Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple in 1976 with the sole intention of producing small computers which prospective users could use at home. Of course, this aspiration involved changing the way people viewed computing altogether. For several decades Apple was solely a personal computer manufacturer. Nevertheless, after re-joining the business—having been ousted in 1985— Steve Jobs deployed a new strategy, launching a range of new products with a pleasing, aesthetic design. After introducing the now defunct iPod, Apple firmly established itself as a market leader in consumer electronics.
After many months of rumours, in January 2007 Jobs launched the iPhone and changed mobile telecommunications forever. The device went on sale in June 2007, offering a 3.5-inch screen and a 2-megapixel camera. Despite rave reviews, critics said the iPhone was too expensive. Despite this, it took just 74 days for Apple to sell more than a million devices. By 2010, Apple was launching its iPhone 4, a slimmer, more capable smartphone with FaceTime video service and ‘retina display’. By this time, fanfare had grown frenzied among buyers, who reliably queued for days to purchase the latest releases.
In 2016, Apple made what it called ‘the biggest advance in iPhone’ when it launched the iPhone 6. Featuring a tweaked design and a slick ‘folded’ screen. It’s sister, the iPhone 6 Plus was the company’s first device to exceed a 5-inch display. In the same year, Apple revealed the iPhone 7, which for the first time came without the standard 3.5mm headphone jack. By now, Apple’s iPhone had also gained 10 more megapixels. Tweaking its design again, the iPhone 8 featured a glass back, followed by the iPhone X in 2017 which returned to a slicker design. The years between 2017 and 2022 featured several more releases, each more capable and functional than the last. By 2022, a total of 34 iPhone models had been released, most recently the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, which featured a striking aesthetic reminiscent of early iPhones.
Apple redefined what the smartphone meant to consumers, meanwhile other manufacturers continued to produce devices and ownership grew exponentially. What was once a strictly functional device had become fashionable. Users were keener than ever to own the latest device, often refreshing annually. Of course, despite falling handset costs, most consumers were unable to purchase expensive smartphones outright. At the same time, networks emerged, and coverage was liberalised. These same networks found an ingenious way to capitalise on demand for ownership.
Large networks began selling locked devices on ‘contract’. These locked devices were sold by networks with the cost spread over several years. However useful at the time, even once ‘paid off’, these devices remain locked to the original network, meaning users have no access to any other providers. Consider that, to date, Apple have sold more than 2 billion iPhones, more than half of which, according to CEO Tim Cook, are active today. Most of these iPhones—active or not—will be locked. Fortunately, DirectUnlocks can unlock these iPhones, offering major benefits to owners.
Why should you unlock your iPhone?
Consumers are accustomed to increasing flexibility in their lives. At its core, Jobs’ iPhone has connected people and made their lives, travel and work more flexible and functional. Alas, locked devices negate this flexibility, limiting users’ freedom. When travelling, users cannot simply find a local store and purchase a domestic SIM-only deal from a competitive usage provider. Instead, users with locked iPhones will need to pay expensive roaming charges. After unlocking, users can swap out their locked SIM for a domestic provider and save money.
Most iPhone owners eventually sell their device, either at the end of their contract or several years later. Unlocked iPhones are worth more than locked devices. Buyers know how much more flexible and functional an unlocked iPhone is. As such, you’ll be able to sell your unlocked iPhone for 20-30% more, raising more toward your next device.
Western smartphone owners are experiencing a ‘cost of living crisis’, rising monthly bills are crippling. Most of these owners pay as much as £50 per month for their smartphone contract. Unlocking your iPhone can reduce your monthly outgoings. It’s common knowledge that emerging competitors in telecommunications offer similar usage deals for a fraction of the price. In fact, networks like Giff Gaff can match minutes and data for as much as £20 per month less than traditional networks. So, unlocking your iPhone, even if you’re still paying your device bill will save you money each month.
So now you know why you should unlock iPhone, you will be pleased to know that DirectUnlocks can help you in four simple steps from the comfort of your own home.
How to unlock your iPhone
- Visit the DirectUnlocks website and select your country and carrier then simply enter your IMEI. Our website will then automatically identify your device make and model. If everything checks out, select ‘buy now’ and we will begin unlocking.
- When your payment has cleared, we will start processing your order. We’ll notify you by email of your successful payment and initiated unlock.
- While we’re processing the unlock you can use the DirectUnlocks website to track your order progress. Usually, orders are complete with 24 hours, for some devices completion can take just 30 minutes.
- Once the unlock is complete, we’ll notify you by email and SMS. iPhones are unlocked entirely remotely without the need for any action. Once unlocked, even a firmware update won’t reset the device.
You can trust DirectUnlocks, we’ve unlocked hundreds of thousands of devices. Our experience means we know the market and support you with any issues you might experience. Trust us, we’ll make it easy for you!
