iPhone SIM only deals are a fantastic way of cutting the monthly cost associated with a pay monthly plan, and you still get the same calls, text messages and mobile data.

That's only half of what makes them so appealing, though. People also love the flexibility that an iPhone SIM only plan offers.

If you go SIM only, you're free to leave your contract at any time with no penalty and can upgrade to the newest iPhone models as soon as they go on sale.

Why choose an iPhone SIM only offer?

Most iPhone SIM only deals only include calls, text messages and data, making them considerably cheaper pay monthly contracts.

Standard iPhone contract price points and tariffs factor in the cost of the handset as well as day to day use of the phone and this is reflected in their cost.

The one-year product cycle for new iPhones also means that many people want to upgrade every year to have the latest model.

The great thing about iPhone SIM only deals is consumers can do exactly that and don't have to worry about being locked into a lengthy two-year contract.

Who can sign up for an iPhone SIM only deal?

In order to take advantage of an iPhone SIM only deal, you’ll need to be out of contract with your provider and have an unlocked phone.

If your iPhone is tied to a particular provider, you can get it unlocked by calling your network or dropping into a branch of their retail network.

Don't yet own an Apple iPhone? Check out and compare our full range of iPhone deals

Which providers offer SIM only iPhone contracts?

UK phone networks that offer SIM only deals designed for iPhone, include O2, Three, Vodafone, giffgaff, EE, Tesco Mobile and Virgin Media.

Most networks don't actually brand contracts as 'iPhone SIM only deals'. But that doesn't mean they're not suitable for the iPhone.

What SIM card works for my iPhone?

The only thing you need to be sure of is that you get the right SIM for your iPhone.

• Nano SIMs are used in all current iPhones including the iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C and iPhone 5
• MicroSIMs are for use in the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4
• Standard SIMs are what you need if you've got the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G or the original iPhone

O2 iPhone SIM only deals

O2 SIM only deals start at around £10 per month and stand out for fantastic selection of contract options and plenty of monthly internet usage.

O2 iPhone SIM only customers also quality for some great benefits, such as money-off incentives and priority booking for events at O2 venues.

See all O2 SIM only deals

Vodafone iPhone SIM only deals

Vodafone’s SIM only deals may not be marketed as iPhone SIM only deals but they’ve very clearly been designed with their needs in mind.

Prices start from a shade under £10 per month. You also get a choice of Netflix, Sky Sports Mobile or Spotify free.

See all Vodafone SIM only deals

Three iPhone SIM only deals

Three SIM only iPhone deals team great coverage and connection speeds with ample mobile internet allowance.

Perhaps the best thing about going with Three, though, is that if you've got a 4G device you'll pay the same as you do for 3G.

See all Three SIM only deals

EE iPhone SIM only deals

EE iPhone SIM only deals aren't the cheapest. But they do offer you the fastest 4G speeds in the UK.

See all EE SIM only deals

giffgaff iPhone SIM only deals

giffgaff iPhone contracts are aimed at cost-conscious customers and qualify subscribers to free calls and texts to other giffgaff numbers and rewards for recommending the company to your friends.

See all giffgaff SIM only deals