If you’re planning to snag an iPhone 4S, you might want to insure it.
Per The Unofficial Apple Weblog, wording on Apple’s iPhone page suggests that it will be offered unlocked. The below excerpt is directly from Apple’s FAQ for the device (relevant portions in bold for emphasis):
“If I lose my iPhone, can I buy a replacement iPhone?
Yes. You can purchase a replacement iPhone from the Apple Online Store, an Apple Retail Store, or your carrier’s store. Your price will depend on whether you qualify for a carrier subsidy. You can also purchase an unlocked iPhone from the Apple Online Store or Apple Retail Store and obtain a micro-SIM card directly from your supported GSM carrier.
When I buy from the Apple Online Store, does my iPhone come ready to use?
Yes, if you have selected a mobile phone carrier. When your iPhone arrives, all you have to do is turn it on and follow the onscreen instructions to set it up. There’s no need to call the carrier or visit a store to complete the activation. If you have selected an unlocked GSM phone, you will need to acquire a micro-SIM from the supported GSM carrier of your choice and activate it in order to use your iPhone.”
Information in a footnote on both that page and the iPhone 4S tech specs page further suggests the iPhone 4S will be available unlocked:
For those who are not qualified customers, are not eligible for an early upgrade, are purchasing an unlocked iPhone (for supported GSM wireless service provider networks only), or wish to buy an iPhone as a gift, see your carrier, an Apple Retail Store Specialist, the Apple Online Store, or an Apple Authorized Reseller for pricing.
No official pricing info for unlocked iPhone 4S models is available yet, though the 8 GB iPhone 4, available for US$99 with a 2-year contract, costs $549 without a contract. Extrapolating from the iPhone 4’s pricing suggests the following pricing scheme for unlocked models:
– 16 GB iPhone 4S: US$649 (the same as the unlocked 16 GB iPhone 4 from months back)
– 32 GB iPhone 4S: US$749 (again, same price as unlocked 32 GB iPhone 4 was)
– 64 GB iPhone 4S: US$849
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.