No Apple iPhones for South Africa
South Africans can forget about Apple’s iPhone. The distributor of Apple’s products in South Africa has announced that the hugely popular gadget will not be available in South Africa.
According to RJ van Spaandonk, chief executive of the Core group, Apple’s head office in the US decided not to distribute the iPhone in South Africa.
This is a decision from the US and outside the control of the Core group,” he said. Those desperate for the iPhone can have one imported themselves, but Van Spaandonk doesn’t recommend it.
The iPhone is currently only available in the US and Britain. Apple concluded deals with specific service providers in these countries and the phones can only work through their networks.
The iPhone costs between $399 and $599 in the US.
If a South African wants to import the gadget, the user would have to bypass the official network, but Apple already warned that unblocking the phone illegally would cause irreparable damage to the iPhone’s software.
Tyler has created a Facebook group ‘Bring iPhone to South Africa‘ – join the group, share your views and let’s create an awareness!
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Christopher is the founder of iMod - Most of his time is spent building websites and pushing the limits with Search Engine Optimization. You can follow him on Twitter @ChristopherM
Chris M has written: 4759 posts.
Nov 8th, 2007 at 11:43 am
[...] I was really disappointed this morning when I found out that Apple HQ in the States has decided not to distribute the iPhone in South Africa. I wanted to have an iPod, an iPhone and a Macbook to create the perfect [...]
Nov 8th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Technically it only launches tomorrow in the UK, I know ‘cos I’m getting one! Secondly, you could always buy an iPhone, hack it, then use it on a domestic cellphone network. I have a friend in the UK who did this over a month ago and his iPhone works a treat on a t-Mobile contract which costs far less than the contract Apple/O2 insist on.
Nov 8th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Absolutely Dave, I’ve been reading and following everything as well. I know a couple people who have got their hands on one as well, and had the fun of unlocking it, etc, etc.
I hope that they do decide to bring it here or something, as I can see exactly where all the Saffer Mac fans are coming from with regards to completing sets. (As Tyler mentioned)
Guess we will have to wait an see what happens. Thanks for popping in Dave.
Mar 13th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
We’ve got phones available, 8GB or 16GB. They are fully unlocked and work on any South African network, Virgin mobile, Cell C, Vodacom and MTN.
They have the latest software for the iPhone installed, firmware version 1.1.4.
Price:
- 8GB iPhone R6600
- 16GB iPhone R8200
Mar 13th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Ah, nice one!
Jun 4th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Please call me on 0713905508 or send me an email, i’m interested.
Jun 6th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
HI again JP, I thought we would meet today. your friend called me but i was at the airport so we said we’d meet today but he didn’t call me back and his was a private number. All the same i want a phone bra, a 16 gig and my brother wants one too asap so call me. 071 3905508. thanks
Jun 6th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
No idea, can’t really help Essy :/
Oct 13th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Vodacom