News
Apple Looks to Branch Out
(30 Sep 2008, BWCS Staff)US pc and mobile phone maker Apple has broken with its usual modus operandi and announced that it is to sell unlocked versions of its iconic iPhone in Hong Kong. The move will enable customers to choose their own carrier, until now the company has granted one operator in each market exclusive rights to sell its new phones.
The iPhones are due to go on sale at prices of US$695 for the mid-range 8GB model and US$798 for the larger 16GB version. The cost is clearly inflated in comparison to other markets where mobile service providers have been subsidizing the initial outlay required.
Previously, the iPhone was only available in Hong Kong to customers willing to sign up to a two-year contract from Hutchison, and to pay a US$188 monthly fee. Now customers will be able to put their old SIM card into the iPhone and activate it in iTunes. It's not clear whether this gamble will pay off, though it could put more pressure on Apple to unlock the phones in other markets.
Back