UK SIM–free iPhone shows up for £499

19 JAN 2009

£499 for a SIM–free iPhone 3G

UPDATE: Pixmania has pulled the iPhone 3G from their site and Apple has not commented on the release of a SIM–free version.

With gadget fans everywhere from Hong Kong to Spain already able to get their hands on a SIM–free iPhone 3G, it looks as if it's finally our turn to lay our hands on Apple's mighty blower without the hassle of a contract.

Pixmania is listing the 8GB iPhone 3G for £499, up for grabs today. The deal means you can stick in your own SIM and walk away with the deal of your choice rather than one of O2's offerings.

Until now, UK punters have been stuck with either a minimum £30 a month deal, or paying £342.50 for the 8GB and £391.45 for the 16GB model on PAYG.

The £499 price tag is hefty, but remains in line with other SIM–free prices for top–end smartphones. The Nokia N97 is set to cost £479 when it hits shelves on 31 March.

What do you think? Will you be buying one? Or is £499 too much? Tell us in the comments section. And if you can't make up your mind, check out our hands–on video with the iPhone 3G itself.

Thanks Paulo.

Essentials
SIM–free iPhone 3G
Price: £499
On sale: Now
Contact: Apple

Have your say

mike.bignell January 19, 2009 10:03

Is this going to be an official thing from Apple?

Joe M January 19, 2009 10:25

Hi Mike

I've been hounding my contacts at Apple this morning, but no word as yet. I'll definitely update this story as soon as I get more word.

Cheers

Joe

fez89 January 19, 2009 11:41

I will strongly consider it, as I have been with 3 for over five years the contract deals are mind boggling...would have made sense to sell the 8GB one at £399 and the 16GB at £499

domystevens January 19, 2009 19:17

Hi Joe,

After seeing this article, I got excited to find out that the iPhone is now being sold sim free in the UK.

I clicked on your Pixmania link and it took me to their home page. I searched their website for iPhone 3G, iPhone, Apple iPhone etc.... but I can't find it for sale at all.

Hope you can direct me to the right page.

Thanks

Linsey Fryatt January 20, 2009 14:18

Hi there - Pixmania has swiftly taken down its link. That doesn't mean to say that this won't be happening, just more likely that this was published by mistake too early...