Unlocked iPhone 4S Will Only Work on GSM Carriers

Apple is selling an unlocked iPhone 4S, but what does that mean?

Pre-orders for Apple's brand new iPhone 4S are live and already selling like hotcakes, even attached to carriers. U.S. customers will be pleased to learn that the company also plans to sell an unlocked version of the phone. Sadly, unlocked doesn't mean you can use it on any network you want (despite the fact that it has a CDMA/GSM radio), just that you won't have the usual ball and chain that is a two-year contact.

When pre-orders for the iPhone 4S went live, Apple's web page displayed a new option for ordering an unlocked iPhone 4S.

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As you can see in the screenshot above, Apple says the unlocked iPhone works 'only on supported GSM networks, such as AT&T in the U.S." Of course, you and your unlocked iPhone could always head over to T-Mobile, which is also a GSM carrier, but, as 9to5 Mac points out, you can only expect EDGE 2G speeds, because AT&T and T-Mobile use different 3G bands.

So, you can't take it to Verizon or Sprint, but you can take it with you to use on GSM carriers around the world, which means you don't need to fork out for heavy roaming costs or use a second phone when you travel. That said, how about those prices? Paying more for an iPhone than you would an iPad 2 seems a little excessive. Anyone planning on getting the unlocked iPhone 4S? Let us know in the comments below!