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possible to use iPhone 3Gs without cell plan?

O

Oats

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 8, 2003
194
1
New York
Probably this question has been asked, but couldn't find anything after searching...

I am interested in an iPhone 3Gs, but don't want/need a cell plan. I only plan to use Wi-Fi, and never make cell calls (I'm a verizon customer, if you care).

Reasons the iPod touch doesn't meet my needs: no camera (and the video cam in the nano doesn't take stills). No GPS.

So in theory, could I buy a used iPhone 3Gs on craigslist sometime in the future, never use a calling plan, but continue to use the iPhone as an iPod touch BUT with GPS functionality and a camera? Would I still be able to download apps, etc, or will Apple lock it down if it's not on the cell network?
 
rjsmith18

rjsmith18

macrumors member
Aug 17, 2008
60
2
I know that the iPhone works without the SIM card, but I don't think you would be able to do gps without a plan. I know it uses both wifi and cell towers to find its position prior to the satellite picking it up. You would also need a constant connection to wifi to see the maps.
 
countrydweller

countrydweller

macrumors 6502
Jul 16, 2009
447
0
GPS will work, you will need a wireless signal to do much. As for getting apps, that would be a no go, unless you have a friend who would use their sim to get them for you, that might work.
 
stridemat

stridemat

Moderator
Staff member
Apr 2, 2008
11,364
863
UK
you wouldn't need a wireless signal, if you can access the app store you could purchase a 'sat nav' app which has all the maps already installed.

This has been discussed here before, just took me awhile to find it.

Looks like it can be done!
 
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