- Apple has closed a workaround that allowed purchasing unlocked iPhones with carrier financing from T-Mobile or Verizon.
- Previously, iPhones bought with carrier financing were unlocked; now they are locked to the carrier until fully paid off, similar to AT&T.
- This change means customers can no longer combine carrier promos with unlocked devices, limiting flexibility for international or multi-carrier use.
- Apple updated its website to clarify that iPhones financed through AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon plans are locked until payment is complete.
- The article suggests Apple likely made this change at the request of Verizon and T-Mobile, and it may harm consumers.
- As an alternative, unlocked iPhones can be purchased renewed on Amazon to save money, with examples of iPhone 17 models listed.