Look at any iPhone price list in Pakistan and you will see three prices for the same phone: PTA Approved, Non-PTA and SIM Locked (sometimes called "JV" or "factory unlocked" by sellers who use the terms loosely). The SIM Locked one is always the cheapest, sometimes by a very large margin. This guide explains why, so you know exactly what you are getting before you pay.
What "SIM Locked" means
Phone companies abroad, mostly in the US, sell iPhones on contract at a discount. In return, the phone is locked to that carrier: it will only accept that carrier's SIM until the carrier unlocks it. When these phones reach Pakistan, the lock comes with them. A Jazz, Zong, Telenor or Ufone SIM will not work in it the normal way.
What works and what does not
- Works: Wi-Fi, apps, camera, iCloud, FaceTime and iMessage over Wi-Fi, Apple Pay where supported, everything that does not need a mobile network.
- Does not work normally: calls, SMS and mobile data on a Pakistani SIM.
Some shops offer workarounds such as SIM adapter chips or software tricks. We do not recommend relying on them: they can be unreliable, they can stop working after an iOS update, and they can affect features like iMessage activation.
How to check if an iPhone is locked
On the iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means the phone is unlocked. Anything else means it is locked. Always check this yourself before buying from anyone.
Who should buy a SIM Locked iPhone?
- Someone who wants an iPhone mostly on Wi-Fi: a second phone, a camera, a phone for a child at home.
- Someone who already carries another phone for calls and SIM.
- Someone who will use it abroad on the carrier it is locked to.
If the iPhone will be your only phone, buy PTA Approved or Non-PTA instead. Non-PTA phones are unlocked and can be registered with PTA after paying tax; see how to register a phone with PTA and our PTA tax calculator.
How KARTiN sells SIM Locked iPhones
Every SIM Locked iPhone on our site is clearly labelled in the title. If you are not sure which version suits you, message us on WhatsApp or visit the shop and we will show you the difference in person.
Sold by KARTiN, an independent multi-brand retailer with a physical shop at LG-03, Hafeez Centre, Gulberg III, Lahore. KARTiN is not an Apple Authorized Reseller. Visit the store.