Is Today a Big Day for a New Apple Inc. (AAPL) iPhone Offering?

Last month, we brought you news concerning an Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) partnership with Virgin Mobile. This was big news for both companies, and continues to be the case at the present time. Now, however, it appears that this partnership is being pushed to the next level.

As we first announced, the carrier is going to sell the Apple iPhone direct to consumers via its website. Along with this, it is now believed that it has struck a deal with RadioShack to sell the smartphone, contract free, beginning today.

This is a great way for Apple to push its only smartphone to more people. Along with this, it is bound to do big things for RadioShack, a company that could use a little bit of a boost.

This story was broke by Mac Rumors, and could definitely change the way consumers shop for an Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone. Not only is this deal available at RadioShack, which is a bit of a change,  but the contract-free setup is sure to attract a new  group of consumers.

Here is more from the piece, explaining the offer in greater detail:

“RadioShack will begin selling the contract-free Virgin Mobile iPhone 5 beginning tomorrow, both in store and online. The entry level 16GB iPhone 5 will retail for $549.99, and customers with an eligible trade-in can receive $50 off the purchase price before July 27.”

As you can see, this appears to be a good deal all around. With no contract, consumers can purchase the 16GB iPhone 5 for $549.99. There is no denying the fact that this price is higher than what you would pay with a contract, however, there are those who simply don’t want to be locked up by a wireless carrier.

It is also important to note that those with an eligible trade-in are able to receive a $50 discount off the purchase price for the next month. This may be the extra incentive needed to drive more people to the offer.

There is no denying the fact that the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone is one of the most popular smartphones in the world. The company is always looking for new outlets to sell its device, and this appears to be a “win” for everybody involved.