Other Will the new iPhones be available sim-free right off the bat?

[noobinator]

You have to tie it to a number and carrier, which I do not want to do. Hence, I have to wait....

When you purchase the T-Mobile version you do not have to tie to a number or do any validation of T-Mobile account. At least I have never had to. If the rumors are true and there's only 1 version this year, it will be great.

 

[nviz22]

The 8/8+ were sim free on launch last year. My guess would be no for the XS/XS+/XC because those models will be in high demand and it could take time for Apple to make more SIM free models. Though I would make each model SIM free to begin with. Screw carriers.

 

[Glockworkorange]

When you purchase the T-Mobile version you do not have to tie to a number or do any validation of T-Mobile account. At least I have never had to. If the rumors are true and there's only 1 version this year, it will be great.

If I can just buy a phone in a box that works with Verizon via a credit card and have it shipped to my house I will be a very very very happy camper.

I don’t understand the point of having to validate my number. My number is an account paid for by work. If I buy a phone using the phone number it sets off a chain reaction and causes major major problems in my firm.

Hence, buying unlocked and inserting a SIM is the only way to go for me

 

[noobinator]

If I can just buy a phone in a box that works with Verizon via a credit card and have it shipped to my house I will be a very very very happy camper.

I don’t understand the point of having to validate my number. My number is an account paid for by work. If I buy a phone using the phone number it sets off a chain reaction and causes major major problems in my firm.

Hence, buying unlocked and inserting a SIM is the only way to go for me

When they announce, check the specs and see if the Verizon model and Tmobile have the same bands, if so you should be able to do the Tmobile version without giving a # or account info (if it's still the same as last year that is).

 

[Glockworkorange]

When they announce, check the specs and see if the Verizon model and Tmobile have the same bands, if so you should be able to do the Tmobile version without giving a # or account info (if it's still the same as last year that is).

I will give this a shot. Thank you!
[doublepost=1536706751][/doublepost]

The 8/8+ were sim free on launch last year. My guess would be no for the XS/XS+/XC because those models will be in high demand and it could take time for Apple to make more SIM free models. Though I would make each model SIM free to begin with. Screw carriers.

Is this the reason they don't just let you buy one without tying it to a number? Availability?

If so, I assume it because the carriers probably sell the most phones and Apple wants to make sure they are taken care of first.

I haven't bought an iPhone from a carrier since the 3GS in 2009....

 

[nviz22]

I will give this a shot. Thank you!
[doublepost=1536706751][/doublepost]
Is this the reason they don't just let you buy one without tying it to a number? Availability?

If so, I assume it because the carriers probably sell the most phones and Apple wants to make sure they are taken care of first.

I haven't bought an iPhone from a carrier since the 3GS in 2009....

My guesses would be to protect carriers so they can sell more phones, supply chain management logistics, and to keep demand going longer because international folks could be tourists towards the end of the year and early into 2019.

Could be other reasons too. Others can feel free to speculate or chime in too. Some Canadians and Brazilians visit many popular destinations, so they could be purchasing iPhones SIM Free. Last year was a stunner because it was the first time SIM Free models were available at launch with the 8 and 8+. The X wasn't available until like 1-2 months after launch.