You're going on and on about model numbers, which is pointless. It's the internals that matter, not the model numbers. If Apple tomorrow sold, say, every Iphone 7 with different model numbers, does it make them different? No.
If you're saying they're different because of inherent different internals, then I'd like to see something to backup that claim.
No, model numbers matter and are not pointless. The model number for example determines: the price you can get on the resale market, how your device is registered in the Apple activation servers and what you get as a warranty exchange for your "model". You always get the same model (there is some magic that happens here).
Now, your random iPhone 7 comment. Yes it might be the same hardware or different for the iPhone 7, we don't have one yet for reference, unless you have been holding back on us and you have one already.
Apple has a well documented history of offering different carrier versions within an iPhone series. We don't have an iPhone 7 to use as an example so let's use the Verizon iPhone SE since that is what you started this thread about...
You never asked if were any "inherent" physical internal differences between a Verizon iPhone SE and a SIM-Free iPhone SE until now. You only asked why there was a Verizon iPhone SE and a SIM-free iPhone SE and what was different. I think we have covered the key differences already. But there is more...keep reading it is fun.
So let's play a game. I will say that in this specific case they have exactly the same BOM aka the same part list since they both use the Model A1662 identifier on the Apple.com site. So let us assume they share the same physical internals unless you can prove otherwise.
The differences begin with the retail box and the inclusion or exclusion of a Nano-SIM, moving on to the inclusion or exclusion of a SIM extractor (only available inbox with the SIM-free). Next we get to the backend system processing based on what you purchase. Apple will have your iPhone SE registered in the activation database as domestically and internationally unlocked and if you purchased the Verizon iPhone SE, the information will be made available to Verizon and include the IMEI/MEID and ICCID of the Nano-SIM.
Now you might say: hey I just want to buy a Verizon iPhone SE at the Apple store and not have it tied to my existing Verizon account and be preset for a Verizon activation using the new Verizon Nano-SIM. The Apple sales rep has the ability to override the standard purchase workflow and not have your Verizon iPhone SE activated. This would allow you to reuse your existing Verizon Nano-SIM that you mentioned that you wanted to reuse in your original post.
So now using your post that I quoted above as a basis: what on earth is the iPhone SE Model A1723. Based on Apple.com, it has different Cellular / Wireless specifications. So does it have different internals or is there some other Apple magic going on here!
Model A1662* ( SIM-free, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and others )
- LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29)
- CDMA EV‑DO Rev. A (800, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
- UMTS/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
- GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Model A1723* ( Sprint, Boost and others )
- LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28)
- TD‑LTE (Bands 38, 39, 40, 41)
- TD‑SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)
- CDMA EV‑DO Rev. A (800, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
- UMTS/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
- GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Note: Apple uses the term Model in different ways depending on what may be the phase of the moon. For example: the LTE page lists a model A1662 for both the SIM-free model and for AT&T, Verizon and numerous other carriers. Then then use MLMG2LL/A for example as the part number on a Verizon iPhone SE box. Once you turn on the iPhone and go to Settings > General > About > Model - you get MLMG2LL/A.
Dave
