As of this afternoon, Apple has started offering a SIM-free version of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus from its online store in the United States, allowing customers to buy an unlocked iPhone without choosing a carrier.
SIM-free versions of the iPhone 7 Plus in all capacities list shipping estimates of three to four weeks, with the exception of the Jet Black SIM-free iPhone 7 Plus, which lists a shipping estimate of six to eight weeks.
For the iPhone 7, SIM-free models in Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, and Black feature delivery estimates of October 17 to 19, while Jet Black models ship in three to five weeks.
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According to Apple, SIM-free models (A1660 and A1661) will work with any carrier and have full support for CDMA and GSM networks, much like the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus devices available from Sprint or Verizon. iPhone 7 and 7 Plus models from AT&T and T-Mobile do not support CDMA networks and are not compatible with all carriers.
SIM-free models are not yet available for in-store pickup from the online store, but should be available in the near future as supplies improve. Retail stores will also likely begin offering SIM-free models in the next few days.
SIM-free iPhones must be purchased at full price, with the iPhone 7 starting at $649 and the iPhone 7 Plus starting at $769.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Why did it take so long? You should have been able to get the iPhone 7 SIM-free from the very beginning.
You could from day one...it's the Verizon and Sprint model!Being in US, you guys have no idea about the depth of Black Market in other countries, especially Asian Countries & South American Countries.
Apple has been a lot under pressure of scalping. And it's a HUGE business outside US.
Now here's the thing. When iPhone is launched in US, pepple in other countries want iPhone on that same day/week/month. Every time in Bombay, India iPhone is sold in the Black Market for USD1500 which is sold in US for USD649.
Understand the psychology of the buyers in these countries. They are ready to pay more than twice the amount just to get the iPhone before it's even launched in their countries. Reason? iPhone being a premium phone and holds tremendous value in the society culture. There are fanatics who are ready to line outside the store for 1-2 days before which happens in US also. iPhone is considered a luxury item and buyers feel alright to spend twice the amount.
Apple is doing the right thing. If they release Sim-Free in US, believe me, you guys will have to wait even more than what you all are already waiting for Jet Black.
Want to know something even more interesting? After this, you will never blame Apple for releasing Sim-Free option late.
I myself and many Indians from Bombay I know, who have ordered in US of T-Mobile iPhone 7 Plus with US address of their relatives. So it's not just you'll, it's all over the world people ordering iPhone 7 with Carrier, forget Sim-Free. (T-Mobile does not require any account or activation. Simply remove T-Mobile Sim-Card and insert your Sim-Card and you are good to go)
Thank Apple for releasing Sim-Free late.
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Edit: Also if Apple wanted to boost sales, they would easily got Sim-Free option on Day 1 since they know their sales are going to go on peak!
Jesus Christ Apple can you **** this release up any further for people who simply want to reserve a CDMA version of the 7+ for store pickup without going through the IUP program or who aren't Verizon / Sprint postpaid customers?
I mean I know demand is off the charts and they can simply afford to say "screw non-postpaid customers... either get the less capable GSM only T-mobile version or keep standing in line like a moron!" but it seems like a real crappy way for a company to treat customers who simply want to reserve a contract free CDMA 7+ for store pickup and don't want to waste time going to the store over... and over... and over again waiting in line just to be told each time they don't have that one in stock and to come back another day.