That’s could explain why. I know there is that law that carriers have to unlock the phone but Idk know there was a time limit. Either way it’s BS and is anti consumer.

Good luck. Hopefully you can find a way to get it done or maybe ask the Apple tech if they know a way around it.

I bought mine and carried my sim over. It’s still unlocked. So if you are going that route it should be fine. If you don’t have a carrier prior, than idk. I also have Verizon so that could be the case.

I can turn my current sim off and add new ones if I want too.