Apple to SIM-lock Japanese IPads

From PC World: Apple appears to have reversed course in Japan on a key feature of its iPad 3G: It won't offer a version capable of being used with different cellular carriers there.

All Japanese models will be SIM-locked to Softbank Mobile, Apple's iPhone partner in Japan, Apple said late Monday. The company confirmed the presence of a SIM lock but couldn't immediately explain why it was enforcing the restriction in Japan.

The decision flies in the face of a pledge made by Apple CEO Steve Jobs in January when the iPad was first announced.

"All the iPad 3G models are unlocked," he said of the international models.

The news from Japan prompted a flood of criticism on micro-blogging site Twitter. Users that had sent tweets of excitement as they placed orders later used the service to vent their frustration at Apple and Softbank.

The SIM-lock issue could strain relations between the carrier and Apple users.

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