The iPhone X came out in 2017. It still works as a phone and has Face ID, but like the iPhone 8 it stops at iOS 16 and has no eSIM.
The quick answer
- Calls, texts and data: yes, on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon
- Software: stuck on iOS 16
- No eSIM, no 5G, no T-Mobile Band 71
- Watch for battery and OLED screen wear
Calls and the 3G shutdown
The iPhone X supports VoLTE, so it wasn't affected by the 3G shutdown. It works on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, and on most prepaid carriers on those networks.
The real limit: iOS 16
The iPhone X stops at iOS 16, the same as the iPhone 8. Apps still support it for now, but you'll see them drop iOS 16 over the next year or two.
Coverage
It doesn't support Band 71, T-Mobile's long-range 600MHz signal, which T-Mobile and its MVNOs (Mint, Metro, Ultra) rely on in rural areas and inside buildings. On Verizon and AT&T, coverage is close to a newer phone's, but without 5G.
No eSIM
eSIM arrived on iPhone with the XS and XR in 2018. This phone only takes a physical SIM card, so check that your carrier still ships one. Most free carrier trials now run on eSIM, so you can't use them on this phone.
Who it still works for
People who want a full-screen iPhone for very little money and mostly call, text and browse. Check the screen for burn-in and the battery health in Settings before buying one used.
If you're replacing it
You don't need a new flagship. A recent iPhone 16e, or an Android phone like the moto g 2026 or Galaxy A17, will get years of updates, and several carriers give those away when you switch. Pair it with a low-cost plan: Mint Mobile is $15 a month for 6GB on a 12-month term, and Visible is $25 for unlimited with taxes included.
Current offers from Metro, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Xfinity.
See phone deals →Frequently asked questions
Can I still use an iPhone X in 2026? +
Does the iPhone X have eSIM? +
What's the newest iOS the iPhone X can run? +
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Jean Gilles has researched personal finance, consumer technology, and wireless pricing for over a decade. He founded ShopCellPlans in 2019 and writes every review on the site.