Carrier selection

If you buy a phone from a carrier......like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc......the phone will be locked to that carrier. Depending on the agreement with the carrier, you may have to wait until the phone is paid off before the carrier will unlock the phone. In some cases, the phone may remain permanently locked to the carrier.

If you buy an unlocked phone from Apple, you are free to choose the carrier that you wish. The carrier may or may not lock the phone to their service. Read the agreement very carefully before you sign it.

Willis24-3 Siad:

"Carrier selection: What is the difference between get a new iPhone with any carrier and connect to any carrier later."

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Getting an iPhone From a Carrier:

Between both scenarios, I see no discrepancies. A Carrier is not going to sell you an iPhone without selling you services.