Apple's new iPhone 4S went on sale last month, however the fine print on Apple's US website revealed that the unlocked iPhone 4S will be available only in the November.
So as promised Apple has started offering unlocked iPhone 4S in the US starting today.
As we had noted earlier, the unlocked iPhone 4S will be compatible with only GSM Networks. Apple is selling the unlocked iPhone 4S for $649/$749/$849 for the 16/32/64 GB models respectively with estimated shipping of 1-2 weeks.
Apple has this to say about the unlocked iPhone 4S:
The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a contract commitment. You can activate and use it on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice, such as AT&T in the United States.* The unlocked iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S will not work with CDMA-based carriers such as Verizon Wireless or Sprint. 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.
Incidentally, the contract-free GSM iPhone 4S that Apple has been selling since the launch were already unlocked and not locked to AT&T's network.
Despite the high price, factory unlocked iPhones are popular among international travelers who may need to frequently switch SIM cards to avoid the exorbitant international roaming charges.
Are you planning to buy an unlocked iPhone 4S? Do you think it is worth the premium? Let us know in the comments below.
