Apple now selling iPhone 3G/3GS sans contract


Looking to pick up an iPhone without signing a contract? Apple Stores are again offering the iPhone for full unsubsidized pricing. It appears, however, the iPhone is still locked for the AT&T network.

Gizmodo reports the iPhone 3G is selling for $499, while a 3GS will run you $599 for the 16 GB and $699 for the 32 GB. Apple appears to be limiting customers to one phone per customer per day with a maximum of 10 lifetime no-contract purchases. When under contract, customers can purchase five phones per day. (Buy iPhones Without Contract Now: Official Apple Document Leaked)

The no-contract options allows customers adverse to such things to enjoy their handset of choice, even if they may not qualify for an upgrade promotion. Some phone nuts just need multiple devices, or simply don't like being tied down to their mobile carrier of the month. There also allegedly a healthy market for jailbroken/unlocked iPhones.

It's not the first time you could buy an iPhone out-right, but it's been a while since you could. (Cash and carry, no contract iPhones at Apple Stores) The option went away with the launch of the 3GS, presumably to funnel supplies to contract customers, or perhaps just because Apple could. Last year, the move was thought to start burning through inventory with the 3GS launch on the horizon. The logic probably holds this year also.