Apple has added a new option for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus customers in the U.S., allowing them to buy the smartphone without a pre-installed carrier.

Previously, customers were able to go on-contract with AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless, or pay for the smartphone unlocked and contract free, but tied to T-Mobile's service. T-Mobile's unlocked contract still means the customer needs to activate the phone through T-Mobile or an Apple Store, and after activation they are able to switch carrier.

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The new SIM-free option allows people who do not want to stay on T-Mobile to skip the activation step, and get the smartphone without any pre-installed carrier service.

Apple has been dabbling with the idea of removing the SIM entirely, or pre-installing the SIM. This would get over the issue that a new customer has to purchase a SIM every time they change carrier, instead activating the carrier through software.

However, this idea has been shot down by carriers, who still enjoy using the SIM, even if has been shrunk to the size of an SD-card over the past few years, primarily by Apple.

The iPhone 6 starts at $649 SIM-free for 16GB of storage, $749 for 64GB and $849 for 128GB. The iPhone 6 Plus starts at $749 and adds $100 to each storage option as well, almost hitting $1000 off contract for the 128GB option.

Apple has recently been in trouble due to its storage limitations on the 16GB option, leading two Miami, California residents to file a class action lawsuit against the company. In our overview of the situation, we found Apple to be one of the most efficient smartphone makers when it comes to storage limitations.

TagsiPhone 6 Plus, SIM, wireless contract