Apple iPhone now available without a contract as “Device Only Purchases” in the USA

23 March 2010 by Vinay 4 Comments

According to an internal memo, dated 22 March 2010, Apple has now made it possibe to buy an Apple iPhone as a “Device Only Purchase” in the USA. It would appear that Apple is trying to clear out their stocks before the new iPhone 4.0 drops. However, the devices will still be SIM locked to AT&T. Customers are limited to one purchase a day, with a ten in a lifetime limit.
The pricing is as follows:
$499 for the iPhone 3G 8GB
$599 for the iPhone 3GS 16GB
$699 for the iPhone 3GS 32GB.

Many countries offer fully unlocked Apple iPhones already, including some European and Asian countries, as well as South Africa. These devices may still require activation however.

Internal Apple memo to staff regarding the sale of Device Only Purchases of iPhones

4 Comments »

walker said:

suck, locked version still cost so much, pls send someone who know marketing to Steve.

# 23 March 2010 at 8:50 pm

kb said:

nothing new best buy sells without contract with same prices since long time.

# 24 March 2010 at 2:28 am

matty said:

Question, if someone were to buy the full price of any of these are they all updated 3.1.3 to 5.12.07 firmware? If so, what’s the point. You wouldn’t be able to unlock or jailbreak them til the new unlock comes out.

# 24 March 2010 at 2:17 pm

Charles said:

Man this sucks, Why pay so much if they are offering the phone raw. i am shopping right now for a 3G 16GB, but definitely not want to pay that much. What’s the point of selling the phone if they a making locked to their sim?

Anyway, I am Looking to purchase a 3G 16G JB/UL ok but not mandatory.

Thanks

# 24 March 2010 at 7:30 pm