A German court has overturned its previous decision to break up the Apple-T-Mobile deal for selling locked iPhones in Germany.
Vodafone had had its hopes raised by the court’s decision two weeks ago to force T-Mobile to sell unlocked iPhones, which it did for a mere €999 (£720). Now it seems the German court has reconsidered its decision, no doubt much to Vodafone’s disappointment.
Vodafone had originally objected to the exclusivity of the Apple’s deal with T-Mobile, arguing that consumers should be able to buy unlocked iPhones.
Apple has so far resisted calls to sell unlocked iPhones and instead preferred to sign exclusive deals tying its handsets to particular operators (Like O2 in the UK). Vodafone’s court filing was one of several that have been lodged against Apple’s strategy (There are two cases outstanding in the US).
T-Mobile has now promised that it will unlock iPhones after two years free of charge (After it’s made its money back?). Considering Apple has warned people that unlocking iPhones will cause software troubles later on, it isn’t clear whether T-Mobile’s unlocked devices will have the same troubles.
[Via BBC Online]
T-Mobile and Vodafone will go head to head in a Hamburg court this week in their fight over marketing rights for Apple’s iPhone in Germany. A date for the hearing has been set for November 29.
