Apple Begins Offering Unlocked iPhone 4S in U.S. Online Store

[iSalsa]

unlock iphone

I know usage is very personalized and with this, I'd surely be missing my unlimited data and my talk minutes, unlimited text. Yes, I also do pay more unfortunately. I also don't own a Touch, and I don't think you can use ATT for data and T-Mobile for phone calls in same iPhone.




I'm not sure if you can use officially unlocked iPhone without jailbreaking/unlocking in T-Mobile. If that is the case, might as well save some money and buy second hand jailbroken/unlocked iPhone.




If you're a frequent traveller, it's a no brainer. For average Joe who doesn't travel, I don't see the appeal of it. ATT, Verizon and Sprint, as far as I know, has nationwide roaming.




You know what sucks more, our only two GSM has different frequency from one another so GSM phones does not usually work seamlessly between them. Building two towers of different frequency to cover same area. Its sad.




You paid an extra $450 dollars to get the unlocked iPhone 4S 64GB iPhone. I assume that you would get the next iPhone 5 unlocked again for another extra $450 since you are an early adopter and don't want any contracts. Thats extra $900 dollars extra for the two officially unlocked phones. Paying $536 for early termination and upgrade fees I think is the better route. Traveling is always the best perk of unlocked phones as you can just buy local simcards to save money.

If you have money, a $1.000 000 car is still cheap.
If you don't have money, $1.00 snack is still expensive.

The Iphone price based on where you are, and the average income of that country.

"I'm not sure if you can use officially unlocked iPhone without jailbreaking/unlocking in T-Mobile. If that is the case, might as well save some money and buy second hand jailbroken/unlocked iPhone".

Yes you can. I have an unlock iPhone 3GS from France that my niece gave it to me when she upgraded to a new iPhone. I plug a t-mobile sim in; it works perfectly without doing any extra manipulation.

In France, you can by an unlock iPhone or buy it with 1 yr contract or 2 yrs contract. If you buy it with contract, under the French law, 3 months after you signed the contract, you can ask the company to unlock your iPhone officially so that you can plug in any GSM cards in the world.

Also in France, receive calls and texts don't reduce your minutes and messages plan. You pay only what you call and send out.

T-Mobile no contract plan:
Price - Talk - Text - Web
$70/mth - Unlimited - Unlimited - Unlimited
$60/mth - Unlimited - Unlimited - Unlimited
$50/mth - Unlimited - Unlimited - Unlimited
$30/mth - 100 minutes Unlimited - Unlimited
$30/mth - 1500 minutes or messages - 30MB
$15/mth - 10¢/minute - Unlimited - none

you can switch between plans whenever you want.

other companies also do similar price.

At school I have free WIFI; at home I have free WIFI; at work I have free WIFI. and free WIFI almost everywhere. The only place I don't have WIFI while I am driving.... ummmm I don't want to kill myself anyway.
At school I am not good in math, but for this plan I am sure I can get an A.

The average lock iPhone with the big three will cost me around $2400-$2600 for 2 years.
If I buy an unlock Iphone $649+tax and use no contract plan, at the end of 2 years, the money I save; I can buy an extra iphone, and in 2 years I can still sell my older iPhone for $300....

my plan is between $30-$50 including tax
30x24 = $720 + $714 iPhone = $1434 for 2 yrs.
50x24 = $1200 + $714 iPhone = $1914 for 2 yrs.

For me, an unlock phone is the best solution to save money... maybe t-mobile edge is slow for you guy, but I rarely use it because WIFI is faster. I don't know if you can do it with at&t without contract with the iPhone... check it out..... otherwise the big corporations dictate you guys like usual.

 

[BeardedOrc]

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I still don't get the advantage of unlocked phones here in the US unless you are a frequent traveller outside the country. You are gonna be paying same monthly recurring fees subsidized or not. And people keep on saying they don't want contract to justify the more expensive unlocked iPhone, seriously, you don't change carrier every 6 months or every year. Why would you do that? Unlocked phones will only work with AT&T anyways so might as well get subsidized by them and save yourself some money.

An unlocked iPhone will work on T-Mobile, just not 3G. So it's not that there is only one carrier. Plus, if you take very good care of it, being an unlocked phone you'll fetch a seriously great price for it should you choose to sell it. I want one simply to avoid renewing my AT&T contract and I might be going to Le Mans next year and would love to have the ability to make cheap calls from a local carrier.

