The iPhone 6s launch, like multiple Apple releases that have came before it, once again is managing to cause a little confusion, at least for those in the United States, as to what versions of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus come unlocked for potential use with any carrier.
Like last year, Apple has launched the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus with carrier options of AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, with SIM-free purchases likely to follow in two to three months time. The fact that it comes with a carrier SIM gives the impression that the device is locked to that network, which is actually the case if bought directly from the carrier.
However, just like last year, the ‘Pay in full’ T-Mobile version of iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus when purchased directly from Apple Store has been confirmed to arrive fully unlocked.
@thoughtsimple: @abduldcane @imuggle Just got my T-Mobile iPhone 6s and got the unlocked message. Working fine on Cricket.
@thoughtsimple: @ryancrozier No. Just took out the T-Mobile SIM and put in the Cricket SIM. Plugged into iTunes and restored. Done.
Simply swap out the included T-Mobile SIM-card, pop in one of your own from any carrier and use it on any network you like.
Last year’s annotation of “Contract-free” when purchasing a T-Mobile variant is essentially exactly the same as this year’s “Pay in full” title in that they both mean the device ships unlocked.
It does have to be pointed out that for this to be the case, the iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus must be purchased directly from Apple Store, either online or physical retail outlet. Any handset that is bought directly from T-Mobile’s online store, or via a physical T-Mobile retail outlet, will come locked to that network, even when paid in full.
So that clears that one up, but what about AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint? Well, technically they are unlocked too when bought from Apple and paid in full, but there is a relatively simple process that needs to be followed to complete the unlocking process. We have a very simple step-by-step walkthrough on how to complete the unlock process for AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models that you can check out here: How To Unlock iPhone 6s / 6s Plus AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Model If Paid In Full At Apple Store.
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