Apple has finally started selling the officially unlocked iPhone 5 model through its online stores in the United States. The unlocked and contract-free iPhone 5 versions are already available in other countries, and even in the US, Verizon is selling these devices (CDMA version) but availability of these devices (both CDMA & GSM) through Apple’s own channels has been initiated today.
What’s the Important of Unlocked iPhone?
Unlocked iPhone means a lot for those who travel a lot and who want to enjoy the services of other carriers as well. In unlocked iPhone you can insert the SIM card of any mobile operator. On the other hand the locked devices don’t allow you to use the SIM of any other carrier except the one which it is locked to. For travellers, who want to take contract-bundled device to any other, it becomes mere an iPod Touch without calling, texting and data services.
“The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a wireless contract commitment. You can activate and use iPhone on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice, such as AT&T in the United States. The unlocked iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 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 does not come with a micro-SIM card for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, or a nano-SIM card for iPhone 5, so you’ll need to get one from any supported GSM carrier worldwide. To start using it, simply insert the 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.”
Pricing for Unlocked iPhone 5:
Just like iPhone 4S, the newest iPhone 5 16GB is available with the price tag of $649. Whereas 32GB and 64GB models are priced at $749 and $849 respectively.
Where to Get Unlocked Models?
You can visit any Apple’s retail store to grab the unlocked GSM model, or buy it from online store.
