Apple Unlocked iPhone (Legally)

[Alex53]

Could someone explain the iPhone activation and unlocking?

Shops that sell legally open iPhones use the terms interchangeably and as far as I know they arent the same thing. Does unlocked mean SIM free? As in, you can put in any pay as you go SIM from any provider and that would work without any further action?

If thats it, whats the activation? Something people who get the O2 iPhone have to do after they purchase?

I just want to know what I'm getting as I dont have the option of using O2 in my area and I dont want to resort to an illegal or dodgy solution, plus I want to be able to use iTunes for stuff like Podcasts and the App Store, without bricking the phone.

 

[Alex53]

Thanks for your replies.

So the online .co.uk shops I have seen offering a truly unlocked iPhone are simply selling foreign stock right?

 

[Alex53]

I just ordered an iPhone from o2. What all can you do once jailbroken, install third party apps? Are these free unlike the the ones in the app store?

This is my first apple product!

The App Store is full of free apps too actually. But you dont get stuff like Quake for iPhone of course.

I got my unlocked SIM free iPhone today actually, my parents' xmas present for me so I wont see it again until the 25th, but I can confirm its italian stock, box opened up and manual replaced for an english one. Apparently I do have to 'activate it' which the guy said happens without hassle when you first connect it to the PC and open iTunes. After that just stick in any SIM card and off you go.

I am not planning on jailbreaking. Never jailbroke my iPod Touch and I'm happy with it.