The iPhone 4 will go on sale in Canada this Friday, and as well as being able to purchase an iPhone 4 with a mobile carrier, Canadian iPhone 4 customers will also have the option to purchase an unlocked version of the iPhone 4, and use it with whichever mobile carrier they prefer.
If you don’t want to sign up to a mobile contract with either Bell, Rogers, or Telus in Canada, you will be able to purchase the 16GB iPhone 4, and it looks like the prices will be around $659 CAD for the 16GB version and $779 CAD for the 32GB version.
Advantages of Unlocked iPhones
Purchasing an unlocked iPhone 4 offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides the freedom to choose any carrier that best suits your needs. This is particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently, as they can switch to a local carrier in another country to avoid exorbitant roaming charges. Additionally, unlocked phones often have a higher resale value compared to their locked counterparts. This flexibility and potential cost-saving make unlocked iPhones an attractive option for many consumers.
Comparing the US and Canadian Markets
iPhone customers in the US are still stuck with AT&T as their only option for the iPhone 4, unless they jailbreak the device, whereas there are many more options available to customers in the rest of the world. This limitation has been a point of contention for many US consumers who feel restricted by the lack of carrier options. In contrast, Canadian consumers enjoy the liberty of choosing from multiple carriers or opting for an unlocked device, which enhances their overall user experience.
It is about time that Apple gave US iPhone 4 customers more choice and give them the option to purchase an unlocked iPhone 4 direct from Apple to use on whichever mobile carrier they prefer. This would not only increase customer satisfaction but also potentially boost sales as more consumers might be inclined to purchase an iPhone if they are not tied to a specific carrier.
Moreover, the trend of offering unlocked phones is gaining momentum globally. Many countries in Europe and Asia have long provided consumers with the option to buy unlocked smartphones, which has led to a more competitive market and better deals for consumers. The US market could benefit significantly from adopting a similar approach.
The availability of unlocked iPhone 4s in Canada is a significant step forward in providing consumers with more choices and flexibility. It highlights the disparity between the US and other markets and underscores the need for more consumer-friendly policies in the US. As the demand for unlocked phones continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more manufacturers and carriers offering this option, ultimately benefiting consumers worldwide.
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