Apple has begun selling the SIM-free version of the new iPhone XR handset in the United States. This allows buyers to purchase the handset without locking it into one of the big-four U.S. wireless carriers.
While the rest of the iPhone lineup had been available in a SIM-free configuration, the iPhone XR had not been available with a “Buy without a carrier” option, instead they were forced to select Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or Sprint as a carrier.
The SIM-free model of the iPhone XR is compatible with most networks, and is a particularly handy option for travelers, who could make good use of an unlocked device to quickly swap out SIM cards for a local carrier when traveling internationally.
The SIM-free version of the iPhone XR is available in the same colors as the locked version, and is priced the same as the carrier locked versions. The iPhone XR is priced at $749 for the 64GB version, $799 for the 128GB version, and $899 for the 256GB model.