I wondered how they were going to get around this in Europe, where they actually have laws that require mobile carriers to unlock phones. Apparently, the laws in France are worse: carriers have to offer unlocked versions of their phones, too.

Despite these laws, Apple is going to offer the iPhone in France (through Orange), and yes, it means they will have to offer an unlocked version as well. No telling what it's going to cost yet, but I'm willing to bet it will be selling for a significant premium.

I can imagine importing Apple iPhones from France is going to be a huge business. Why mess with unlocking factory-locked phones that Apple can brick on a whim? Buy the factory unlocked ones instead, at least you're sure they'll stay that way.

Hey Apple, here's an idea: it's obvious your customers want unlocked devices. Why not sell them to customers worldwide like every other manufacturer does?

Via BetaNews