AT&T Unlocking In-Contract iPhones for Deployed Service Members - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

AT&T Unlocking In-Contract iPhones for Deployed Service Members

armyiphone
This weekend, AT&T began unlocking iPhones for off-contract customers. This allows the iPhone be used with a SIM-card from overseas carriers, or T-Mobile in the U.S. In addition to unlocking phones for off-contract customers, AT&T is also quietly unlocking iPhones for U.S. service members still under contract with the carrier.

Carriers are required by federal law to suspend service without penalty for deployed military personnel upon presentation of their military orders, but AT&T is not required to unlock the phones of deployed service members. Instead, the company is choosing to do that on its own.

AT&T declined to comment, but we have independently confirmed that AT&T is unlocking phones for service members upon request. Deployed soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines should contact AT&T customer service to get more information about having their iPhones unlocked.

Thanks Taylor! (Photo courtesy Otterbox)

Popular Stories

iOS 27 Next to iPhone

Here's When iOS 27 Rolls Out Today in Every Time Zone [Update: It's Out]

Sunday September 13, 2026 3:00 am PDT by
Update 10:04 a.m.: iOS 27 is rolling out now, though it may take a bit for all users to see it, so keep checking! Apple is about to release iOS 27, which will finally deliver more advanced Siri AI capabilities as well as a variety of other refinements, improvements, and new features to iPhones. It's Apple's biggest software update of the year, and Apple announced at Wednesday's iPhone event...
iOS 27 Icon iPhone

iOS 27 Available Now With These 8 New Features

Monday September 14, 2026 9:00 am PDT by
Update — 10 a.m. Pacific Time: Apple has released iOS 27. During its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo event last week, Apple announced that iOS 27 will be released widely on Monday, September 14. iOS 27 should be available around 10 a.m. Pacific Time / 1 p.m. Eastern Time today via the Settings app, under General → Software Update. Below, we have highlighted eight new features and...
Apple iCloud Plus expansion hero

iCloud+ Now Includes Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Curated Apple Music Stations in Over 100 Countries

Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:43 am PDT by
Apple today announced a new subscription initiative that turns paid iCloud+ subscriptions into a broader services bundle in more than 100 countries. In select countries, Apple says every paid iCloud+ plan, including the cheapest 50GB tier, now includes Apple TV and Apple Arcade "at no additional cost," while family sharing extends the storage, TV and Arcade access to up to five people....

Top Rated Comments

jlgolson Avatar
188 months ago
Except there isn't much cell service in Afghanistan, but the thought is nice. Good on you guys!
Yeah, but lots of cell service in the UK, Germany, Italy, Turkey and any number of other countries where the US military is sent.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wordoflife Avatar
188 months ago
Another right move by AT&T. Thanks.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
188 months ago
Good for AT&T :)
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
188 months ago
Except there isn't much cell service in Afghanistan, but the thought is nice. Good on you guys!

The US military is deployed throughout the globe, not just Afghanistan.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
koobcamuk Avatar
188 months ago
Now the war on terror can be fought without roaming charges. Fantastic.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr. Gates Avatar
188 months ago
NICE !

But AT&T is still evil.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)