Unlocked iPhones in demand in Singapore

SINGAPORE: One in six iPhones sold falls into the hands of someone who has "the intention to unlock", according to Apple. The Cupertino-based company currently has an exclusive deal with AT&T that restricts the use of the phone to the latter's networks in the United States.

Apple estimates that some 250,000 iPhones have been sold to "unlockers". And it seems that a fraction of these have ended up in the hands of Singaporeans, with local sellers estimating that there are a "few hundred" being used here.

Last month, TODAY found out that the unlocked phones were available for a cool $1,500 apiece here. But the laws of supply and demand seemed to have caught up with retailers such as Mr Eric Teng, who has been selling these phones online since early last month. "There is still a demand for the phones, but there's more competition now. Customers tell me that they can get it cheaper elsewhere," he said.

The price tag has dropped steadily since last month and is now down to $1,300. In comparison, Apple sells the 8GB iPhone for US$399 ($582). But that steep price for the unlocked version does not deter interested buyers from asking about the phone, with Mr Teng revealing that he gets at least 80 email enquiries a week.

There are cheaper ones out there, if you are willing to look. The shops at Lucky Plaza or Sim Lim Square are a good place to start. These shops sell both locked and unlocked versions of the iPhone, with prices ranging from $850 to $1,085.

However, one might find these shops a little dodgy. This reporter got an initial quotation of $850 for an unlocked iPhone, which went down to $750 a mere 20 minutes later.

"But when you're paying, they'll say you need to top up another $50 or so to have it unlocked," said one shop assistant who wanted to be known only as Boon.

Before you fork out the cash for one of these babies, remember that they do not come with an official Apple warranty, as they have been tampered with. Some shops tell you this straight up, while others offer their own warranties ranging from three months to a year. Retailers also tell buyers not to update the phone's software as Apple's software updates could relock the phones and render them useless.

For the time being, if you want to get your hands on the officially-released iPhone, you will have to wait until next year for its Asian release.

All three local telcos admitted that they are looking at the possibility of bringing it to Singapore, but details are still sketchy at this point.

"The iPhone has been a high profile sensation and appears to be selling well in other markets. We expect it will be of interest to the Singapore consumer once it's available, and we are interested in products and services that are of interest to our customers," said a StarHub spokesperson. - TODAY/fa