https://www.cnet.com/news/the-iphone-xr-is-now-available-unlocked-from-apple/

You can decide if you want to buy the iPhone XR with or without a carrier.

The iPhone XR was available for preorders starting Oct.19 and then released on Oct. 26. You previously had to buy it tied to a specific carrier. Note that the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max were available SIM-free since they released on Sept. 21.