T-Mobile Germany announced this week that, in response to a court injunction sought by competitor Vodafone, it would release an unlocked version of the Apple iPhone - for approximately $1,500.

"T-Mobile will start selling the combination smart phone-iPod media player for 999 euros ($1,477) immediately as well as continuing to offer it for the discounted 399 euros ($590) in combination with a two-year contract," writes the AP's Kirsten Grieshaber.

"The $1,480 high price for a standalone iPhone is likely to put a lid on single sales of the phone, but the opening up of mobile phone networks in Germany could lead to bootleg sales of the phone acquired elsewhere," notes InformationWeek's W. David Gardner.

More here from Machinist ... more here from CNET News ... more here from Computerworld ... more here from Wired ... more here from BusinessWeek ... and the press release is here.