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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  • 1 Posted by frankmicheal001 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:02PM EDT Report Abuse

    woowow it a very atractive iphone i love it sweet to be with lo

  • 3 Posted by richardbowie on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    actually many of the unlocking software people have programs that change the language to any language of your choice. spanish and english are a breeze to find. need farsi? maybe more difficult...

  • 4 Posted by gjsyankees on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:09PM EDT Report Abuse

    I just hope apple makes some money off of this (im a stock holder)

  • 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..

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