Factory Unlocked iPhones for sale from apple in Ireland??

The Analyst

Given that O2's exclusive deal to supply the iphone in Ireland is about to end is it likely that apple will sell the iphone directly SIM free (factory unlocked) as in other countries (e.g. italy, australia, hong kong etc.) where no exclusivity exists? Or will O2 continue to have the 'official' rights to sell the iphone as apple's authorised dealer??

It would make sense that apple might go down this route as many people would prefer the factory unlocked phone over a contract locked phone........it would make them even more money from the iphone.

Leiva

The Analyst wrote: »

Given that O2's exclusive deal to supply the iphone in Ireland is about to end is it likely that apple will sell the iphone directly SIM free (factory unlocked) as in other countries (e.g. italy, australia, hong kong etc.) where no exclusivity exists? Or will O2 continue to have the 'official' rights to sell the iphone as apple's authorised dealer??

It would make sense that apple might go down this route as many people would prefer the factory unlocked phone over a contract locked phone........it would make them even more money from the iphone.

Not a Hope ! , the only reason why factory unlocked are sold in the above countries is because the laws in those countries prohibit carriers locking handsets to a particular network.
The same laws do not apply here in Ireland , so as long as Apple can cherry pick carriers they will , hence me and you have less choice .

M

darsar

Agreed. They want you all to themselves!