Other Connect on your own later Vs Unlocked

[MyPhone99]

Earlier on apple.com when purchasing any phone, we use to see "get it unlocked" option but now we see "connect on your own later". Are both same ? can i insert any valid sim and get the phone activated when buying a phone through "connect on your own later" option?

 

[SHKLMRE]

Correct. They’re the same. It’s just another way Apple is saying it’s unlocked.
However, all of the phone are unlocked if you’re paying outright. So if you purchase a “sprint” iPhone directly from apple and you pay full price, it’s unlocked.

 

[richard13]

Can someone confirm these are all the same phone model? I tried ordering choosing AT&T but since they have a P.O. Box for my address Apple kind of forced me to use the "Connect on your own later" option. BTW, paid outright. I'm hoping they don't ship me some variant of what an "AT&T order" would get.

 

[SHKLMRE]

Can someone confirm these are all the same phone model? I tried ordering choosing AT&T but since they have a P.O. Box for my address Apple kind of forced me to use the "Connect on your own later" option. BTW, paid outright. I'm hoping they don't ship me some variant of what an "AT&T order" would get.

I personally don’t know the technical details of the phones

but I have always bought iPhones outright. Apple does confirm that the unlocked phones can work with AT&T. Over the years I’ve purchased “Verizon” models and “sprint” models (all directly from apple and paid in full) and put in my AT&T sim and it worked. The past 2-3 years I’ve purchased the “connect your own later” model and used my AT&T sim perfectly.

Since you paid in full, the phone you receive will be unlocked and your AT&T SIM card will work just fine.

 

[richard13]

I personally don’t know the technical details of the phones

but I have always bought iPhones outright. Apple does confirm that the unlocked phones can work with AT&T. Over the years I’ve purchased “Verizon” models and “sprint” models (all directly from apple and paid in full) and put in my AT&T sim and it worked. The past 2-3 years I’ve purchased the “connect your own later” model and used my AT&T sim perfectly.

Since you paid in full, the phone you receive will be unlocked and your AT&T SIM card will work just fine.

Thanks for the info!

 

[lsara]

The different models are usually for different countries and usually have different cellular bands that they can access. It used to be more tied to carrier ex. the Sprint & Verizon phones were different since they needed CDMA compatibility as well.

Any phone purchased outright will work on any carrier though.

 

[NoBoMac]

The different models are usually for different countries and usually have different cellular bands that they can access.

This^^^^

iPhone - Supported 5G and LTE networks

See the countries and regions that have certified 5G and LTE networks on iPhone including the U.S., Canada, Japan, Germany, China mainland, and more.

www.apple.com

In the case of US, two 13 (A2481, A2482) and two 13 Pro (A2483, A2484) models. Only difference is screen size.

And to echo @SHKLMRE, per Apple on the order page (way at the bottom):

If you connect with a carrier now, we’ll contact them so you don’t have to. Your iPhone will arrive ready to go with your number and plan information. If you connect with a carrier later, once your new phone arrives, you can insert a physical SIM card or use eSIM from any carrier that provides service for iPhone.*

Either way, you can keep your number. All iPhone models are unlocked except those purchased with AT&T Installment Plans.

 

[caligurl]

sooooo are you saying that even though I bought the "at&t" phone.... that I paid outright for.... I can change my mind in a month and switch that phone to verizon?

 

[Fred Zed]

Not sure if it applies to iphones. But logging into My T Mobile dot com doesn't show the pretty picture or name of the device if it's not a TMobile version. Meaning the IMEI isn't in their system. Not sure if it's the same with iphones or not. Is there anyone that uses a non TMobile iPhone can check my TMobile account to verify ?

 

[richard13]

This^^^^

iPhone - Supported 5G and LTE networks

See the countries and regions that have certified 5G and LTE networks on iPhone including the U.S., Canada, Japan, Germany, China mainland, and more.

www.apple.com

In the case of US, two 13 (A2481, A2482) and two 13 Pro (A2483, A2484) models. Only difference is screen size.

And to echo @SHKLMRE, per Apple on the order page (way at the bottom):

So this puts doubt in my mind. If there are iPhones that have a physical SIM and then others that have an "eSIM" then it sounds like there are different models in the US. I'm just looking to get what "normal" model that typical AT&T customers would get. Physical SIMs sound like a way of the past.

 

[Wags]

So this puts doubt in my mind. If there are iPhones that have a physical SIM and then others that have an "eSIM" then it sounds like there are different models in the US. I'm just looking to get what "normal" model that typical AT&T customers would get. Physical SIMs sound like a way of the past.

There is one model of each 13 in the U.S.
Every device has eSim and Apple not shipping with sims. You can order with eSim on your carrier or add which every one later. eSim or nano