While it is true that many unsubsidized iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices bought in the U.S. have actually been sold unlocked, Apple has never marketed either model as such. With that in mind it should perhaps come as no surprise to learn that the pricing for the new, branded as unlocked handsets will be exactly the same as the current unsubsidized models – that means that the iPhone 6 will set punters back $649, $749 or $849 with the iPhone 6 Plus will demand a price of $749, $849 or $949 depending on the capacity chosen. As you might expect, 16GB, 64GB and 128GB flavors of both new iPhones are available.
As with any other unlocked smartphone, Apple’s two latest iPhones will ship with no contract and no SIM card included in the box, with customers instead free to tie themselves to whichever carrier they choose. This method of buying smartphones may require a much larger initial outlay when compared to traditional two-year plan pricing, but the total outlay after that two-year contract has come to an end is often cheaper by going the unlocked route. You just need to have a few hundred dollars extra in your back pocket on day one.
It goes without saying, but a friendly reminder nonetheless – make sure you have a nano-SIM before you buy your new iPhone. Older, larger SIMs will not fit and nobody wants an iPhone that they can’t use because their particular brand of cardboard and metal is too large.
We’ll never really understand why it takes Apple so long to ship, or at least advertise unlocked handsets in the United States. In the UK for example, unlocked iPhones are available on launch day.