Does a US iPhone work abroad?

What is different about a US iPhone?

Three things, and only one of them is about the hardware:

• eSIM only. US iPhones do not take a physical SIM card. Your plan must be installed as an eSIM.
• Unlocked or not. An iPhone bought unlocked works with any carrier. A phone tied to a US carrier deal is a different case.
• Warranty. Apple may limit iPhone warranty service to the country where the phone was first sold.

The rest is the same as a local iPhone: the apps, the languages and the iOS updates.

Which countries already sell eSIM-only iPhones?

According to MacRumors, Apple sells the iPhone 18 Pro as eSIM only in 12 markets: Bahrain, Canada, Guam, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and the US Virgin Islands.

In those markets, a US iPhone uses the same SIM format as a local one. Carriers there already have to support eSIM-only iPhones. Elsewhere, local models keep a SIM tray, so ask your carrier about eSIM before you buy.

Are US iPhones unlocked?

Not all of them. Apple's US store offers each iPhone two ways. With activation by AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 cost $30 less. With "Connect on your own later", you get the unlocked model.

Apple states that unlocked iPhones stay unlocked after activation. They work with any carrier that provides service for iPhone. That is the version MSRP Crypto sells, for every model. For a buyer outside the US, the unlocked model is the right one.

How do I set up eSIM on a US iPhone abroad?

Ask your carrier for an eSIM before the phone arrives. Then, at first start:

• Choose your carrier's eSIM activation if it is offered on screen.
• Or scan the QR code your carrier gives you.
• Or move the plan from your old iPhone during setup, if your carrier supports it.

Apple's support page "Set up eSIM on iPhone" explains each option. Your carrier decides which ones it supports.

Will mobile data and 5G work in my country?

It depends on the bands your carrier uses. Apple lists the supported bands of each model on its tech specs page. Compare them with the bands your carrier publishes. We do not publish a band-by-band list, because it changes with each carrier and model.

Does the Apple warranty follow the iPhone abroad?

Not always. Apple's US warranty for iPhone says Apple may restrict warranty service to the country where the device was first sold. It also says that service is limited to the options available in the country where you ask for it. Apple may charge shipping if the phone cannot be repaired in that country.

If in-country warranty service matters most to you, buy your iPhone in your own country. The full comparison with the Mac warranty is on Is Apple warranty valid worldwide?.

Can MSRP Crypto ship a US iPhone to my country?

Yes, to every country except Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Russia, Belarus, Syria, Yemen, mainland China and Western Sahara. Free shipping to every country we serve, with tracking. Import duties and VAT are included (DDP): the price you pay is the full price; nothing is collected at delivery. Prices start at $699 for the iPhone 17e. Paying in crypto is explained on How do I buy an iPhone with crypto?.