Apple this year is making unlocked and SIM-free versions of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro available on day one. This is a change of pace compared to past iPhone launches.
Generally, Apple launches new iPhones with carrier SIM cards pre-installed. From there, iPhones are launched SIM-free and unlocked several weeks later. This year, however, Apple is shifting its strategy.
When the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro go up for pre-order, you’ll be able to order with a carrier SIM pre-installed, via the iPhone Upgrade Program, or completely SIM-free and unlocked.
Nearly all iPhone models sold on apple.comand at the Apple Store are unlocked. This means they aren’t tied to a single carrier. The exception is when you buy an iPhone with AT&T Next. It will be tied — or locked — to AT&T.
– Your iPhone will be unlocked when you:
– Choose any carrier and select One-time payment.
– Choose any carrier and select Apple iPhone Payments.
– Choose any carrier and either join or upgrade with the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program.
Purchase a SIM-free model. This is like any other iPhone, just without a carrier nano-SIM card.
Prices
The iPhone 11 starts at $699 for 64GB of storage, while the iPhone 11 Pro starts at $999 for 64GB. The iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $1099. Pre-orders will begin on September 13th at 5 a.m. PT, 8 a.m. ET. The new iPhones will arrive to customers and be available in Apple Stores on September 20th.