Apple is offering an unlocked version of the iPhone 3G in Hong Kong, allowing consumers to use it with any mobile phone carrier. Apple says on its Hong Kong Web site that people can "buy iPhone directly from Apple" and choose their own carrier.

The 8GB phone goes for $5,400 Hong Kong dollars ($695) while the 16-gigabyte version costs HK$6,200 ($798). Apple also offers free shipping.

Apple's strategy for the Honk Kong market is different than the one the company follows in 22 nations. Usually, purchase of an iPhone locks a buyer into a service provider.

The move could allow Apple compete with HTC's multimedia phone offerings in Honk Kong.