The iPhone and the Asian Underground

As Apple rolled out its newest iPhone on Friday, dealers and buyers were anticipating the popular device in Asia’s thriving underground marketplace in as little as a few days. The iPhones are nothing new to Asia, where enthusiasts from Bangkok to Shanghai already sport fake and unlocked versions of last year’s models — unlocked so they can work with any carrier, not just the Apple-authorized ones. Now, electronics markets are preparing for an influx of iPhones capable of 3G, or third-generation, cell phone technology.