Apple’s latest iPhone sidelines carriers from buying process

Apple's latest iPhones are shaking up how customers are beholden to telcos, by not pressuring them to pick a network plan at purchase. — AP Photo/File

The debut of Apple Inc.’s latest iPhone brings a change to the way its US customers can purchase the device, a move toward cutting wireless carriers out of the process and giving the tech giant more control.

Traditionally, when a user buys an iPhone at an Apple retail store or the company’s online store, the customer provides their wireless phone number and the last four digits of their Social Security number. That lets the carrier run a credit check and approve the transaction, but it adds time to the process and could be a barrier to closing the sale.