iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max to be Available SIM-Free at Launch - MacRumors
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
103 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)
103 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)
103 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
103 months ago
At those prices, the supply shall be plentiful...
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
netnothing Avatar
103 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
103 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

iPhone 18 Pro Deep Red Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching in Two Months With These 12 New Features

Friday July 17, 2026 10:39 am PDT by
It is now mid-July, and that means the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now just two months away. The devices are expected to look similar to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but there will still be many year-over-year changes, with rumored features including a smaller Dynamic Island, 5G via satellite, and more. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, ...
iCloud General Feature Redux

Apple Raises iCloud+ Prices in 8 Countries

Friday July 17, 2026 11:56 am PDT by
Apple has increased the price of iCloud+ in Nigeria, Türkiye, Vietnam, Japan, Egypt, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, according to an updated version of its iCloud support document. Price increases range from 11 percent to 55 percent depending on the plan and the country. Nigeria saw the biggest hike, and a 50GB plan is now ₦1,300, up from ₦900. Türkiye saw the next largest...
Apple AppleCare One Feature

'AppleCare One' is Now Even More Valuable

Saturday July 18, 2026 6:25 am PDT by
While the monthly and annual prices of AppleCare+ plans for Macs and iPads received a slight increase this week, AppleCare One continues to start at $19.99 per month in the U.S., making the multi-device plan even more valuable. Launched in July 2025, AppleCare One allows you to cover up to three devices as part of a single subscription for $19.99 per month, and additional devices can be...