Apple’s Website Suggests iPhone 4S Will Be Available Unlocked

Some interesting hints on Apple’s website suggest that the iPhone 4S will be available unlocked in North America, saving you from having to sign a 2-year contract in order to get your hands on one.

The above image shows an informational link from Apple found by selecting an iPhone 4 from the Apple Online Store and then clicking the link titled “About the unlocked iPhone.” From the statement:

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.

It’s important to note that the unlocked iPhone will only work on GSM carriers, and those using CDMA-based networks such as Sprint or Verizon will have to purchase a device locked to one of the two providers.

There is no official word on pricing or availability of unlocked models of the iPhone 4S, although I expect them to be available when Apple begins taking pre-orders on October 7th.

J. Glenn Künzler

Glenn is Managing Editor at MacTrast, and has been using a Mac since he bought his first MacBook Pro in 2006. He lives in a small town in Utah, enjoys bacon more than you can possibly imagine, and is severely addicted to pie.