It’s official, Apple is now offering the iPhone unlocked.  You can now head out to the local Apple store and purchase your iPhone without a contract at a price of $499 for 8GB, $599 for 16GB and 32GB for $699.  A bit on the pricey side, but not unreasonable compared to the Nexus one or other unlocked phones.  Engadget has confirmed the availability of the unlocked iPhone at at least 5 stores.  Does this mean the end of the exclusivity to AT&T in the near future?  Lets hope so…

[via 9to5Mac]

UPDATE:  It appears the first reports of the unlocked iPhones were inaccurate.  You can now buy the iPhone without a contract, but it is still locked to AT&T.  This is very sad…