I don't know about you but $850 is a lot of money without fully utilizing your phone capabilities e.g. Edge only. Why not just get an unlocked android or other smart phone in T-Mobile that fully works on their network?

 

[Jemand]

I'm so sad and disappointed. I'm leaving the US on Dec. 01 (early in the morning), so I can't order the unlocked iPhone 4S, because, according to Apple, the delivery would happen anytime between Nov. 28 and Dec. 05.

Do you think I still have any chance to get one in an Apple retail store before my departure?

I've been living in the US for 6 months and I won't be able to get my iPhone because I won't be here for a few days more.

It's frustrating, because, in my f... socialist country, I'll have to pay 3 times more for a locked iPhone. I hate to live in a country without a real free market.

 

[AlterEg0]

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Compare Android phone off-contrast prices. Apple's are much higher. And who buys Nokia anymore anyways?

Someone has to pay for Sirii and all those blue monkeys you see in all their stores.

 

[macUser2007]

I whole heartedly disagree. I've used iPhones on T-Mobile since the 3 was out.....
Email, google, twitter, even facebook work just fine.

I did that, too, with a 3Gs. But I gave up after a week or so, and went on to buy a succession of Androids, currently using a Nexus S.

I like the Nexus S, but my wife is pining to go back to an iPhone (which is admittedly more elegant and better designed). I just don't feel like getting ripped off by AT&T again.

I also like to occasionally tether to my Mac Book Pro when at the airport (which the Google phone does out of the box, without any hacks), and I do like to stream MOG in high bit, or Netflix on occasion. Which is not possible with EDGE (hell, tethering costs an additional $30 on AT&T).

I do LOVE Apple's design and elegance, but some of the restrictions are maddening, and without any relevance to either design or user experience.

----------

....
In any case, I've been patient, done my due diligence and finally placed my order for an unlocked iPhone 4S which will get loaded up with a GoPhone SIM.

So, can someone compare GoPhone to T-Mobile?

Say you want 1500 minutes between two phones, with data?

 

[aziatiklover]

What you said goes for my family as well. We have 5 lines on T-Mobile, 4 of them cellular and our monthly bill is $118. 2 of the phones have data, one is $6 a month, the other $10. We're on wifi most of the time anyway... it's win win. We end up coming out ahead in a 24 month period having paid full price up front.

yeap and edge does it job for small data task like emails, chat, stock, weather, and web. I don't stream vids so I'm good to go.

 

[Ramchi]

Why so much delay in shipment?

In India by looking at the price levels in US feels like lot cheaper especially the blackmarket prices. I have ordered 32 GB White through my BIL who is expected to fly sometime later end of next week. I am disappointed with the shipping delay which talks about end of November or early December.

 

[tonjik]

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The price is without sales tax, so the end prices difference is not so high.

 

[osofast240sx]

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I don't know about you but $850 is a lot of money without fully utilizing your phone capabilities e.g. Edge only. Why not just get an unlocked android or other smart phone in T-Mobile that fully works on their network?

Because iPhones are way cooler. I'm using tmobile on my 4 unlocked and it's not jail broken, I have all the features except 3G. Oh did I mention $50 per month. I love it ten times better than android. I use wifi most of the time but the edge is not slow thought it would be.

 

[cvaldes]

So, can someone compare GoPhone to T-Mobile?

Say you want 1500 minutes between two phones, with data?

I have only done the analysis on "pay as you go" plans since flat-rate monthly prepaid doesn't interest me.

Both AT&T GoPhone and T-Mobile USA have identical $0.10/min. rates for "pay as you go" voice calls. That's not way off from AT&T cheapest postpaid iPhone voice plan, $40 for 450 minutes.

As far as I can tell, there are no data packages for T-Mobile USA Pay As You Go, and you can't get 3G cellular data on T-Mobile USA anyhow so that discussion is moot.

You really should do your own analysis anyhow. That way you can figure in variations in your usage (some months might be heavier due to traveling, etc.). Also, you don't mention how much data you'd use each month so it's hard to generate a recommendation.

There's the aforementioned all-you-can-eat Straight Talk SIM for $45/mo. That's actually the most interesting of all of the prepaid monthly plans since it's unlimited calls/text/data. I might look into that some more later. I don't care about unlimited voice, but unlimited data is interesting.

 

[iSalsa]

unlock

I have only done the analysis on "pay as you go" plans since flat-rate monthly prepaid doesn't interest me.

