Google apparently sent Verizon locked Pixel 3 to some who ordered the unlocked model

As most phone enthusiasts know, to customize an Android phone and flash custom ROMs onto the device, the unit's bootloader must be unlocked. The bootloader is the code that is executed before an operating system starts running on a handset. The unlocked version of the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, available from the online Google Store, is supposed to allow users to unlock the bootloader. The Verizon branded version of the phones come with a bootloader that will remain locked, preventing the user from customizing his handset.

Those experienced in flashing custom ROMs ...

Friday, 23 November 2018 GSM ARENA GSMArena.com