Apple to Begin Offering Unlocked, SIM-Free iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Models in the U.S. Tomorrow

Bought my ATT UNLOCKED on day 1 at Apple Store. Just told I wanted to pay full price. Phone worked in South America and Europe with local SIM cards. Apple tries to play silly by saying they don't offer unlocked iPhones. All you have to do is to say "full price" instead of "unlocked". :eek:
 
I think scaredpoet is right on all counts. We just bought a Sprint iPhone 6 to send back to China. We believe it will work on both China Unicom and China Mobile, which are CDMA and GSM networks respectively. We think this because - I think - all the phone are basically multi-band/multi-protocol wrt the cell network.

We bought the Sprint model A1586 because Sprint and China use a similar LTE network (TDD, 2500 MHz and Band 41). Presumably, Sprint phones are locked in the U.S. but unlocked internationally. Can't confirm that, however.

We were in a T-Mobile store a few days ago and were told by an employee (perhaps incorrectly) that, if we buy a full-price, no contract T-Mobile model, we must buy 1 month of pay-as-you-go and after a few weeks call T-Mobile and they will give us an unlock code.

GF's China Unicom CDMA iPhone 4 works fine using a T-Mobile SIM here; an unlocked ATT iPhone 5s is working well using a China Unicom CDMA SIM in China. Her iphone 4 with the China unicom SIM in it connected to ATT here (showing that even the 4 is operationally multi-radio, both GSM and CDMA).

Didn't think to try the iPhone 6 here on an activated T-Mobile SIM. SP is correct that Sprint will not connect your phone to their network unless it is a Sprint phone - but an already activated Sprint SIM will connect a compliant phone.

I'm posting here because we did most of our research at macrumors.com. If things go awry or I have new info to report I will post it somewhere here at macrumors.

----------


Thanks, jadallahyk. We just bought the Sprint A1586 and it went to China yesterday. Did not even take it out of the box. So, I can't comment about removing SIMS, etc. Maybe I will know more later.

So did you get them to unlock it for you? If not, they might have a problem getting it to work there. No compatibility issues in regards to band support but rather carrier restrictions. That is my understanding from what I read. You would have no issues if you bought the "Sim-Free" version coming out tomorrow because it would have the band support and it would be unlocked.

I've heard of a China model but dont know much about it. A1589

http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...hone-6-a1589-4.7-inch-china-mobile-specs.html
 
Disclaimer: I only mention the major carriers.

I don't think your statement is true. I think there is a lot of confusion about this and I did some research. Here is what I found, I believe this to be true but could be mistaken.

The unlocked T-Mobile phone is A1549 (6) and A1522 (6+). This is the GSM model and supports GSM and LTE. Both At&T and T-Mobile are GSM carriers and you could easily jump to AT&T using an unlocked T-Mobile phone. This type of phone is the most limited and supports the fewest bands.

There is a CDMA version of A1549 and A1522 which is typically sold by Verizon. This phone supports GSM, LTE and CDMA (a little more versatile). So an unlocked version of this phone would theoretically work on AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint. Although the carriers limit this by "whitelisting" devices issued under their name, essentially blacklisting devices issues under other carriers. I've read lost of conflicting accounts on what the carriers allow. Sprint seems to be the worst and probably for the reason below.

Sprint offers a third version A1586 (6) and A1524 (6+). This model has only been available via Sprint and is ALWAYS sold locked. This model supports GSM, LTE and CDMA but also supports TD-LTE and TD-SCDMA. "You can get access to TD-LTE and TD-SCDMA bands which opens up use to basically every carrier in the world, this will prove to be especially useful in China." This phone is the most versatile and previously was only available in a locked version.

I'm assuming that Apple will be selling the A1586/A1524 versions as the "SIM-Free" version. Unlocked and compatible with almost every carrier in the world.

Lots of articles out there about this. I found this one to be the clearest.
Thanks for that wonderful article...most informative and exactly what i wanted to read. I have already bookmarked it for future reference :) Unfortunately i feel the sim free version here in the US will be the exact same version as the Canadian sim free version currently available on their website. If you read the disclaimer on the sim free iPhone 6/6+ it clearly states that these sim free phones would work seamlessly with gsm carriers, however it did not guarantee compatibility with cdma carriers. Secondly those sim free/unlocked phones are missing the 4 additional lte bands. Hope I'm wrong and that the sim free phones turn out to be the same as the sprint models (1586/1524)
 
Thanks for that wonderful article...most informative and exactly what i wanted to read. I have already bookmarked it for future reference :) Unfortunately i feel the sim free version here in the US will be the exact same version as the Canadian sim free version currently available on their website. If you read the disclaimer on the sim free iPhone 6/6+ it clearly states that these sim free phones would work seamlessly with gsm carriers, however it did not guarantee compatibility with cdma carriers. Secondly those sim free/unlocked phones are missing the 4 additional lte bands. Hope I'm wrong and that the sim free phones turn out to be the same as the sprint models (1586/1524)

Oh wow. That would be dumb if you ask me. If I'm shelling out at least $649 for a phone, I want it to be unlocked and supports the most bands. I was going to get an iPhone 6 today but waited because I was thinking I was getting a phone that was more versatile. I don't travel much but thought it would help with resale value.

