In line with a previous report from 9to5Mac, Apple has started selling factory-unlocked iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus units both in retail stores and online. The price starts from the usual $649 for the 16 GB iPhone 6 model, with the higher tier adding another $100. So, for the 128 GB version, US buyers will shell out $849.
The iPhone 6 Plus starts at $749 for the 16 GB version, and the final price goes up to $949 for the 128 GB version. It’s interesting to note that unlocked iPhones have been available from day one in Canada, but in the US Apple has delayed their availability longer than expected.
One possible reason could be low supply, but that’s only a guess, so don’t bet on it. The freshly available SIM-free iPhones ship in 3–5 business days; it doesn’t matter which model you choose. Canadian iPhone buyers, however, can enjoy the advantage of speedy delivery, as the units get shipped in a single business day.
Looking back to the past quarter, early reports – such as Flurry’s – claim Apple dominated holiday sales, as Santa preferred iDevices. We will see the official numbers on January 27.
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
They did it now because the exchange rate just made it so there is no advantage to buying in the US and smuggling it back to Canada.
I think you mean buying it in Canada and bringing it into the US
Nope. Other way around. if Apple released the unlocked in the US at the current price when the CAD/USD was greater than 0.86. This would’ve been marginally cheaper for Canadians to buy in the US and smuggle it back to Canada. Now that the rate is below 0.85, the conversion of price (with tax) to CAD is close to what you’d pay if purchased here in Canada directly. No benefit or incentive.
thanks for clearing that up
there is one benifit for those who wants CMDA or TDLTE band support. for example. china mobile/telecom users
This is about the only thing Canada has that the US doesn’t (at least for a few months). After my recent trip to the US, I wouldn’t be surprised if Canada sees a price hike on Apple stuff due to the exchange rate.
All of the iphones ( except Sprint) purchsed right out in US Apple stores are unlocked since launch day.