08 October, 2011
By Adnan
Apple finally revealed the iPhone 4s earlier this week on Tuesday. While shipping starts on October 14, what about those users who want an officially unlocked iPhone 4S rather than one that is tied to a two-year contract? Apple has announced that they will be selling officially unlocked iPhone 4S from November 2011.
On their website Apple also mentions that officially unlocked iPhone 4S will work only with supported GSM networks. Basically what this means is that regardless of the fact that the iPhone 4S is a dual-more worldphone, even if you buy an officially unlocked iPhone 4S in USA, you will only be able to use it on AT&T and T-Mobile’s GSM network and not with the CDMA networks of Sprint and Verizon Wireless. Both these CDMA networks officially offer the iPhone 4S with two-year contracts.
Apple specifically has not mentioned T-Mobile’s name any where on their website but it is understood that officially unlocked iPhone 4S will be compatible with their GSM netw0rk. However do keep in mind that if you use your unlocked iPhone 4S on T-Mobile, you will only get 2G EDGE data speeds.
If you don’t want a multiyear service contract or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the unlocked iPhone is the best choice. It arrives without a micro-SIM card, so you’ll need an active micro-SIM card from any supported GSM carrier worldwide. To start using it, simply insert the micro-SIM card into the slot on your iPhone and turn it on by pressing and holding the On/Off button for a few seconds. Then follow the onscreen instructions to set up your iPhone.
The only feasible reason for which you should consider buying an officially unlocked iPhone 4S is if you regularly travel internationally. iPhone 4S tied to contracts are going to be carrier locked and would not be usable with GSM networks around the world. Officially unlocked iPhone 4S on the other hand will easily be usable with all GSM networks around the world, all you have to do is to put in the micro-SIM of the GSM network of any country that you are visiting in your iPhone 4S.
Apple has not provided a specific date as to when they will start shipping officially unlocked iPhone 4S, however they have revealed the prices which are as follows: Officially unlocked iPhone 4S 16GB for $649, 32GB for $749 and 64GB for $849.
