Every iPhone sold globally is locked to a specific wireless network service. For example AT&T in the USA and O2 in the UK, this guarantees Apple a big share of the data and call revenue generate on each one of their iphones.   Each owner effectively signed an End User License Agreement when purchasing an iphone and this expressly says that by modifying or using third-party software on the device you will invalidate its warranty. Apple has widely and very publicly made this limitation known.

Many Apple iphones have made there way to South Africa through unofficial channels after being unlocked using special “cracking” software. The problem with this unlocking software is that the moment you update itunes on your PC, your phone is then “bricked”.

The iPhone will soon be available in South Africa through Vodacom

Vodafone has announced it has signed an agreement with Apple to sell the iPhone in ten of its markets around the globe.

Later this year, Vodafone customers in Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa and Turkey will be able to purchase the iPhone for use on the Vodafone network.

Vodacom has confirmed that it will provide the iPhone to its subscribers through the Vodafone agreement, but could not provide further details regarding potential pricing structures or time frames.