Apple selling unlocked iPhone in Canada, Europe

While iPhone users in the US may still be tied to AT&T for their cellular service, Apple will sell the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 unlocked and SIM-free in several countries, including Canada and the UK.

According to an FAQ published on Apple's Canadian and British Websites, customers in those countries--as well as in France and Germany--will be able to buy an iPhone 4 handset for full price but without any commitment or carrier lock. This means that they will be free to choose any GSM carrier that uses frequencies compatible with the company's phones without having to be subject to a long-term contract--and with the ability to swap carriers at any time without having to replace their devices.