Unlocked iPhones Days Numbered in Germany

This ends the temporary injunction rival wireless carrier Vodafone obtained in November to prevent T-Mobile from having exclusive rights (which it won from Apple in a bidding war by the way) to the iPhone. As a result of the injunction, T-Mobile started selling unlocked iPhones, but for a hefty price: 999 euros (about $1,500).

With news of today's ruling, T-Mobile plans to quickly go back to its original pricing scheme, according to Reuters. That means it'll offer the iPhone for 399 euros with a two-year agreement worth a minimum of 1,176 euros ($1,734) once again.

With the end of unlocked iPhones in Germany that leaves France, through France Telecom's Orange, as the only place one can get an open iPhone. Orange sells the iPhone for 399 euros locked. Pay an extra hundred and you can get it unlocked right away. Wait six months, however, and the unlocking wonÿÏÍt cost you anything.

For 649 euros Orange is selling the iPhone unlocked without a contract. 549 euros gets you can unlocked iPhone, but with Orange service that you can drop whenever you choose.