I'll be mad if I found out I waited for NOTHING!
 
Oh wow. That would be dumb if you ask me. If I'm shelling out at least $649 for a phone, I want it to be unlocked and supports the most bands. I was going to get an iPhone 6 today but waited because I was thinking I was getting a phone that was more versatile. I don't travel much but thought it would help with resale value.

I'll be mad if I found out I waited for NOTHING!
This is the disclaimer (copy/paste)from the Canadian website:

About the unlocked iPhone
The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a wireless contract commitment. You can activate and use iPhone on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice. The unlocked iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus will not work with CDMA-based carriers. An unlocked iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus may not support LTE networks in all other countries; contact service providers for details.
If you don’t want a multiyear service contract, or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the unlocked iPhone is the best choice. It does not come with a nano-SIM card, so you’ll need to get one from any supported GSM carrier worldwide. To start using it, simply insert an activated SIM card from a compatible network. Then turn on your iPhone and follow the onscreen instructions to set it up.

Therefore if you ask me the verizon model is still the best bet in the US. The sim free model is nothing but the t-mob/at&t model which could be purchased contract free at full price.
 
Last edited:
If I go buy one of these new full price "sim free" phones in the Apple Store tomorrow, I don't suppose there is any way to know for sure which model I am holding in my hands when I leave the store?
 
This is the disclaimer (copy/paste)from the Canadian website:

About the unlocked iPhone
The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a wireless contract commitment. You can activate and use iPhone on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice. The unlocked iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus will not work with CDMA-based carriers. An unlocked iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus may not support LTE networks in all other countries; contact service providers for details.
If you don’t want a multiyear service contract, or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the unlocked iPhone is the best choice. It does not come with a nano-SIM card, so you’ll need to get one from any supported GSM carrier worldwide. To start using it, simply insert an activated SIM card from a compatible network. Then turn on your iPhone and follow the onscreen instructions to set it up.

Man that sucks. I don't get it.

Why would Apple not offer the 1586/1524 as the "SIM-Free" version? As of now, the most versatile phone (most supported bands) has been limited to one carrier in the US.

I dont understand these things...

----------

If I go buy one of these new full price "sim free" phones in the Apple Store tomorrow, I don't suppose there is any way to know for sure which model I am holding in my hands when I leave the store?

It should be listed on the back cover. I'm going to buy one tomorrow and will post the model I get to the forum.

http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201296
 
If I go buy one of these new full price "sim free" phones in the Apple Store tomorrow, I don't suppose there is any way to know for sure which model I am holding in my hands when I leave the store?

You can take a look at the back of the iPhone box. It'll display the model number.

Well, if it's the Canadian version going to be sold in the US tomorrow, I'll pass.

Just wanted the A1524 version.
 
Finally...

Bought it through at&t at full price and still needed 2 bloody business day before those bloodsuckers decided to unlock the sucker.
 
Man that sucks. I don't get it.

Why would Apple not offer the 1586/1524 as the "SIM-Free" version? As of not, the most versatile phone (most supported bands) has been limited to one carrier in the US.

I dont understand these things...

Yup this is mind boggling. I was really hoping for the sim free model to be the 1586/1524 sprint version. I already have the Verizon iPhone 6+ purchased full price at the apple store. This is the best bet for you in the US.

The author in that article you posted earlier, also chose to go with the Verizon handset as it offered more flexibility and options. He called it the "best bang for your buck in the US."
 
This is the disclaimer (copy/paste)from the Canadian website:

About the unlocked iPhone
The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a wireless contract commitment. You can activate and use iPhone on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice. The unlocked iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus will not work with CDMA-based carriers. An unlocked iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus may not support LTE networks in all other countries; contact service providers for details.
If you don’t want a multiyear service contract, or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the unlocked iPhone is the best choice. It does not come with a nano-SIM card, so you’ll need to get one from any supported GSM carrier worldwide. To start using it, simply insert an activated SIM card from a compatible network. Then turn on your iPhone and follow the onscreen instructions to set it up.

Therefore if you ask me the verizon model is still the best bet in the US. The sim free model is nothing but the t-mob/at&t model which could be purchased contract free at full price.

I agree with you. If the SIM-Free model is not 1586, it would be better to get the CDMA version of 1549. I'll see what they got and go from there.
 
I believe that the T-Mobile version is locked in the US for 2 months to T-Mobile's service.

I just told my friend to get two of those for a family member that is visiting him from overseas.

The thing is that if you take the T-Mobile version outside of the US, it will work right away.

Not true, I took my T-Mobile phone to the Cricket store the day I got it. It has worked splendidly.
 
So if I buy a non-subsidized 6 plus from Sprint, which I have, for $749,they won't unlock it for me? If by some chance they do, will it work on any other network?

