Other SIM-Free: Does that mean unlocked for any carrier?

[dmk1974]

Ordering from the Apple site, they have a SIM-Free option. Does that mean it's factory unlocked forever and I can put in my Verizon and T-Mobile SIMs as I please? Or does it lock to whatever the first SIM is that it activates to?

Why would anyone not pick SIM-Free if given the choice? Thanks!

 

[PBG4 Dude]

Yes. If you buy a SIM-free phone, it is unlocked and can be used with any carrier that allows iPhones on their network.

As for not picking SIM-free, that’s easy; you have to pay 100% at purchase instead of monthly payments of $55 or whatever your phone’s cost / 24 equals.

 

[dmk1974]

Thank you. Good point on the monthly vs full payment. I'd plan to pay in full though. Sounds like though that from a technical standpoint, the SIM-Free version is easily the best choice. Carrier versions I'd imagine are only preferred if you are signing up for new service or buying with some promo discount from that carrier.

 

[Deguello]

Thank you. Good point on the monthly vs full payment. I'd plan to pay in full though. Sounds like though that from a technical standpoint, the SIM-Free version is easily the best choice. Carrier versions I'd imagine are only preferred if you are signing up for new service or buying with some promo discount from that carrier.

That’s what it sounds like to me, too. Since there are still SIM-free versions available or for pickup around me over six hours later, I’ll keep that in mind for the next phone.

 

[Kuntiz]

in the previous years we had to buy fully paid at&t models to be able to use in Europe

is that still the case or are all the full paid models ( sim-free, at&t full paid etc. ) available to use in Europe

 

[rodiak]

That’s what it sounds like to me, too. Since there are still SIM-free versions available or for pickup around me over six hours later, I’ll keep that in mind for the next phone.

Unfortunately most iPhone releases do not include a sim free option at launch. In fact with most previous launches Apple started selling the sim free version months after initial release. The sim free version being available at launch most likely means that Apple is not expecting too much pressure on their production lines and will be able to meet demand for the new models, that's why they have no problem offering a sim free version at launch.
[doublepost=1536924731][/doublepost]

in the previous years we had to buy fully paid at&t models to be able to use in Europe

is that still the case or are all the full paid models ( sim-free, at&t full paid etc. ) available to use in Europe

You do not need to go with the full paid carrier option this year. The sim free version will work just fine in Europe.

 

[Deguello]

Unfortunately most iPhone releases do not include a sim free option at launch. In fact with most previous launches Apple started selling the sim free version months after initial release. The sim free version being available at launch most likely means that Apple is not expecting too much pressure on their production lines and will be able to meet demand for the new models, that's why they have no problem offering a sim free version at launch.

Well, if they don’t offer it next time, they don’t. But, if they do, it seems like the way for me to go.

 

[rodiak]

Well, if they don’t offer it next time, they don’t. But, if they do, it seems like the way for me to go.

Yep it's absolutely the best option. If a sim free version is not available at launch then the T-Moible version is usually the one to go for since it's the closest to the sim free version and does not require a carrier contract.

 

[Kuntiz]

Unfortunately most iPhone releases do not include a sim free option at launch. In fact with most previous launches Apple started selling the sim free version months after initial release. The sim free version being available at launch most likely means that Apple is not expecting too much pressure on their production lines and will be able to meet demand for the new models, that's why they have no problem offering a sim free version at launch.
[doublepost=1536924731][/doublepost]

You do not need to go with the full paid carrier option this year. The sim free version will work just fine in Europe.

thank you, had a little panic after ordering the sim-free and then remembering the previous times I had bought at&t fully paid versions