AT&T May Lock iPhone Customers To Just The iPhone

Earlier this week we heard rumors that the iPhone may require special contracts. And then there were rumors that the iPhone might be available as a pre-paid device as well. Now it looks like the iPhone will not have a removable SIM card. Don't believe me? Then go to the forums. One of the big questions on Mac forums this week centers around the iPhone and its removable SIM card (or lack thereof). In the last few days many have suggested that the iPhone will be locked -- sending potential iPhone customers into a tizzy. Does this mean that the iPhone could be as locked down as a CDMA phone?This issue has been burning in the Machead forums for months. When Jobs debuted the iPhone in January, we were told that the iPhone would have a slot for the SIM.

But since then, many insiders have speculated the SIM will be locked. Why? Well, the iPhone reportedly doesn't have a removable battery. If that's the case, then the SIM is most likely locked into the phone too.

Earlier this week The Boy Genius Report added fuel to the SIM fire: