For years, Verizon customers enjoyed a unique perk that set them apart from the rest of the mobile world: the 60-day unlock. Regardless of whether your iPhone was fully paid off, Verizon was legally required to flip the switch and let your device run on any network after just two months. That era officially ended this week, according to a report from Ars Technica.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted Verizon a waiver, effectively killing the 60-day automatic unlocking requirement. This move brings Verizon in line with the more restrictive policies used by AT&T and T-Mobile. Verizon successfully argued to the FCC that its 60-day rule made it a “prime target” for organized criminal networks. According to the carrier, nearly 785,000 devices were lost to fraud in 2023 alone, costing the company hundreds of millions of dollars. The FCC agreed, stating that the quick unlock window incentivized bad actors to steal handsets for international trafficking.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr noted that these criminal enterprises often use stolen phones to fund broader illegal activities, including drug running and human smuggling. By extending the lock period, the agency hopes to “stem the flow of handsets into the black market.”
A locked iPhone prevents you from using a local eSIM when traveling abroad or adding a second line from a cheaper MVNO (like Mint Mobile or Visible). Consumer advocacy groups have voiced strong opposition to the ruling. They argue that automatic unlocking promotes competition and reduces e-waste by making it easier to resell or reuse devices. They also point out that carriers already have the tools to flag fraudulent accounts within 60 days without locking in every other customer.
Would you prefer to buy your iPhone from a carrier for the discount, even if it means being locked in for three years, or do you prefer buying unlocked from Apple? Let’s discuss in the comments. Stay updated with the latest news on this by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