Both AT&T GoPhone and T-Mobile USA have identical $0.10/min. rates for "pay as you go" voice calls. That's not way off from AT&T cheapest postpaid iPhone voice plan, $40 for 450 minutes.

As far as I can tell, there are no data packages for T-Mobile USA Pay As You Go, and you can't get 3G cellular data on T-Mobile USA anyhow so that discussion is moot.

You really should do your own analysis anyhow. That way you can figure in variations in your usage (some months might be heavier due to traveling, etc.). Also, you don't mention how much data you'd use each month so it's hard to generate a recommendation.

There's the aforementioned all-you-can-eat Straight Talk SIM for $45/mo. That's actually the most interesting of all of the prepaid monthly plans since it's unlimited calls/text/data. I might look into that some more later. I don't care about unlimited voice, but unlimited data is interesting.

the minutes call is not important anymore because you can use free "Viber" app for free calling and messaging including local and international... the app works via iphone-iphone-endroid...

 

[KPOM]

I'm so sad and disappointed. I'm leaving the US on Dec. 01 (early in the morning), so I can't order the unlocked iPhone 4S, because, according to Apple, the delivery would happen anytime between Nov. 28 and Dec. 05.

Do you think I still have any chance to get one in an Apple retail store before my departure?

I've been living in the US for 6 months and I won't be able to get my iPhone because I won't be here for a few days more.

It's frustrating, because, in my f... socialist country, I'll have to pay 3 times more for a locked iPhone. I hate to live in a country without a real free market.

I'd recommend reserving an "AT&T" iPhone tonight at 9:00pm on Apple's retail store website and purchasing it "device only" at the store. It will be unlocked, and is what some of us who didn't want to wait for the official unlocked model did.

 

[Raima]

You're forgetting VAT at 20% which takes the price to £636. Then there's import duties on top of that. The US prices don't include sales tax.

So it's not quite the price difference you're suggesting.

I would like to confirm that it's the same in Australia with our 10% GST. It's only slightly cheaper but not much once u include shipping charges

 

[something3153]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A334 Safari/7534.48.3)I don't know about you but $850 is a lot of money without fully utilizing your phone capabilities e.g. Edge only. Why not just get an unlocked android or other smart phone in T-Mobile that fully works on their network?

I find it funny how much some of you are focused on 3G - I almost always had it off on my 3Gs to increase battery life. Hardly ever missed it, especially since I'm almost always in wifi and would only use data to browse the web while waiting in line at the supermarket. I'm strongly considering a switch to TMo...

 

[Jemand]

I'd recommend reserving an "AT&T" iPhone tonight at 9:00pm on Apple's retail store website and purchasing it "device only" at the store. It will be unlocked, and is what some of us who didn't want to wait for the official unlocked model did.

Thanks.But do you think it's safe to say that I'll be able to use it in any GMS carrier? I mean it's so unlocked as the official unlocked one?

 

[BeardedOrc]

I find it funny how much some of you are focused on 3G - I almost always had it off on my 3Gs to increase battery life. Hardly ever missed it, especially since I'm almost always in wifi and would only use data to browse the web while waiting in line at the supermarket. I'm strongly considering a switch to TMo...

I find it funny too why you would want Edge over 3G?

Have WIFI at home and work too which makes it even more unbearable for the slow edge network when you are used to WIFI speed. Had iPhone since day one and I would never go back to Edge if given a choice.

Maybe my standards are just higher than yours

 

[macUser2007]

...

As far as I can tell, there are no data packages for T-Mobile USA Pay As You Go, and you can't get 3G cellular data on T-Mobile USA anyhow so that discussion is moot.

...
There's the aforementioned all-you-can-eat Straight Talk SIM for $45/mo. That's actually the most interesting of all of the prepaid monthly plans since it's unlimited calls/text/data. I might look into that some more later. I don't care about unlimited voice, but unlimited data is interesting.

I am currently using a non-contract, month to month service from T-Mobile, which provides 1500 minutes, plus unlimited data and text to two unlocked Nexus S phones for about $130 per month. My usage varies, depending on whether I travel or not -- I often tether when I travel, although locally mu usage is mostly minimal.

Straight Talk sounds interesting, but I am puzzled by their coverage map (http://www.straighttalk.com/Coverage), which makes a separation between Android and non-Android phones (which I assume means that their data coverage is pretty limited).

P.S. Straight Talk operates on the Sprint network, so it's actually incompatible with the unlocked iPhone.

