Apple began selling the unlocked version of the iPhone 5 for GSM cell networks on Thursday. Since the phone isn't tied to a specific cell service provider, it's compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile's networks in the United States, although T-Mobile doesn't support the iPhone's 3G wireless data frequencies.
iPhone 5 now available unlocked
The option of buying a legitimately unlocked iPhone 5 is good news for shoppers that don't want to be bound to a specific cell service provider, or travel internationally and want to use local SIM cards, since their only option before was to use older iPhone models.
Since the unlocked iPhone 5 isn't tied to a specific carrier, it also doesn't come at a subsidized price. That means buyers will pay US$649 for the 16GB model, $749 for the 32GB version, and $849 for the 64GB model. They're available through Apple's online store and are showing a one-week wait for shipping.