If you can’t wait to see the new gear that Apple will be revealing at the MacWorld Keynote Tuesday morning, I can at least show you two products they probably won’t be announcing…
First up is the iPhone Mini, which I found on Apliu Street in Kowloon’s Sham Shui Po district. At about $100 CAD this little number doesn’t have 3G or WiFi, but it does sport an FM radio, apparently powered by Windows Media Player…?
And in the famous Temple Street Night Market I spotted these new iPod Shuffles, with screens! Code-named “MP3”, a 2GB model will only set you back about $15 CAD and comes in 5 colours and 2 screen orientations, apparently…
All kidding aside, that iPhone knock-off beats Apple’s official product with one killer feature — it’s 100% unlocked. While it’s technically true that Apple’s iPhone 3G is sold unlocked here, to actually buy one you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must provide proof of Hong Kong citizenship;
- You must be willing to sign up for a two-year contract with 3, the only carrier that sells it.
With such restrictions, I can’t really fault the local pirates for giving consumers an alternative, albeit an illegal one. And of course, you get what you pay for…
Andrew Currie 
3 responses to “(absolutely not a) Pre-MacWorld Leak! New iPhone, iPod Spotted in Hong Kong…”
I like to clarify that iPhone 3G sold here in Hong Kong are not only “carrier” unlocked, there is no commitment to any carrier contracts.
Yes, Three is the only official carrier partner of Apple for the iPhone 3G, but you can also purchase the iPhone 3G directly from Apple Hong Kong Online Store and have it shipped to your HK address within 24 hours.
Thanks for the info… I wonder why the nice man at the 3 shop wouldn’t tell me that? 🙄
Still, an unlocked iPhone is still only available to locals, right?
Actually, I don’t believe Apple Hong Kong requires any proof of citizenship in their Online Store when you make your purchase, but they will only ship to local addresses.