So why did Apple choose to sell iPhones exclusively? In the words of Greg Jozwiak, global marketing manager for the iPod, it’s all about visual voicemail. After over six months in the market, the iPhone has established itself as a major brand, if not in sales then definitely in popularity and name recall. The number of iPhones being unlocked, to the tune of 500,000 all over the world, also suggests that consumers are willing to forego visual voicemail and other features simply to use the iPhone in their network of choice. Does this mean Apple can increase its market share by unlocking the iPhone? Is Apple willing to give up the benefits of exclusivity, i.e. a hefty share of carrier revenues for market share? But if Apple chooses to sell the iPhone unlocked will the carriers that Apple scorned, particularly Vodafone and China Mobile be willing to forgive and forget?

[itwire via maccomplainer]