If you completed the carrier activation steps for AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon when you purchased your new iPhone online, it will arrive ready to use. Just turn it on and follow the onscreen instructions to set it up. If you chose to skip carrier activation at the time of purchase, you’ll need to insert an active SIM card or contact a carrier to set up an account.
If you selected an iPhone for T-Mobile, it will come with the appropriate nano-SIM, but you’ll need to contact T-Mobile or visit an Apple Store to activate your iPhone. If you selected the SIM-free iPhone, you’ll need to insert your own nano-SIM card or obtain one from the supported carrier of your choice and activate it in order to use your iPhone.
iPhone offers the same innovative features regardless of the wireless carrier you choose. If you choose AT&T or T-Mobile as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use either 3G or 4G LTE cellular technology for data services and voice services. iPhone can roam internationally on many GSM carriers around the world. If you buy an iPhone with AT&T or T-Mobile, it will not work if you switch to Sprint or Verizon.
If you choose Sprint or Verizon as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use CDMA cellular technology for voice and data services. If you buy an iPhone with Sprint or Verizon, it will work on AT&T or T-Mobile. An iPhone activated on Sprint or Verizon also has the ability to roam internationally on GSM networks. For details on LTE network support, please see www.apple.com/iphone/LTE.
All iPhone models are world phones, so you can use them almost anywhere. Whether you are a GSM or CDMA network customer, you can roam internationally on GSM networks in over 200 countries around the world. Availability of LTE data varies in some countries and depends on carrier support for certain LTE radio frequencies. Contact your wireless carrier for more information regarding international roaming policies and rates.
Information on iPhone support for LTE networks by carrier and country
†Offer only available on presentation of a valid, government-issued photo ID (local law may require saving this information). Sales tax on the full value of a new iPhone and any applicable fees may be due at time of purchase. Value of your current device may be applied toward purchase of a new iPhone via an available carrier financing plan. Offer may not be available in all stores and not all devices are eligible for credit. To see if your device is eligible, please visit Apple’s approved partner. Some stores may have additional requirements. You will be required to agree to the full terms and conditions available at the Apple Store. Online and in-store values may vary.