Best way to get new no-contract iPhone?

[ninaco]

I've decided it's time to finally bite the bullet & get an iPhone when the 6 becomes available. (I've made due with a basic phone till now.)

I want to buy one w/out a contract. I'd most likely use it on Verizon, but don't want to be locked in. Looking at the Apple store, it seems I need to buy a phone directly from Verizon in order to get one that will work on Verizon's network. Is that true?

When I look at the Verizon site for the 5s (just checking out options - not buying the 5), it appears Verizon is only selling the 16GB phone for prepaid. Has that been the norm?

Thanks

 

[KUguardgrl13]

I've decided it's time to finally bite the bullet & get an iPhone when the 6 becomes available. (I've made due with a basic phone till now.)

I want to buy one w/out a contract. I'd most likely use it on Verizon, but don't want to be locked in. Looking at the Apple store, it seems I need to buy a phone directly from Verizon in order to get one that will work on Verizon's network. Is that true?

When I look at the Verizon site for the 5s (just checking out options - not buying the 5), it appears Verizon is only selling the 16GB phone for prepaid. Has that been the norm?

Thanks

Unfortunately it looks like contracts are the only option online except for GSM (AT&T or T-Mobile) unlocked. I'd try going to your local Apple Store after launch and ask about buying a Verizon iPhone 6 at full price. You should just need your account info, but I'm not sure how activation would work. You may be able to do it at a Verizon corporate store where they could transfer your number to a SIM card and install it (since I'm assuming your basic phone does not have a SIM; this is why the Apple Store might be a challenge). Just be sure to insist on paying full price to not get locked into a contract. They do have that option now listed on their website.

 

[jlake02]

I believe the new AT&T plans allow for "bring your own device" but I'm not sure if you can buy the new iPhone 6 right away via that plan.

 

[Woochifer]

If you are thinking about Verizon, then you have to buy a Verizon phone. It's the closest thing to a universal phone in the U.S. and will thus have the highest resale value. Problem is you can't order it contract-free from Apple online -- you have to go to an Apple store if you want the Verizon iPhone "device only." Not sure what hoops Verizon will make you jump through if you want to purchase a "device only" phone from one of their stores.

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I believe the new AT&T plans allow for "bring your own device" but I'm not sure if you can buy the new iPhone 6 right away via that plan.

The new plans do allow for BYOD. All you need is an AT&T SIM card, and the activation should be relatively simple.