Did you know Apple finally released unlocked iPhones in U.S.?

As of June 15, Apple quietly but surely started selling unlocked iPhones in the U.S. for the first time via its websites and stores, priced at $649 and $749.

No longer do users have to rely on hackers to unlock the iPhones for use in other countries.

Of course, the buyer needs to buy a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card to activate the phone. But no biggie, as the unlocked version (which is exactly the same as the ones sold for use with AT&T) don't require a two-year contract.

Only the Apple stores will sell the unlocked phones, not AT&T, which also doesn't allow customers to unlock older iPhones.

The only other U.S. carrier that is compatible with the iPhone besides AT&T is T-Mobile U.S., which provides only phone calls and limited data speed, not to mention their 3G wireless high-speed data network isn't compatible with the phone.

Apple already sells unlocked iPhones in other countries where the phone has been released. AT&T also sells no-contract iPhone 4s that are locked, priced at $649 and $749.