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iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro will be available SIM-free and unlocked on day 1

Apple this year is making unlocked and SIM-free versions of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro available on day one. This is a change of pace compared to past iPhone launches.

Generally, Apple launches new iPhones with carrier SIM cards preinstalled. From there, iPhones are launched SIM-free and unlocked several weeks later. This year, however, Apple is shifting its strategy.

When the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro go up for preorder, you’ll be able to order with a carrier SIM preinstalled, via the iPhone Upgrade Program, or completely SIM-free and unlocked.

Nearly all iPhone models sold on apple.com and at the Apple Store are unlocked. This means they aren’t tied to a single carrier. The exception is when you buy an iPhone with AT&T Next. It will be tied — or locked — to AT&T.

Your iPhone will be unlocked when you:

  • Choose any carrier and select One-time payment.
  • Choose any carrier and select Apple iPhone Payments.
  • Choose any carrier and either join or upgrade with the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program.
  • Purchase a SIM-free model. This is like any other iPhone, just without a carrier nano-SIM card.

The iPhone 11 starts at $699 for 64 GB of storage, while the iPhone 11 Pro starts at $999 for 64 GB. The iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $1,099. Preorders will begin on September 13 at 5 a.m. PT, 8 a.m. ET. The new iPhones will arrive to customers and be available in Apple Stores on September 20.

Do you plan on ordering the new iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro? Let us know down in the comments.

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Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is the editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac, overseeing the entire site’s operations. He also hosts the 9to5Mac Daily and 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcasts.

You can send tips, questions, and typos to chance@9to5mac.com.

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