Probably the agreement between Apple and the US carriers. It's been like this since the days of iPhone 4. Prior to that, Apple didn't even sell SIM free phones in the US. Luckily with LTE, Verizon iPhones are unlocked out of the box, so those looking for "SIM free" iPhone from day 1 can just get the Verizon version.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
SIM-Free iPhone X Now Available From Apple Online Store in the United States
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Probably not. Apple is allegedly capping the transfer speed of the better performing modem so it is relatively similar to the slower-performing component.
Even if there is a 10% difference in cellular data transfer rates between the two models, that's not enough for Joe Consumer to notice.
If one device takes three minutes to download a file and the other device takes 2 minutes 42 seconds to download the same file, would you notice? I wouldn't.
Eventhough you can swap a new sim and Use it should have LTE band compatibility. Please check the following links.
https://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/
Makes you wonder why they even bother with the SIM version of the phones. Seems like an unnecessary expense and complicates phones being resold or moved between carriers. Are there advantages to the SIM version over the SIM-free version? Do the SIM-free versions work internationally when you travel?
You don't seem to understand the difference between a SIM-included phone and one that is SIM-free.
The phone requires a SIM to operate correctly.
The SIM-free version of the phone means there is no SIM included that is tied to a specific carrier. The consumer is responsible for providing that SIM.
I always buy the SIM-free version of the iPhone. I am responsible for providing the SIM to connect to a mobile operator, whether it be AT&T GoPhone, T-Mobile, StraightTalk, TruSIM, whatever. It also allows me to travel abroad and shove in a foreign carrier's SIM so I have access to their network.
The phone requires a SIM to operate correctly.
The SIM-free version of the phone means there is no SIM included that is tied to a specific carrier. The consumer is responsible for providing that SIM.
I always buy the SIM-free version of the iPhone. I am responsible for providing the SIM to connect to a mobile operator, whether it be AT&T GoPhone, T-Mobile, StraightTalk, TruSIM, whatever. It also allows me to travel abroad and shove in a foreign carrier's SIM so I have access to their network.
Not sure how much of an extra expense it is. It’s not a special model, it just doesn’t have a SIM installed. Also don’t see how it complicates resale or moving to another carrier - it’s unlocked. If anything complicates it’s the GSM only Intel model that can’t be used on VZW or Sprint in the U.S. OTOH SIM free works with practically any carrier worldwide except some in Japan.
You can make it sim free , just remove the included sim and you’re free !
Exactly what I did
Hang on, I’m confused.
I assumed that by getting an iPhone X on Apples upgrade plan that my phone would not be locked to a carrier.
I mean, I’m only paying Apple for the device.
I’m on T-mobile one. I just assumed that as my carrier is not subsidizing my phone, then my phone won’t be locked to them, and I can also cancel my plan whenever I like.
Is this not true?
I assumed that by getting an iPhone X on Apples upgrade plan that my phone would not be locked to a carrier.
I mean, I’m only paying Apple for the device.
I’m on T-mobile one. I just assumed that as my carrier is not subsidizing my phone, then my phone won’t be locked to them, and I can also cancel my plan whenever I like.
Is this not true?
Seems insane to me that you’d pay full price for a carrier locked iPhone.
[doublepost=1512460760][/doublepost]
Exactly, pretty sure nearly the whole planet chooses GSM. In the U.K. there are no CDMA networks.
[doublepost=1512460760][/doublepost]
Exactly, pretty sure nearly the whole planet chooses GSM. In the U.K. there are no CDMA networks.
Standards split into GSM and CDMA in the 2G and 3G cellular phases. VoLTE 4G will replace both GSM and CDMA and will be the one standard across the entire world. In that case, the voice will be sent over data rather than over a separate system.
Lol as of December 1st 217 all Canadian providers must sell phones - plan/not completely SIM unlocked and/or provide them and previously sold phones SIM unlocked for free upon request.
I had thought something similar in the USA was done years ago, no?
I don't think I'd buy from a store in the Bay. The phone might have water damage.
Because in US no one cares about unlocked phones yet. Different country different market.
The sim-free version is the world version (Qualcomm chip) and works over both CDMA (Verizon/Sprint) and GSM (AT&T/TMO) systems. Same as unlocked Version model.
That’s fine if you want to make sure you get the Intel baseband chip, and if you’ll never want to switch to Verizon or Sprint, which the T-Mobile phone doesn’t support. Resale value may be somewhat less as well.
Last edited:
Looks like the stocks of the X are about caught up before Christmas. No one was expecting that! Would love to hear sales numbers...