iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max to be Available SIM-Free at Launch - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max to be Available SIM-Free at Launch

by

Apple will offer SIM-free iPhone XS and iPhone XS models for pre-order according to Apple's website, which means customers will be able to purchase the new smartphones without a carrier.

The SIM-free models are not always offered for newly launched iPhones, especially when supplies are tight, so the availability of SIM-free models suggests iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max supply will be plentiful this year.

iphonexssimfree
SIM-free models are unlocked and can be activated with any carrier at a later date, making them an appealing purchase choice.

To purchase a SIM-free device, the outright price must be paid upfront. The iPhone XS starts at $999, while the iPhone XS Plus starts at $1,099. Apple plans to begin offering pre-orders this Friday, likely at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time based on past iPhone launches.

Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

0815 Avatar
102 months ago
The haters will read this as a sign that this phone is a failure and not expected to sell well .... too me it sounds they managed to produce plenty of phones. Still doing my yearly tradition of getting up at 2:55am to order at 3:01am :-)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
102 months ago
I think big reason sim free phone is available is because the modem is the same in all. Apple does not have to worry about limiting Qualcomm models.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
102 months ago
I notice that when I choose the XS Max via the iOS app, even if I choose the "Replace this iPhone option" (I'm on AT&T) and I choose One-time payment, that the last screen says "Unlocked iPhone with AT&T SIM".

So isn't this the same as choosing "Buy a new iPhone" and the SIM-free option?
In this scenario, I think the SIM free option is for a new line, where picking AT&T will have your phone already ready to be activated on the network when it arrives. Both options will be unlocked.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B4U Avatar
102 months ago
At those prices, the supply shall be plentiful...
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
netnothing Avatar
102 months ago
I notice that when I choose the XS Max via the iOS app, even if I choose the "Replace this iPhone option" (I'm on AT&T) and I choose One-time payment, that the last screen says "Unlocked iPhone with AT&T SIM".

So isn't this the same as choosing "Buy a new iPhone" and the SIM-free option?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
alpi123 Avatar
102 months ago
The iPhone XS accepts nano chip right?if I have an AT&T phone I can just pop my old iPhone X sim in is that correct? Please clarify.
A bit of common sense won't hurt, but as far as your question goes - the capability is the same.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iCloud iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Get Two New Perks on iOS 27

Thursday July 2, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
If you pay for certain iCloud+ storage plans beyond the 5GB that Apple offers for free, you will receive two more perks on iOS 27 at no additional cost. A summary of the two new iCloud+ perks on iOS 27:Increased daily usage limits for some new Apple Intelligence features, including image generation in the revamped Image Playground app. HomeKit Secure Video cameras receive generated video...
iPhone 4 on Black Feature

Apple Facing One of Its Worst Leaks Since the iPhone 4

Thursday July 2, 2026 9:53 am PDT by
Apple supplier Tata Electronics recently suffered a cyberattack that resulted in thousands of confidential files being published on the dark web, and this reportedly included some photos and documents related to the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro. We have elected not to share any of the leaked photos in this story due to the illegal nature in which they were obtained, but they can easily be found...
American Express Gold Apple Pay Feature

American Express Announces New Apple Pay Feature

Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:27 am PDT by
American Express today announced that you can now redeem Membership Rewards points when checking out with Apple Pay on the web and in apps on the iPhone and iPad. When checking out with Apple Pay on iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 or later, tap on your eligible American Express card (Platinum, Gold, Green, and others) and select the Membership Rewards points option. You can use points to cover all or...