Apple has announced that is will make available in Canada an unlocked version of the new iPhone 4.

Selling the phone unlocked means that users are free to choose any cell phone company they wish.

The unlocked versions will only be available for sale directly on Apple’s own website and at Apple Stores. The unlocked versions of the iPhone 4 will sell for $659 for a 16 gigabyte version and $779 for the 32 GB version. The “locked” version of the iPhone 4 that require contracts with certain carriers will be less expensive as part of the phone cost is subsidized by the carriers who required long term contracts. The unlocked version is aimed at a small potion of the market in Canada as the price makes it one of the most expensive phones available in Canada.

Although the iPhone has been very popular since its first release it has had some stiff competition recently from Google’s Android operating system that is gaining in popularity on cellular phones. Reports of recent antenna problems on the new iPhone 4 have also been a black eye for Apple who is giving away millions of free rubber cases to owners to help correct the problem. With Canadians generally being more conservative with purchases these recent problems may mean weaker initial sales in the country.

Over 3.5 million Apple iPhone 4s have been sold in the United States since its release on June 24 despite complaints regarding the phones antenna. Canada along with sixteen other countries will be able to get the new iPhone 4 on July 30th. Features in the phone include 4G network capabilities, video playback, a music player, a built in five mega pixel camera plus a second camera facing the users for use in video calling over a Wi-Fi connection.

Apple To Sell iPhone 4 Unlocked In Canada At A Price