Apple is now selling unlocked, SIM-free versions of its latest flagship smartphones through its retail website. The iPhone 5S starts at $649 for the 16GB version, while the iPhone 5C starts at $549.
Apple Inc., one of the largest smartphone makers in the world, has begun selling the unlocked and SIM-free versions of iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C smartphones on its retail website. Consumers who prefer buying unlocked, SIM-free iPhones can now ditch the traditional two-year contract and go for iPhone 5S for $649 and the iPhone 5C for a $100 less.
Apple continues to offer its flagships through leading wireless carriers including AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon under two-year commitments. The iPhone 5S 16 GB version with any U.S. carrier sells for $199 and for the next higher model it is an extra $100. Apple will ship you the device within 3-5 business days and buyers can choose from space gray, gold and silver shades. The iPhone 5C model is also available with all three carriers for $99 and ships within 24 hours. For an extra $100, you can get a 32GB model. All five colors are available for the iPhone 5C.
Unlocked, SIM Free
As for the unlocked version of the iPhone 5S, Apple is offering two options, a SIM-free model expected to arrive within 1-2 weeks and an unlocked T-Mobile variant, which comes with a nano-SIM. If buyers choose the latter, the device will be shipped within 3-5 business days. Once the device arrives, the SIM can be activated from any Apple Store, T-Mobile Store or by calling the carrier.
Without a carrier subsidy, the iPhone 5S starts at $649 for the 16GB variant, $749 for 32GB and $849 for 64GB.
The iPhone 5C comes with similar two options, either with T-Mobile or SIM-free. The device retails for $549 for 16GB storage and $649 for 32GB. Regardless of any option, iPhone 5C will be shipped within 24 hours.
In The U.S.
If customers purchase the unlocked SIM-free iPhone, they can only use the phone with a GSM-compatible SIM. In the U.S., such phones will only work on T-Mobile and AT&T. Verizon and Sprint do not offer GSM networks. But an unlocked SIM-free iPhone can be used anywhere in the world with any GSM SIM.
