Apple Starts Selling Unlocked iPhones in U.S.

While unlocked iPhones have been available for years in other countries, Apple has finally started selling them in America. An unlocked iPhone can be used on AT&T’s network without a 2-year plan, on T-Mobile with the slower Edge network, or taken overseas to use on other carriers. They will not work with CDMA carriers like Verizon. Other GSM carriers may also now be able to offer service to the owners of unlocked iPhones.
You’ll need to pay a premium for these unlocked iPhones with prices starting at $650. Models with a plan from AT&T or Verizon are cheaper as they have been subsidized by the carriers.
Apple has announced its annual back-to-school promotion. This year, instead of a free iPod or something similar, they have opted for a simple $100 iTunes gift card. You can read about the promotion here.
Apple continued to fight for developers in the growing legal situation with Lodsys, the company that claims a right to in-app purchases. It filed a motion to intervene in lawsuits brought against app developers. Meanwhile, a long legal battle between Nokia and Apple has come to an end with Apple licensing those patents.
Apple will be losing one of its senior vice presidents as Ron Johnson who heads Apple retail will become the CEO of J. C. Penny. Johnson was instrumental in setting up the retail Apple Stores.