14 DAY TRIAL // As rumored, Apple today began selling a SIM-free version of each iPhone currently on sale at the Apple Online Store and at brick-and-mortar locations around the United States. The prices are substantially higher than before, because the purchase doesn’t bind the customer to a wireless contract.
Starting today, January 6, 2015, anyone can waltz into their local Apple Store and demand a fully-unlocked SIM-free iPhone 6 that they can use on whatever carrier their hearts desire. Customers need to supply their own SIM card, which they’ll have obtained from their carrier of choice.
What’s a SIM-free iPhone?
The SIM-free option is easily the best choice when money isn’t a problem, because you get to activate the device on your own terms, at your own pace, and roam free without worrying about too many asterisks.
It basically means that you’re buying an unlocked device with no carrier requirements, and no obligation to activate the unit in-store, under the watch of an employee. This is not a different iPhone model, and therefore the technical specifications remain unchanged.
Pricing and availability
A SIM-free iPhone 6 with 16GB of storage sells for $649 (€542), while the very high-end iPhone 6 Plus with 128GB of flash memory costs $949 (€793). Color options include Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.
It’s unlikely that all physical store locations will stock the units today, but as time moves forward, Apple will have these new models on offer at most, if not all stores across the United States.
Customers ordering a SIM-free version online will have to wait between 3 and 5 business days to receive their order. The shipping times are very much improved compared to last couple of months.
