Other Activate with carrier OR sim free? What does it mean?

[t76turbo]

I usually just buy through my carrier. This year I will probably go through the Apple app and finance interest free on Apple Card.

I just went through the motions to order on the app to check pricing and it gives two options.

1) ‘Activate my phone on my T-Mobile account’
2) ‘Buy a new phone with any carrier or sim free’

My question is..... is there a difference real world if I pick one over the other?? Any additional activation charges? Etc. I’ve definitely never bought a sim free phone.

 

[Renho]

Ya it will come unlocked sim free so you can take to any carrier. Better for resale when you want
[automerge]1602652473[/automerge]
And you won’t get a fee if you take out ur old sim and put it in ur new one

 

[baypharm]

Take Renho’s advice

 

[t76turbo]

Cool. Thanks. I read the thread a couple below this one talking about the older sims not working in the 12. But looks like they meant much older phones. So sim free it is!!!!

thanks again.

 

[Joho2078]

I read all iPhone 12s but AT&Ts come unlocked.

 

[dyfine]

I read all iPhone 12s but AT&Ts come unlocked.

AT&Ts will only be locked if you sign up for the AT&T special offer payment plan. I'm AT&T on the iPhone Upgrade program and my phones have been unlocked for the past 3 years (X, 11, etc)

 

[Koshkaboo]

OK, I am curious on this also. This is the first year I am upgrading while with T Mobile. I will be using the upgrade program.

So do I just buy the unlocked one and then just switch the SIM card is my 11 Pro into the new phone (12 Pro Max)? Or should I get the T Mobile one?

 

[dyfine]

OK, I am curious on this also. This is the first year I am upgrading while with T Mobile. I will be using the upgrade program.

So do I just buy the unlocked one and then just switch the SIM card is my 11 Pro into the new phone (12 Pro Max)? Or should I get the T Mobile one?

If you're doing the IUP, you have to select a carrier. You don't have the option to do IUP with the Sim Free phone version. It should come unlocked even if you choose TMO. The app/site does a really good job this year explaining that most phones will come unlocked and the scenarios that will cause them to be locked to a carrier. Past years, I spent a ton of time trying to figure this out and finally this year, Apple explains it up front for everyone. Start the "buy" process and you'll see it explained.

 

[bpeeps]

I read all iPhone 12s but AT&Ts come unlocked.

If you buy from Verizon, they have a sixty day lock.

 

[dyfine]

When you start the pre-order process, this message comes up:

Maybe Apple sends them unlocked but then Verizon locks them on their end?

 

[Joho2078]

Exactly