Buying one through Apple online at the moment, but it’s roughly $1300 with taxes. So I have myself a little nervous at the cost. Thanks in advance for answering. 👍
Generally speaking, yes. Verify that your current provider supports it.
Having said that, your provider may offer you a deal. Of course ymmv
I currently have T-Mobile and I’m due and upgrade. I just don’t want the shenanigans of buying through them or paying extra monthly. So I would imagine they won’t throw a fit? 🤔
They won’t care if you bring your own device unlocked. If you’re buying from Apple’s website or another 3rd party, it should give the option to select the version between unlocked or carrier specific options like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile.
You can buy the locked version from T-Mobile outright if it’s cheaper. If you ever want to change carriers you can get it unlocked after a certain amount of time around 90 days.
Edit: Based on your other comments, you’re buying from Apple directly. The last question relates to if the device is carrier locked. Choose “Connect to any carrier later”.
Thanks, done.
Make sure the phone is sim unlocked too.
It should be, the phone is an old iPhone 11.
You can verify by going to Settings->General->About.
Towards the bottom there should be “Carrier Lock” and it should say/list “No SIM Restrictions”.
If it doesn’t, you’ll need to call your provider to have them unlock the phone.
Thanks, it says no sim restrictions.
I don’t have the phone yet, so I can’t check that. I just know this is what the purchase screen showed.
New iPhones bought from Apple that are unlocked “connect to any carrier later” work on all the networks in the us. Once upon a time, there was an “unlocked” phone - meaning you could change the sim and the phone wasn’t locked to a contract. But you still had to match the phone to the major carrier. For example, an att phone could be unlocked, and then used on straighttalk (becasue straighttalk resold att network). But it wouldn’t work on Verizon or T-Mobile because they were different networks.
That’s not a thing anymore with iPhones and hasn’t been for a long time. An unlocked iPhone can be used with any carrier that supports esims.
If your old phone is still on a contract - you may not be able to transfer the phone number, or have to request an unlock, or any other shenanigans. But the new iPhone will still work on whatever network you take it to.
Ideally, your contract is done, you buy new unlocked iPhone, you take it to your existing or a new carrier, you say “I bought a new unlocked phone, I want to set it up new, and I want you to transfer my number” a prime time carrier will just make this happen for you. A reseller can be a little more of a pain in the arse.
Personally I’ve been happy with the prepaid plans from straight talk - despite their setup process sucking. If you call them and get a person to help it goes pretty smooth. And the service is indistinguishable for a much cheaper price once it’s setup. I’m pretty sure this goes for most resellers.
Good luck - you’ll be fine!
That’s what I was worried about lol, glad those days are over and I can just pick “Connect to any Carrier later” option.
I’m debating on whether larger storage is worth it, 256GB to 512GB for $200 more. Any thoughts? Appreciate the detailed feedback.
For what it’s worth, choosing the T-Mobile option wouldn’t lock it to T-Mobile. It just includes some extra setup stuff, IIRC. If you’re buying it from Apple it isn’t carrier locked (with the exception of an AT&T installment plan, not sure if they still offer that).
Thanks, the past years of cellphone shenanigans have me paranoid lol.
