ThinkFirst

Unlocking the Case of the Missing iPhones

Some observations. 1) there is a huge worldwide demand for the iPhone. Just look at the prices they go for on Ebay to foreign buyers. Sometimes as much as $200 over U.S. prices. 2) Apple must realize that it's deals with carriers is throttling demand. One thing they have done is make the iPod touch as close to the iPhone as possible. But, you cannot make calls, take pictures, send messages, and browse the internet unless you have Wi-Fi. So, the iPod touch may satisfy some of this worldwide demand, but not all of it. 3) They will have to introduce an unlocked phone to meet this demand, and this may require renegotiating their deal with carriers. My guess is that they will introduce a phone with less features but which is unlocked.