I didn't realize how bad their LTE coverage was before I got the phone for my wife and me.

It may have changed, but until now Sprint would never unlock their phones for domestic use...only for international use. I'm not sure if buying for full price got you that automatically, or if you must request the international unlock.

According to the agreement the carriers made:

http://www.fcc.gov/device-unlocking-faq

...all carriers are to offer unlocking after Feb 15th of 2015. But there doesn't seem to be any obligation to unlock phones bought prior to that date. So who knows what Sprint will actually do?? Until now they have tried to blame Apple for their inability to unlock phones, but I don't think many people buy that excuse.

If the Sprint phone could be bought unlocked, it would be the most versatile version as it also includes China's bands. But until it is available, the VZ phone is the most versatile.
 
Should I exchange my T-Mobile 6+ purchased full price through Apple for a factory unlocked? So confusing… I might just exchange it to have peace of mind. I have 3 more days for a full return or exchange. I'm glad I'm still within the cycle.
 
Should I exchange my T-Mobile 6+ purchased full price through Apple for a factory unlocked? So confusing… I might just exchange it to have peace of mind. I have 3 more days for a full return or exchange. I'm glad I'm still within the cycle.
Unfortunately you would be simply exchanging one factory unlocked for another. Only difference being that the new sim-free would come without the sim. You could try to get the Verizon 6+ at full price. You could then have the added benefit of switching over to verizon at a later stage without any complications.
 
T-Mo full price not locked

FWIW - I bought a 16GB T-Mobile iPhone 6 from Apple Store for my wife on Dec 24th - a couple days later we went to AT&T store and they gave us a free nano-sim, popped it in and it worked great. A few days later, exchanged it at Apple store for an identical 64GB one, same SIM worked fine in it too.
 
All these comments are completely wrong. So misinformed. Wait till the tech specs are released before making comments on the compatibility of the phone.
 
Sure took there sweet time! It 1/6/2015!

I may wait till the crowd dies down and go buy an iPhone 6 at the end of February which is my usual time for purchasing an unlocked iPhone. Or I might just wait for iPhone 6S/7? Not quite sure yet!

Finally, the unlocked iPhone 6 comes tomorrow! YES!

Just want to tell everyone that this is Apple's official "UNLOCKED Version" of the iPhone 6 and it has a completely different number to identify it from the rest!
 
Yikes!

Let's make this as SIMPLE as possible.. The confusion is driving me crazy.

You can purchase the phone (T-Mobile) FULL OUT from an Apple Store,,, and you can use it on either ATT or T-Mobile and is unlocked.. I know because I'm using my 6 on ATT.. Even thought it said T-Mobile on the Apple Store... That is not an opinion,,, it is FACT.

Or,,, go to an T-Mobile store,,, purchase their Unlocked version,, From the T-Mobile Store stock,, and it will be LOCKED into T-Mobile for a few weeks or whatever, not sure.....

The difference is WHERE you purchase your unlocked T-Mobile phone,, form Apple or the T-Mobile Store.

Or,, EVEN BETTER,,, purchase a Verizon iPhone,,, (Any Model),,, They are all unlocked and can be used on Every Network except Sprint. That's the best,,,, Last year, I purchased a 5C Verizon from eBay,, used it on ATT... The seller,,, and pretty much all sellers, on eBay have no clue that ALLLLLLL Verizon phones are unlocked,,, that is why they are called World Phones.
 
What's the difference between this to be available, unlocked iPhone 6 and the existing full price t-mobile iPhone 6?

None at the Apple store. But the ones at the T-Mo store are locked. They were very clear about that.
 
I've always found it strange how they do this. Bought my iPhone 6 on launch day (T-Mobile Version), popped my AT&T SIM inside of it, plugged it into iTunes and was given the "Congratulations, this iPhone has been unlocked" message. Why don't they sell these as unlocked at launch? Why is there always conflicting answers from Apple support online, and other retailers?
 
I've always found it strange how they do this. Bought my iPhone 6 on launch day (T-Mobile Version), popped my AT&T SIM inside of it, plugged it into iTunes and was given the "Congratulations, this iPhone has been unlocked" message. Why don't they sell these as unlocked at launch? Why is there always conflicting answers from Apple support online, and other retailers?

That's just it,,,

It's WHERE you purchase T-Mobile unlocked phone from,,, Apple,,or T-Mobile,,, this is the disconnect,,, people will take that statement and figure you purchased it from a T-Mobile Store and popped in a ATT Sim.. That is the Confussion,,, You purchased it from the Apple Store,,,
 
I bought my iPhone 6 Plus T-Mobile version in December from the Apple Store. I paid full price unsubsidized/no contract.
I previously bought iPhone 5S in January 2014, and this screenshot is similar, it shows a bunch other carriers.

Someone mentioned to check if it's unlocked is you go to the settings and turn off the automatic. I don't have AT&T SIM so I couldn't really verify it.
aVuFTykl.jpg
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Back
Top