iPhone 15 Pro Any reason to buy a branded iPhone vs unlocked any more? (More)

[JWGold]

Since there is no longer an installment option for unlocked iPhones, what are the pros and cons of buying an unlocked iPhone vs one locked to AT&T, Verizon, etc? Why do they even offer carrier branded iPhones if they all cost the same? Is there something different internally like in the old days of CDMA vs GSM?

 

[travis64]

I am hoping i can do a payment plan with apple card and leave verizon after for mint

 

[Brad7]

No the hardware is all the same. But if you use carrier financing, it’ll be locked. Only ACMI or carrier-free are unlocked.

 

[seezar]

No the hardware is all the same. But if you use carrier financing, it’ll be locked. Only ACMI or carrier-free are unlocked.

That depends, if you order it through the carrier and do carrier financing it’ll be locked. If you order it directly through Apple and do carrier financing then it’ll be unlocked.

 

[DarthBradicus]

That depends, if you order it through the carrier and do carrier financing it’ll be locked. If you order it directly through Apple and do carrier financing then it’ll be unlocked.

Almost, but it’s a little more complicated than that.

Buying through Apple, the phone will be unlocked EXCEPT if you do financing through AT&T.

Also, any Verizon-locked phones (bought through Verizon, Best Buy, etc.) will be automatically unlocked 60 days after activation.

 

[techiegirl]

If I buy T-Mobile phone with ACMI, do I have to activate on T-Mobile?

 

[JWGold]

No the hardware is all the same. But if you use carrier financing, it’ll be locked. Only ACMI or carrier-free are unlocked.

So is the ability to finance, the only reason to buy a carrier locked phone?

 

[Brad7]

So is the ability to finance, the only reason to buy a carrier locked phone?

Yup