Why no iPhone X SIM Free edition at launch?

[WolfSnap]

Really pretty bummed out that I can't order a SIM Free edition of the iPhone X when it launches in October. I pay full price, and just want a world-capable phone. But, I'm on AT&T.. So, I'm stuck with the GSM version, and while it's unlocked, I can't use any CDMA networks in the future without replacing the phone.

Wish they'd just let us order what we want and/or a SIM free version like the iPhone 8/8+.

 

[invenoveritas]

Yea I agree. I just want an "in-tact" phone. None of this ****** intel modem that doesn't support CDMA technologies. Its been reported for years now that the Qualcomm chipsets are far superior even for just the GSM signal features; apparently they far outperform the Intel modem (which is only GSM). I've even read Apple has crippled the modem speed of the Qualcomm chipsets so they don't outperform the speeds of the iPhones with the ****** intel chipsets. Sigh.. at this point I'm trying to setup a Verizon prepaid account and then using that to pre-order the phone.

 

[5105973]

This is one of many factors causing me to lean toward iPhone 8 Plus

 

[Juan007]

We don't know for sure that there won't be SIM-free at launch. Maybe Apple changed their minds, given the 8 launch was the first in a long time to have SIM-free.

You can email Tim Cook to let him know you're disappointed that you have to jump through carrier hoops in order for you to give Apple your money.

 

[questionmark32]

Isn't the Verizon version the world iPhone? Does it not work fully on AT&T? Can't you just buy the Verizon version outright online?

 

[protoxx]

The carriers have an exclusive on the flagship phones at launch in US. It's called contracts.
For years it was att only exclusive.
For the Verizon phone you need a Verizon account or sign up for one.

I suspect there are some really pissed off executives at the carriers at the 8/8+ having a carrier-free version at launch getting snuck by them.

 

[ValhallaOutcast]

does this mean unlocked? strange you have to wait in Canada the only option is unlocked when buying from Apple, we have to go to the carrier if we want it through a carrier

 

[Starfyre]

Really pretty bummed out that I can't order a SIM Free edition of the iPhone X when it launches in October. I pay full price, and just want a world-capable phone. But, I'm on AT&T.. So, I'm stuck with the GSM version, and while it's unlocked, I can't use any CDMA networks in the future without replacing the phone.

Wish they'd just let us order what we want and/or a SIM free version like the iPhone 8/8+.

Hey, there are worse problems, like no support for T-Mobile's 600 band... that is happening in a few years, but still... it's not futureproof.

 

[That70sGAdawg]

The Sim free model will be available after a couple of months and you’re gonna have to wait anyways for an X -so go ahead and get yourself an 8 plus tomorrow in the meantime.

 

[NovemberWhiskey]

For premier launch iPhones, iirc, they always require you to sign in to your carrier account to upgrade. Thus, sim free was never offered at launch.

Reasons? I don’t know for sure, but if I had to guess, it is one step in preventing resellers from buying all the phones up by limiting them to one upgrade per phone line, which you must confirm with your account details.

The more likely scenario is that it is just a cash grab with deals with the carriers. Because whenever you do this, even paying outright, they charge you an upgrade fee. $40 iirc last year with the plus. All for “activating” your sim. Which isn’t necessary because you can just swap.

Either way it’s annoying as a customer. If I am paying for the phone outright, I shouldn’t have to pay that activation/upgrade fee.

 

[GuruLove]

Isn't the Verizon version the world iPhone? Does it not work fully on AT&T? Can't you just buy the Verizon version outright online?

The Verizon Iphone comes factory unlocked, but it seems you need a Verizon account first. BUMMER !
[doublepost=1506096306][/doublepost]

Hey, there are worse problems, like no support for T-Mobile's 600 band... that is happening in a few years, but still... it's not futureproof.

For now your only option is to switch to Verizon since the Verizon Iphone comes factory unlocked and will work with all carriers.

 

[rockonz]

So what exactly happens to your Verizon account when you use it to buy the phone? Do you have to tie it to a number on the Verizon account or do you just need the login?

 

[DaveOP]

The carriers have an exclusive on the flagship phones at launch in US. It's called contracts.
For years it was att only exclusive.
For the Verizon phone you need a Verizon account or sign up for one.

I suspect there are some really pissed off executives at the carriers at the 8/8+ having a carrier-free version at launch getting snuck by them.

I was able to buy a Verizon phone, full price at an Apple Store today, and gave no carrier information. My receipt even says "no carrier details provided at time of purchase"

Edit for the exact wording on the receipt: "No wireless service activation during iPhone sale"

 

[bufffilm]

Really pretty bummed out that I can't order a SIM Free edition of the iPhone X when it launches in October. I pay full price, and just want a world-capable phone. But, I'm on AT&T.. So, I'm stuck with the GSM version, and while it's unlocked, I can't use any CDMA networks in the future without replacing the phone.

Wish they'd just let us order what we want and/or a SIM free version like the iPhone 8/8+.

Get over it. Or not.

 

[Givmeabrek]

The iPhone X is the issue. The iPhone 8 Sim Free is available.

Verizon has poor service in my area. AT&T is the only choice for me.

 

[Dirtydutch]

I was able to buy a Verizon phone, full price at an Apple Store today, and gave no carrier information. My receipt even says "no carrier details provided at time of purchase"

Edit for the exact wording on the receipt: "No wireless service activation during iPhone sale"

Yea in store no problem, its the preorder you need account info. Most of the world gets the Intel model as only a few countries and carriers still need to use the CDMA model, idk why everyone still gets crazy about this.

 

[rui no onna]

I was able to buy a Verizon phone, full price at an Apple Store today, and gave no carrier information. My receipt even says "no carrier details provided at time of purchase"

Edit for the exact wording on the receipt: "No wireless service activation during iPhone sale"

Can't do that online, though. If supply is tight on the X, you can't just preorder online and wait until they ship the phone to you. You'll need to wait for when stores replenish their stock. Good thing there are websites like istocknow which makes that process easier.

 

[DaveOP]

Can't do that online, though. If supply is tight on the X, you can't just preorder online and wait until they ship the phone to you. You'll need to wait for when stores replenish their stock. Good thing there are websites like istocknow which makes that process easier.

Ah, I understand now. Thanks for the clarification!