Carrier Unlock

If device purchased directly from carrier/network in Ireland it is locked to that Carrier. IPhones notoriously difficult to unlock as the process is done through apple servers and generally has to be requested by the carrier/ Network

If the iPhone is in contract, some carriers will not unlock until a certain amount of Bills paid into that contract (3), others won't until contract ends. If prepay, generally an amount of credit top up has to be purchased before unlock request will be entertained.

Bottom line, Do not attempt to unlock an iPhone privately and certainly do not attempt to Jail break, warranty will be voided.

Only sure way to purchase a sim free iPhone is through apple or reseller directly, NOT through a carrier/Network in Ireland.

OP doesn't mention what country they purchased iPhone but I'd assume same rules apply elsewhere, I wasn't aware it was illegal anywhere for any phone to be locked to a carrier, given the carrier is highly likely to be subsidising the cost of the handset to a customer. I agree however more transparency required.

No not Vodafone, but in the business generally, whether its stupid or not for a network to have a device they heavily subsidise locked to their network, I've no opinion either way other than it makes commercial sense.

There is absolutely nothing more complicated when it comes to a 13 Pro max, it's an iPhone and there's a very specific unlocking process, if it's locked to a network, you clearly understand the rules of that network. As I've clearly explained, the unlocking process for a network locked iPhone is done via request from the network on behalf of a customer and processed through apple servers. Terms and conditions apply, namely if phone is in contract or is prepay an amount of credit has been purchased.

It's entirely up to you to go down an independent unlocking route, very ill advised and highly unlikely an independent unlocking business will either succeed or bother even trying.

I can't recall if you got this phone on contract but you also had the option of purchasing directly from Apple, Sim free.

Go on to the Apple website and see how much a phone is.

Go on to a carrier's website and see how much a phone is plus the monthly charge.

The difference in the phone price is the subsidy that the carrier is paying for - to be more than recouped by the 24 month contract that goes with the phone price being paid.

They are. They are subsidising the initial purchase price of the phone. For many people, it is easier to buy the latest and greatest iPhone for €400 and pay €60 per month rather than 'stumping up' €1000 for the handset and paying €10 a month SIM only.

That's why I always price over two years. It is nearly always cheaper to pay for the phone upfront and go SIM only.