When announcing the iPad, Apple promised that all 3G models would be unlocked. Turns out that is not the case.
The iPad releases to nine additional countries on May 28th. Eight of those countries will get an unlocked iPad. Japan will not.
All Japanese models will be SIM-locked to Softbank Mobile, Apple's iPhone partner in Japan, Apple said late Monday. The company confirmed the presence of a SIM lock but couldn't immediately explain why it was enforcing the restriction in Japan.
This runs contrary to a direct pledge made by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. "All the iPad 3G models are unlocked," he said.
Hopefully Japan is an anomaly and Apple doesn't plan to release more locked iPads to other countries still waiting for the device.
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The iPad releases to nine additional countries on May 28th. Eight of those countries will get an unlocked iPad. Japan will not.
All Japanese models will be SIM-locked to Softbank Mobile, Apple's iPhone partner in Japan, Apple said late Monday. The company confirmed the presence of a SIM lock but couldn't immediately explain why it was enforcing the restriction in Japan.
This runs contrary to a direct pledge made by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. "All the iPad 3G models are unlocked," he said.
Hopefully Japan is an anomaly and Apple doesn't plan to release more locked iPads to other countries still waiting for the device.
Read More