Carrier Question about unlocked phones

[jazzer15]

If I buy an unlocked iPhone from Apple will I be able to use the phone on either CDMA carriers like Verizon and GSM carriers (e.g., T-mobile) and switch between the two, or will I have to choose which type of network I will use the phone on?

I tend to use prepaid third party carriers that piggyback on the major networks in the US and want to make sure that I can switch from one to another without a problem.

 

[Five_Oh]

If you buy a current model from Apple, you will be able to use it with any carrier.

The new phones have the same modem this time around.

 

[gurase]

I would recommend buying the Verizon model from Apple or waiting for the sim free model.

While theoretically all the models sold by Apple should be unlocked and able to be used on any carrier:
- Several people have reported the AT&T model sold full price by Apple is in fact locked.
- Sometimes it takes awhile for Verizon to whitelist all the IMEIs for other models. This means you would need an already active sim to use the phone on Verizon, and some features like wifi calling may not work.

Edit: sorry I assumed you were talking about the XR specifically for some reason. The sim free XS/XS Max is already available.

 

[jazzer15]

I would recommend buying the Verizon model from Apple or waiting for the sim free model.

While theoretically all the models sold by Apple should be unlocked and able to be used on any carrier:
- Several people have reported the AT&T model sold full price by Apple is in fact locked.
- Sometimes it takes awhile for Verizon to whitelist all the IMEIs for other models. This means you would need an already active sim to use the phone on Verizon, and some features like wifi calling may not work.

Edit: sorry I assumed you were talking about the XR specifically for some reason. The sim free XS/XS Max is already available.

Thanks for the information. I haven't decided on the model yet, but I very well may get an XR, so that is helpful to know.