Unlocked Apple iPhone 4S coming to U.S in November

So, iPhone 4S preorders are live and you are now able to get your order in for an October 14 delivery.

With Verizon, AT&T and Sprint all offering differing plans for the new handset, many U.S iPhone owners will have been watching closely to see when Apple would make an unlocked version of the iPhone available.

Unfortunately for those that stayed up early into Friday morning,  Apple has announced that the unlocked iPhone 4S will only become available in November, despite being ready to order in the UK from today.

Apple has provided the pricing but is not enabling customers to select and buy an unlocked handset just yet.

If you were planning on using your unlocked iPhone 4S to roam when you travel, it might be a little more difficult than you expected. Apple has noted explicitly in its terms and conditions that users can only use an unlocked iPhone 4S on GSM networks:

The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a contract commitment. You can activate and use it on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice, such as AT&T in the United States.* The unlocked iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S will not work with CDMA-based carriers such as Verizon Wireless or Sprint.

If you don’t want a multiyear service contract or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the unlocked iPhone is the best choice. It arrives without a micro-SIM card, so you’ll need an active micro-SIM card from any supported GSM carrier worldwide. To start using it, simply insert the micro-SIM card into the slot on your iPhone and turn it on by pressing and holding the On/Off button for a few seconds. Then follow the onscreen instructions to set up your iPhone.

The unlocked option will be what many existing iPhone owners choose, enabling them to simply switch out their iPhone 4 microSIM and continue using their operator without incurring early upgrade or termination fees.