What's the Best iPhone to Buy or Avoid Right Now? (2025)

Most people in the US purchase iPhones from carriers, which means the devices are locked to that network. If you bought an iPhone from Verizon, that means you can't easily switch to another carrier without breaking a contract and paying extra fees. It also poses headaches for travelers who want to use international SIM cards when traveling. The easier approach is to buy directly from Apple, though there are some things you should know: Connect to any carrier later: Choose this option for the most hassle-free experience. You get an unlocked iPhone, and then all you need to do is transfer the SIM card from your old iPhone to the new one to get started. This might be painless, though you may need to contact your carrier if the iPhone can't complete the eSIM transfer as it's a carrier-specific feature. Apple hasn't included a SIM tray since 2022's iPhone 14. Choose a carrier: If you choose a carrier through Apple.com, you will get an unlocked iPhone no matter which carrier you choose. T ... Read full article.