Updated: Orange to also sell Unlocked iPhones in France from 29th Nov (rumor squashed)

We had heard rumors that all was not right for the launch of Apple iPhone in France thanks to a law passed in 1998, which requires that carriers unlock any phone upon customer request i.e. for a fee during the first six months of a contract and for free after that.

Folks @ Engadget are now reporting that the iPhone in France will in fact be sold in not one but two versions, an locked handset from Orange for 399 euros, and an unlocked version for an as you-would-expect higher price (though the price is still to be announced).

So looks like we will soon have three options of unlocking the iPhone: the free unlocking method from the iPhone hackers, the not-for-free unlocking method from iPhoneSIMFree and the third but a more legitimate way of paying the extra amount for the unlocked iPhone from Orange.

BTW, Apple iPhone will be launched in France on November 29th so you know when to plan your holidays to France.

Its unfortunate to see that its a law that has forced Apple to buckle down to release an unlocked iPhone, lets hope they see the benefits and decide to go with a similar strategy in other countries as well.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Update (18th October):

Unfortunately, Gizmodo has come out and has stopped the celebrations which were about to start by reporting that "Apple told us that the piece was based solely off of reading French Law, not from statements by Orange or Apple."

However, it is still not ruled out, there is still hope thanks to the law but please keep your holiday plans to France on hold for now. Click here to read Gizmodo's article on this subject.

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