sounds (words). Langue is the only correct french word for lauguage, not language(sic) as you wrote... M.L. Canada

  • 8 Posted by dennisfreeman on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    one day the American cell phone industry will catch up with the world. I use my unlocked 4 band Motorola around the world. Just buy a cheap simm card, insert and you're connected ! We're being ripped off by the American cell phone industry...Time to stop.

  • 9 Posted by kawtharal on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    Does this mean that those who have a US iPhone can tap into Orange when in France? That would be cool

  • 10 Posted by wildone_106 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:46PM EDT Report Abuse

    for once the french did'nt take any crap and got a good deal. We should do the same..oh wait..this is vagmerica..

  • 11 Posted by dietvz7 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:43PM EDT Report Abuse

    why not here in u.s.a. we are not att subriber but there are many of us who would like to buy iphone? if apple do that thing i'm sure they will run out of iphone ..i bet.

  • 13 Posted by panicgirl_11d6 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    apple sucks. they are totally cheap. you can almost always find something better than theres but the iphone?.... thats some tough competition

  • 14 Posted by benjaminwadejohns on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:05PM EDT Report Abuse

    Several of the software hacks that I have seen over the last couple of months for the "locked" iphones in the US included options for changing the language to any of a couple dozen. So, I wonder how long it will take for an Orange iPhone to get on ebay???

  • 15 Posted by augotsz on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    Many are hoping that unlocked iPhones be sold here in America for obvious reason of having another provider.

  • 16 Posted by augotsz on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    Many are hoping that unlocked iPhones be sold here in America for obvious reason of having another provider.

  • 17 Posted by rjntroubledawg on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    Maybe if no one bought them, Apple would be forced to change,even stop selling them. But then that would mean No Sales, and Lost profet. What an Idea.

  • 18 Posted by jano1969 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    IS VERIZON PLANNING A PHONE SIMILAR TO THE IPHONE ALSO ? HOPE SO....

  • 19 Posted by spartan_925 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:35PM EDT Report Abuse

    the iphone is just a ripoff waste of money just like any other PDA... apple sucks... exept ipods, there the bomb!!!

  • 20 Posted by rjntroubledawg on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've posted 3 times and not one so far is here. Could Yahoo and Apple not want to hear the truth?

  • 21 Posted by alexrod550 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    we need the same ..over here USA ..IF APPLE THINKS THAT WE ARE ALL SWITCHING TO AT&T TO HAVE AN IPHONE THE WILL BE DISAPPOINTMENT..I HATE AT&T WILL NEVER SWITCH FROM T-MOBILE

  • 22 Posted by dynasty5544 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    I would love to have one but for it is a little costly but i check them on the internet and would like to have one.

  • 24 Posted by pro_crip on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:20PM EDT Report Abuse

    Who cares about you jackalopes panting after the latest steve jobs designed piece of translucent plastic garbage. Just how high will y'all jump next time?

  • 25 Posted by chaosbarergundam on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    Apple invented the mouse. Learn how computers were invented and innovated, then talk.

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