Apple has been forced to open up sales of its iPhone in Germany to customers of operators other than its original partner T-Mobile, a move that mirrors recent developments in France. In a statement, T-Mobile Germany said it will immediately start selling unlocked iPhones, and unlock any already-purchased iPhone for no charge. Such actions have taken place in response to a preliminary ruling on Monday in a lawsuit brought by Vodafone Group’s local subsidiary, Vodafone Germany. According to the injunction, which T-Mobile is appealing, Apple’s partner must offer the iPhone without a 24-month contract. T-Mobile plans to sell the unlocked device for €999 (US$1477), more than double the two-year, ‘locked’ contract price of €399 (US$590).
Following the success of its first exclusive operator deal with AT&T in the U.S., Apple negotiated exclusive deals in France (Orange), Germany (T-Mobile) and the U.K. (O2). In return for exclusivity each operator is believed to share user revenues with Apple. This model has already been revised in France, however, where local laws have forced Orange to open up the phone to rival networks when it goes on sale at the end of this month. The U.K. is now the only European market where the deal remains exclusive to one partner (O2).