Pick the phone up directly from the manufacturer (Apple in this case), you won't have a contract with your cell provider for the phone; you will just own the phone outright.

I just went through the “get ready” process on the Apple Store app, and it allows for picking a carrier-free option.

Going from my experience two years ago

• I thought iPhones have never been locked - that’s one of the ways they made a splash when new
• if you buy from your phone company you will be on contract
• iPhones don’t have sale prices but you may get a deal on financing (like phone company or a gift card (like Costco). I prefer being free and clear
• from Apple you can choose carrier or no
  • carrier cause a week delay for them to configure the eSIM
  • eSIM means you can configure through your phone company website.

And from this year. Apparently Apple only lets you get one phone preconfigured. Between the delay and that limitation I just got both our phones unconfigured

…. And there’s a delay anyway.

You’ve been able to buy factory unlocked phones in most countries since the iPhone 4.

Just buy from directly from Apple, and in checkout, either buy outright, or finance through Apple. That’s the easiest way to avoid carrier BS.