Apple Closes Loophole Letting Buyers Pick Unlocked iPhones Using Carrier Payment Plans

If you want a new iPhone, your options for an unlocked version just narrowed significantly.

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An update to Apple's iPhone 17 selling FAQs closes a loophole that allowed buyers to choose an unlocked iPhone from T-Mobile and Verizon.

Before this update, as noticed on Wednesday by Reddit users, you could pick an unlocked iPhone with the Verizon Device Payment Program or the T-Mobile Equipment Installment Plan and use it with your preferred carrier while making payments. Now it appears that it won't be possible going forward. 

The newest version of Apple's iPhone question, "Will my new iPhone be unlocked?" now has a response that states, "If you choose to finance an iPhone through the AT&T Installment Plan, T-Mobile Equipment Installment Plan or Verizon Device Payment Program, your iPhone will be locked to the carrier until paid in full."

CNET Managing Editor of Mobile David Lumb noted that the change isn't so surprising. "Apple's move puts Verizon and T-Mobile customers under the same conditions as AT&T's," he said. "Most carrier subscribers won't notice a difference, as they likely would've stuck with a carrier until they paid off their phone anyway -- but it is unfortunate to see customers locked in to their carriers more than they were before."

A representative from Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. 

How you can still get an unlocked iPhone

Unlocked iPhones are still available through Apple.

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It's important to note that these unlocked iPhone limitations apply only to the financing you'd get when buying a phone through carriers. There are other ways to get unlocked iPhones -- it may just cost more upfront now.

You can still buy directly from Apple, including via Apple's payment plans, and receive an unlocked iPhone. However, that approach may lose out on discounts and rebates that carriers can offer if you sign up for their plans. 

If you buy an iPhone from a third-party retailer, Lumb says those models should also be unlocked, but it's important to check the details and see if the seller is partnering with a specific carrier for that iPhone.