Does anyone remember how long after the carrier-only launch options Apple started selling the unlocked, sim-free ("buy without a carrier") versions of iPhones 7/8? I'm trying to project when we can expect the sim-free X to become available...
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Sim-free Iphone X?
- Thread starter Atiumite
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Dirtydutch
macrumors 6502a
Wondering if it will be next Friday, its the start of some heavy holiday shopping and it will be beyond the 14 day return window of the original release date, so for the most part the carriers in the US have had their fill..
Dirtydutch
macrumors 6502a
Perhaps OP does not have carrier info to secure the model he wants to go and pick up, these still aren't readily available at almost all brick and mortar stores where you can just walk in and purchase...
gahig ulo
macrumors 6502a
iPhone 8 sim-free: same day
iPhone 7: Oct 13 (27 days after Sep 16)
iPhone 6s: Oct 8 (13 days after Sep 25)
iPhone 6: Jan 6 (4 months after Sep 19 previous year)
The reason why sim free is available right away for iPhone 8 appears that Apple knew the demand would not be stronger than any previous releases. Apple knew iPhone X would generate more demands. iPhone 8 does not have significant changes like iPhone X does. Apple knew it.
I had iPhone 7 Plus and would not spend the money to buy iPhone 8 Plus which has exactly the same design with minor tweaks. It would be a waste of money. On the other hand, iPhone X is the one for everybody who likes the yearly upgrade to have something different from the previous release and definitely distinguishable from the last three releases.
Anyone knows if is been having iPhone X's for walk-in customers in NYC? I'll be arriving in NYC next friday :/
Apple recently removed that, so now you have two options. When you select carrier model and size and color, it will ask you if you want to activate now (this will require carrier info), or you can now choose "activate later" this will then by pass the carrier account info and order online as if it's like a sim-free.
To answer OP's question Last year Apple launched the carrier models on 9/16/16 and for the sim-free model it was released on 10/13/16. I take it that it will be 30 days from 11/3/17.
Dirtydutch
macrumors 6502a
Yea literally 2 hours ago it went live, I tried this morning and it was not letting me purchase one saying there was a limit on how many X can be bought even though I only had one to begin with...Pretty pissed about it since I'll have to wait for stock again.
Makes sense, what with shopping season coming on and people looking to buy as gifts.
But even then, don't expect to see true sim-free until after the holidays.
That suck but you can always create a new apple ID. I've done this when I got that you reached your limit. Simply create another apple ID and you are good to go.
skywalkerr69
macrumors 6502a
Bought mine full retail from Best Buy. Didn’t have a sim so I used my Verizon one from my 6+
Dirtydutch
macrumors 6502a
Unfortunately I tried that and since my Verizon info is what they based the purchases on it was a no go, I contacted Apple about it and have been following up since the beginning of the week, at least its opened up now, just a few hours late for today tho...
limit opportunity for scalpers, although just getting a verizon model on day one was the same device.. And unlocked - as were most of the full priced GSM only models. So, it wasn't advertised, but it was certainly possible. Party why we say people coming out with 5-10 phones on launch day. Most were probably being sold and shipped to Asia same day.
Yup - I couldn’t reserve and pickup a Verizon model (= sim free world phone) because the online store required a Verizon account (which I don’t have - am currently on ATT for a variety of reasons) - and trying for a walk-in purchase is still impossible around where I live. But it looks like they just removed that requirement - I think just this morning - so I may be in luck sooner than 30 days out from 11/3.
Dirtydutch
macrumors 6502a
Well things are looking up now, just check this weekend I'm sure you'll be able to score one
Keep checking. Apple store near me received the Verizon model 256 GB Space Gray last Sunday, Wednesday, and Today. Quite possible they will get another shipment in this Sunday.
Lobwedgephil
macrumors 603
I believe you should be able to buy all carrier phone outright without providing the respective carrier information. Apple just changed recently today the way iPhone checked out when it is bought full price. Just select “Activate Later” when you check out and you should be good to go.
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gahig ulo
macrumors 6502a
Not anymore. Verizon, AT&T and Sprint have the same treatment as T-Mobile. You can check this now on your app or Apple website.