Apple is trying its best to stop people from unlocking and reselling iPhone in the black market. In the latest policy change, Apple has decided not to accept cash for the purchase of iPhone. Consumers can only make the purchase using a credit or debit card. Moreover, they have limited the sale of iPhone to just two units per person.
This policy change is expected to stop all unauthorized unlocking and reselling in other countries. Apple believes that limiting the sale to just 2 units per person will ensure that there is enough number of iPhones for those who are purchasing for themselves or to gift.
Prior to this, Apple tired bricking unlocked iPhones, but hackers soon found a work around which could fix this work around. From a consumer’s point of view, I don’t think refusing cash is the best thing to do. It seems like the cash ban is perfectly legal in the US. Wired Blog has more details here.

wrote, on October 31st, 2007
[...] Thilak placed an observative post today on No iPhone without Credit Card.Here’s a quick excerpt:Consumers can only make the purchase using a credit or debit card. Moreover, they have limited the sale of iPhone to just two units per person. This policy change is expected to stop all unauthorized unlocking and reselling in other … [...]
wrote, on October 31st, 2007
Apparently, they want curses more than sales.
wrote, on October 31st, 2007
hi,
i’m intrested to but this phone.right now i’m in india.tell me how i can buy.i am ready to pay through creditcard.i am waiting for your reply.
rahul vats
(india)
+919811167678
+919971110613
wrote, on November 3rd, 2007
Like Rahul I too need credit card for online payment.How can I get it.
wrote, on June 16th, 2008
Man I am 18 years old and I have no credit card. But I want to have iphone :>)