Apple is considering new approaches to its business by releasing an unlocked version of its 3G iPhone. For now, the option will only be available in Hong Kong and consumers will be able to choose their preferred carrier.

So far, the general trend for the company was to pick a powerful carrier for each market and use it to promote the device, ensuring a low cost with several data plans, most of them demanding a two-year deal. The new decision puts the iPhone on the shelves at a much bigger price, with the 8 Giga Bytes version retailing for about $695 and the 16 GB model available for $798.

Up to this point, the iPhone was available in Hong Kong only through Hutchison Telecommunications on a pricy two-year contract, with a monthly fee of $188.

Apple’s official Web site states that the “iPhone 3G purchased at the Apple Online Store can be activated with any wireless carrier. Simply insert the SIM from your current phone into iPhone 3G and connect to iTunes 8 to complete activation.”

In the event that such a move might turn out to be successful, Apple could consider a wider adoption of this strategy, with the only impediment being its various exclusive deals with carriers all over the world. The move could be received with enthusiasm, as it offers users a lot more freedom than before.

There is still no clear explanation for this decision and the company’s officials did not release any statements. Maybe Apple is simply experimenting with new ways of putting its product out there.