Unlocked iPhone 4 coming to the U.S.?

posted by Ken N. / Jun 12, 2011, 5:54 PM

The Apple rumor mill seems to produce a thousand theories per day. With that in mind, we want you to take the following with a grain of salt: Sources claim that iPhone 4 devices have been arriving in U.S. Apple stores, bearing the serial numbers of unlocked devices.

Those serial numbers, MC603, MC604, MC605, and MC606, correspond to the international GSM versions of the 16GB and 32GB models in both black and white. But they are missing the 'B' or 'C' characters that denote a British or Canadian device. So we can infer that these are unlocked iPhones for Apple's home market.

But why would Apple do this after avoiding an unlocked U.S. device for so long? One theory is that it is partially at AT&T's behest. This would enable AT&T iPhone customers to use international service providers while abroad, and get more competitive rates than AT&T can offer to travelers.

Also, if the T-Mobile deal goes through (and we imagine it will), those T-Mobile customers will be brought into the big blue fold anyway. So AT&T can soften their authoritarian image, while building some good will with customers, Apple, and the FCC at the same time.

source: Electronista

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7 Comments

2. Lucas777

Posts: 2137; Member since: Jan 06, 2011

ehh unlocked doesnt really matter that much... especially with tmobile going away.. but maybe thats why apple is now doing this...

posted on Jun 12, 2011, 10:07 PM 1

3. Phullofphil

Posts: 1846; Member since: Feb 10, 2009

well that picture either looks like a white ipod 4 or a 3gs. Look at the edges it does not have the same iphone 4 look. I guess its just a picture in the archive but you would think they have plenty iphone4 pictures

posted on Jun 13, 2011, 3:37 AM 0

4. andro unregistered

wow its unlocked! wow! Shame its a phone behind the curve,having inherent faults and limitations and still more expensive than other more superior phones. Still idrones will look 'cool' with it

posted on Jun 13, 2011, 6:14 AM 1

6. gallitoking

Posts: 4721; Member since: May 17, 2011

how can a phone be behind the curve if it still selling even after its release a year ago.. I know people that own or have bought the iphone... and they are happy... not everyone wants a high end device with the latest gadgets.. they just want a phone that makes them feel comfortable.. anf the iphone does that.. so stiop critisinsing the phoen who buy the iphone. if one thing we know is that advertise does work.. i hardly see a android device advertise.. not more then the iphone.. even after a year...

posted on Jun 13, 2011, 11:21 AM 0

5. kcombs

Posts: 275; Member since: Dec 15, 2010

It was an exclusive device PA, has nothing to do with at&t. every carrier has exclusive phones that cannot be unlocked, now the iPhone is not exclusive it will ship unlocked just like it does in ever other country.

posted on Jun 13, 2011, 8:36 AM 0

7. Janet unregistered

Well for anybody that is purchasing a unlocked iphone 4 you can get insurance coverage for the iPhone weather you live in the USA or abroad. i just spoke with a Rep from the company and all phones can be covered. Visitwww.phoneguardglobal.com or search iTunes for Phone Guard Global. Janet