Japan iPhone 3G prices close to US as promised by Jobs

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 24 June 2008 03:05

Your IT - Mobility

Unofficially unlocked first-generation iPhones are widely available, and Australian retailer Linelink is already quoting a price of $A775 for a grey-market unlocked iPhone 3G.

In other iPhone news, reports from Germany claim the iPhone will be available from retailer Gravis as well as T-Mobile's own stores. iPhones sold by Gravis - and potentially other German retail outlets - would include T-Mobile service contracts.

Apple has been selling iPhones in the UK at Carphone Warehouse stores as well as though carrier O2's outlets.

Other reports from Europe suggest that the iPhone will be available from Apple's premium resellers in addition to stores operated by the company's carrier partners. While details are not yet clear, it seems that this will apply in France, Italy and Switzerland, and possibly other countries.

Furthermore, the iPhone 3G may not go on sale at European Apple resellers for a month or two after it becomes available from carrier partners on July 11. Indications are that iPhone 3Gs sold by Apple resellers will be locked and tied to contracts.

These reports will serve to heighten speculation that the iPhone 3G will be available from mobile phone outlets in Australia that are not tied to specific carriers (eg Allphones) and from Apple resellers. It also seems increasingly likely that a basic iPhone 3G could sell for perhaps $A249 on contract.