How can I check via software if my iPhone is unlocked?

Solution 1:

So in the end I had to do the SIM card dance.

In fact, it seems what the carrier does is mark your phone as allowed for unlock.

Then, the first time you put a SIM card from another carrier, you must connect to iTunes, which will then perform a series of annoyances and alerts and whatnot, and only then your device will be truly unlocked. You need an internet connection for this process.

I know this is a terrible answer to my own question.

Solution 2:

As far as I can tell there's only two was to do this:

1. Put a SIM card in from another network.
2. Call your operator and trust their answer.

The Google doesn't offer much more help than this either.