 

[something3153]

I find it funny too why you would want Edge over 3G?

Have WIFI at home and work too which makes it even more unbearable for the slow edge network when you are used to WIFI speed. Had iPhone since day one and I would never go back to Edge if given a choice.

Maybe my standards are just higher than yours

Again, I only actually wind up using the 2g for 30 seconds or whatever it takes to load an article on ScoreCenter while I'm in line at the grocery store, instead of maybe 10 seconds for 3g? I go there relatively frequently, but still - if TMo can save me $60 per month, I'll be bored another fraction of a minute twice a week. And again, it has substantially better battery life.

 

[Guacamole]

Hi,
Just thought I would ask here as this thread is probably populated by people who know....
What network provides good (the best) mini-sim contract-free data loaded deal for a UK visitor to Los Angeles? I will only be around 5 days so don't want to make huge investment. Are there sims I can pick-up at the drugstore or Radio Shack (I know there is one just down the street from my hotel)?
Similarly suggestions for 3G iPad.
Thanks

check this thread https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=13221954&posted=1#post13221954

get an AT&T GoPhone sim card preferably from ebay before you travel

 

[KPOM]

Thanks.But do you think it's safe to say that I'll be able to use it in any GMS carrier? I mean it's so unlocked as the official unlocked one?

Yes, once it's coded onto Apple's system as sold as unlocked, it stays that way.

----------

Straight Talk sounds interesting, but I am puzzled by their coverage map (http://www.straighttalk.com/Coverage), which makes a separation between Android and non-Android phones (which I assume means that their data coverage is pretty limited).

P.S. Straight Talk operates on the Sprint network, so it's actually incompatible with the unlocked iPhone.

Straight Talk has contracts with Sprint and AT&T. That's why it's important to purchase a Straight Talk phone you know is GSM (e.g. Nokia e71) if you plan to use it.

 

[manuchis]

I'd recommend reserving an "AT&T" iPhone tonight at 9:00pm on Apple's retail store website and purchasing it "device only" at the store. It will be unlocked, and is what some of us who didn't want to wait for the official unlocked model did.

I'm on the same situation, I'm arriving NYC next tuesday and leaving on 1st Dec. So if you try to purchase it as "device only", please send me your experience. Thanks!

 

[Numl0ck]

Does anyone know the iPhone 4s availability in Washington DC? Are 6% VAT correct that I have to add to the final price? Any information is much appreciated!

 

[alphakry]

can you explain - why did they make a GSM/CDMA global phone that when purchased unlocked, does not work on CDMA? Isn't the hardware identical between the Sprint, Verizon, AT&T and Unlocked phone? I'm confused as to why they would advertise one of the advantages of the 4S as a unified hardware design - but then limits such as these would still exist.

 

[cere]

can you explain - why did they make a GSM/CDMA global phone that when purchased unlocked, does not work on CDMA? Isn't the hardware identical between the Sprint, Verizon, AT&T and Unlocked phone? I'm confused as to why they would advertise one of the advantages of the 4S as a unified hardware design - but then limits such as these would still exist.

From Apple's perspective, it makes perfect sense. One set of hardware, one manufacturing configuration, one set of skus in stores, identical units shipped to all carriers and retailers worldwide. For iPhone customers of CDMA carriers, it is also a new benefit to be able to pop in a SIM when traveling.

Only for GSM customers it seems there is no new benefit of the 'world phone'. At somewhere in the chain a limitation has been imposed to prevent unlocked phones from working on the CDMA carriers. What is unknown is if it is a hardware/software limitation where the CDMA functionality is disabled or if it is a carrier policy limitation where Sprint and Verizon are simply refusing to activate phones that are not purchased from them.

If it is the former, I don't understand why Apple would do that, other than at the request of the CMDA carrier partners. If it is the latter, I don't get why Verizon and Sprint would want to turn away potential customers. They are losing out on people that buy a full price phone but still want to use their service, on or off contract, and they are losing out on visitors to the US that want to have Sprint and Verizon as potential prepaid options. They are also losing out on customer that bought an AT&T locked phone and want to move to Sprint/Verizon or have sold it to someone that wants to use Sprint/Verizon.

 

[Ugg]

Does anyone know the iPhone 4s availability in Washington DC? Are 6% VAT correct that I have to add to the final price? Any information is much appreciated!

US Sales Tax Rates

Can't help you with availability, but the Sales Tax in DC is 6%.