Apple Inc. will start shipping its unlocked, SIM-free iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus from its website as well as retail stores starting today, according to a report from 9to5Mac.
The unlocked versions will be priced same as the locked models, with the 16 / 64 / 128GB versions of the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus selling for $649 / $749 / $849 and $749 / $849 / $949 respectively.
Since the launch, many iPhone 6 models have been unlocked, but until now, the company refrained from marketing them.
At present, users buy the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus under a contract with carriers or unlocked and unsubsidized if the user is a T-Mobile customer.
With Apple selling the iPhones without a SIM card, customers will be able to subscribe to any network around the world or select a carrier without worrying about compatibility.
Users will be able to slap a nano-SIM in the unlocked iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus versions from any compatible GSM network for cellular voice, texting and data connectivity.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based company launched the unlocked versions of the iPhone 5S last November after the launch of the carrier-specific models in September.
Apple follows this trend of offering the unlocked versions of the iPhone shortly after every new model's launch. But according to 9to5 Mac, the unlocked iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are being released later than usual.
Generally, the company launches the unlocked versions two months later. Probably manufacturing delays and high demand postponed the launch of the unlocked versions.
