Are iPhones purchased from the Apple Store with an eSIM locked to the carrier?

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Level 1

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Are iPhones purchased from the Apple Store with an eSIM locked to the carrier?

I recently purchased an iPhone 13 Pro and when purchasing it from the Apple Store the only way they would allow me to purchase the phone as if I activated it via an eSIM through the Carrier. I didn't really want to do this as I purchase all of my Phone unlocked. However, I caved and did it anyway. I was told by the Apple Store employee that the SIM isn't actually locked. But when going into my About Settings I saw that it said "SIM Locked". The Apple employee also said that iPhone 8 models and up that are purchased from the Apple Store are not locked when purchased.

So this comes to my real question. Are iPhones purchased through the Apple Store with an eSIM activation (via AT&T) locked to the carrier?

iPhone 13 Pro

Posted on Oct 10, 2021 10:15 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

merlinapple

Community Specialist

Oct 11, 2021 11:31 AM in response to teddy183

Hello teddy183.

It sounds like you have some questions about purchasing an iPhone for an Apple Store. We will be happy to provide some guidance.

If you look at the section entitled, " Will my new iPhone be unlocked?" in the following article, you will see that every phone purchase through the Apple store is unlocked with the exception of a few carrier financing options. Did you purchase the device financed through your carrier? If so, this could be what you're seeing.

Buy iPhone- Apple

You may wish to reach out to the link at the bottom of that article for further assistance if that does not help.

Cheers!

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Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

224,160 points

Oct 11, 2021 11:38 AM in response to teddy183

Did you pay for the device outright?

If so, contact AT&T and request an unlock.

Otherwise, per Apple: "All iPhone models are unlocked except those purchased with AT&T Installment Plans. "

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Are iPhones purchased from the Apple Store with an eSIM locked to the carrier?

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