Apple has imposed numerous restrictions on iPhone sales. Starting from Thursday, Apple no longer accepts cash for iPhones and does not sell more than two devices per person. While the move may seem as an indicator of incredible popularity of the iPhone, in reality Apple may try to restrict sales of unlocked iPhones by restricting the number of its cell phones sold to a single person.

“Customer response to the iPhone has been off the charts, and limiting iPhone sales to two per customer helps us ensure that there are enough iPhones for people who are shopping for themselves or buying a gift. We’re requiring a credit or debit card for payment to discourage unauthorized resellers,” said Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris, reports Associated Press news-agency.

According to Apple, about 250 thousand of 1.4 million iPhones were purchased to unlock and resell them. Currently Apple iPhone devices are available only in the U.S. and can work only with AT&T carrier, however, unlocked iPhones are relatively popular not only in the U.S., but also in Europe and even in Russia.

For some reason, Apple wants to restrict end-users from using the company’s iPhone in a way they want and choose network carrier themselves. However, as soon as the company starts to sell its iPhone in France via Orange, customers will still be able to use iPhones in any networks, as French laws prohibit “locking” phones to a single carrier.

Apple iPhone combines digital media player, phone, Web browser and personal digital assistant’s features. The device is equipped with 3.5” touch-screen instead of keypad, includes support for quad-band GSM, EDGE, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR wireless technologies. The iPhone also features a 2 megapixel (2MP) camera along with a photo management application.