Can an unlocked iPhone 5s be blacklisted? I assume no because it isn't tied to any specific network right?
Well that depends...Did you purchase it factory unlocked? or did you purchase it locked to a carrier and then got it factory unlocked?
If the later, then yes it can be blacklisted because the IMEI is part of a carrier's database forever as it was sold by that particular carrier!
That makes sense. I haven't purchased one yet and am sticking to my 5 for the moment but I am thinking down the road (probably in September) I would be buying a 5s. With all the black listing and iCloud lock I feel I can no longer buy phones from Craigslist or swappa
Ya used market these days is a scary place because you can end up with a brick at anytime post purchase [could be days/weeks/months/years] but the possibility being there is the reason why I purchased by 5S brand new....wasn't going to buy a used one as I have done so with my 3GS/4/4S/5.
Are you sure about this? I thought after the two year contract window the phone couldn't be blacklisted because the subsidized phone had been paid? I might be wrong but I thought that's how it worked
It can still be blacklisted from reporting lost/stolen even after the 2 years.
Example: person sells you their fully paid off iPhone 5, he reports it stolen a week later. He then pays the $175 deductible for the insurance claim and in turn that iPhone 5 becomes blocked.
Your safest bet is to buy a used one on eBay. In that case you get 45 days of eBay buyer protection and if you pay with a credit card, most credit card companies usually give you 180 days to dispute a charge and get your money back.
I upgraded with orange but in the apple store, does that mean I'm not carrier locked?