Buying an unsubsidized phone

It will be available on apples website as the unlocked version. Full price would be about 649$

 

Along the same lines, could I purchase an iPhone at full price and use it on Verizon without a data plan. For the sake of argument, I'd only use the iPhone's data capabilities on wifi.

I'm on a voice-only plan that I really like as it's cheap and meets our needs. The selection of dumb phones on VZ is pitiful, but my current phone is falling apart.

I am philosophically opposed to a mandatory data plan. I can afford it, but I don't want to be mandated to get a data plan if I want a smartphone.

 

I think your best bet would be to go into an Apple store and ask them for a Verizon one without a new contract.

 

You are unlikely to be able to preorder it at launch (couldn't last year) but should be able to get one at either an Apple or Verizon store, assuming you don't mind waiting in line.

 

Nope, you can't do this.

 

You can't use the factory unlocked iPhone on Verizon.

Your best bet is to go to Verizon and pay the full price.

Not sure if this would work via preordering.

 

Smartphones require a data plan.

 

to get an unsubsidized iPhone it is mandatory to have a data plan. but that goes for any smartphone on verizon.

as for preordering it, on preorder day, navigate to the buy page, and select what line you want to use. It may alert you that you don't have an upgrade available, or you can just select pay retail price. that will just give you the phone, no contract renewal needed.

 

this. You are not looking for an unlocked phone, just a full priced phone. When you go to buy online still purchase a verizon phone, but at full retail pricing.

 

Unsubsidized iPhones are quite pricey. Currently on Verizon you pay 849$ + tax for the high end 4s.

 

The unlocked version currently does not work with CDMA carriers.
Its only GSM unlocked.

 

Yes, correct. I forgot to add that note. For example, my GSM AT&T iphone is now unlocked. I can now go to europe for example as i did 3 weeks ago and used a local carrier ( Vodafone ) and popped my ATT sim back in when i came home. Bam BOom!

 

I bought my unsubsidized Verizon 4s at Apple store on the day it was released.

 

Would it be less expensive to port your number to Google Talk, cancel your existing account, pay the early termination fee and then get a new line with a subsidized IPhone5? I think it could work for me but I am on a shared plan with my wife and dont know if it would mess up her service since she isnt interested in upgrading from her Verizon 4s.

 

How would that help him retain his unlimited data?

 

are you referring to how to preorder on the apple site or verizon site? I just asked this question the other day in a different thread:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=15514237#post15514237

 

Nobody knows that, because LTE may change things up. Don't forget that LTE requires SIM cards like GSM. You could also use the Verizon iPad on AT&T just fine

 

I was referring to the Verizon site. That's how i did it for the 4s, it was actually moving quicker than Apple's site. a little less clogged.

 

This I did not know about LTE

 

True. However, if LTE is not available in a given area area, a vzw phone will default to vzw 3G which is CDMA. Doubt that changes.