14 DAY TRIAL // A technology enthusiast credited with providing accurate information in the past has learned that Apple retail stores this week will be receiving shipments of factory-unlocked iPhones.
It all started when a source contacted Chronic with information regarding a product refresh for this week.
The source allegedly told him that Wednesday would see the introduction of new MacBook Air computers, as well as the kick-off for Apple’s annual Back to School promo.
“LEAK: There will be a MacBook Air refresh on Wednesday,” Chronic wrote on Twitter, following up with an update that said “Apple Store displays will be updated Tuesday night for the Back To School promo, starting Wednesday, alongside the new MacBook Airs.”
However, by checking with his source again, Chronic learned that it was actually new iPhones that Apple stores were getting, and unlocked ones at that.
“CORRECTION: Source had mixed up part numbers, it is unlocked iPhones that will be headed to US Apple Stores for Wednesday, NOT MacBook Airs,” another tweet read.
He added, “Unlocked iPhones headed to Apple Stores for Wednesday: MC603 (16GB, Black) MC604 (16GB, White) MC605 (32GB, Black) MC606 (32GB, White).”
He clarifies for non-US readers that “Apple Stores in the US have never carried unlocked iPhones before.”
Indeed, they haven’t, and it should spell great news for those who were planning to pick one up.
Should this turn out to be true, we can expect prices that range between $600 and $700 for the 16-32GB iPhone 4 models.
However, it should be noted that September 2011 is likely to witness the launch of the fifth-generation iPhone.
If history is any indication, Apple will not charge more for the new device. Perhaps it is best if you don’t hurry to get the current-generation handset just yet, factory unlocked or not.