Mikey Campbell
One month after iPhone X hit store shelves in November, Apple on Monday began sales of factory unlocked, SIM-free models to U.S. customers, offering customers the ability to buy the handset now and activate on any carrier later.
As noted by Apple, SIM-free iPhone X variants ship direct from Apple's chain without an installed SIM card and is by default unlocked. The option grants buyers additional flexibility when it comes to selecting a cellular carrier, or transporting the device from one carrier to another.
Apple's SIM-free models support both GSM and CDMA networks, making the device a prime candidate for frequent travelers or customers who constantly jump networks. Being an unlocked model allows for later activation on any telco that supports iPhone.
Prior to today's debut of SIM-free handsets, Apple was restricting iPhone X buyers to AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or Sprint. At launch, the company also instituted carrier activation limitations for all carriers save for T-Mobile, meaning buyers were forced to tie the phone to an existing number before purchase.
Base prices for the SIM-free iPhone models are identical to those for units tied to U.S. carriers, with 64GB versions going for $999 and 256GB variants priced at $1,149.
Availability is likewise the same as SIM-toting models, with delivery estimates currently pegged at Dec. 12. SIM-free models are showing up as available for pickup in certain states, including New York and California.
Apple on Monday also updated iPhone X availability on its online store to reflect in-store stock at various locations across the U.S. Just last week, Apple improved iPhone X delivery times to within one week for the first time since the device went up for preorder in October. At its peak, iPhone X ship-by estimates were sitting at 5 to 6 weeks.
Christine McKee
Malcolm Owen
Sponsored Content
Amber Neely
17 Comments
I just got a new iPhone X 256GB AT&T on Friday, so I just ordered a new SIMM Free one for delivery next Tuesday in time to return the one I just got. I won't be leaving AT&T but why wouldn't I want SIM Free for the same price as a carrier only version.
You could have just bought an unlocked regular version from Apple and you would have gotten a phone that woke on all carriers I imagine
Apple calls the unlocked version sim free.
I already purchase the iPhone X though US Cellular, my carrier back in November and they said it's unlocked and should work with any carrier. I guess It's too late now if I wanted to return it and get the unlocked version so I have to just trust the carrier then.
I really wanted to purchase this at launch but it wasn't available. :(
Apple stopped requiring that the purchase be tied to a carrier back on November 17. I placed an online order immediately. The next morning, there were models available for pickup locally, so I reserved and bought an unlocked CDMA iPhone X that day (with a Verizon SIM), replaced it with my Cricket SIM, and was up and running. I also cancelled the online order.