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Unlocked iPhone X Now Available in the US

If you choose this option, the device will arrive SIM-free, and you'll be able to activate it with any carrier that supports the iPhone.

 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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In the market for an unlocked iPhone X? You're in luck.

As 9to5Mac reported yesterday, Apple is now offering the option to buy the tenth-anniversary handset without a carrier. If you choose this option, the device will arrive SIM-free, and you'll be able to activate it with any carrier that supports the iPhone.

Note that if you go with the SIM-free model, you can't take advantage of any carrier financing options and need to pay for the phone in full ($999 for the 64GB model or $1,149 for 256GB version). Orders placed today are slated to arrive by Dec. 13, according to Apple's website.

The iPhone X earned an "excellent" rating in PCMag's review, nabbing props for its "updated design," "powerful processor," "excellent screen," "first-of-its-kind augmented reality front camera," and—of course—its ability to create animoji.

"The iPhone X sets the stage for Apple's next decade, with a sharp new design and a future focus on augmented reality," PCMag's Lead Mobile Analyst Sascha Segan wrote in the review.

Meanwhile, recent test results from Cellular Insights revealed that Qualcomm-powered iPhone X models sold by Sprint and Verizon get consistently better speeds on America's most common LTE band than the Intel-powered version sold by AT&T and T-Mobile. The SIM-free model Apple is selling is expected to be the Qualcomm version, as that one supports all four US carriers.

"Getting an iPhone with the Qualcomm modem is still the way to go if you want the best possible LTE performance," according to Segan. "You can do that by purchasing the factory-unlocked, SIM-free model directly from Apple in the US or Australia, or by purchasing a Verizon Wireless or Sprint unit."

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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