iPhone 11 Pro Does being locked in to carrier hurt resale value?

[NJRonbo]

I waited on preorder launch day to order my iPhone Pro Max.

I wasn't really sure I wanted it, and about 8 hours post-launch, I decided to order.

I usually always get the unlocked version.

That version was sold out so I got the Verizon version since I am on that network.

Does that hurt the chance of resale? I know unlocked phones usually sell higher.

However, aren't the SIM cards removable, and as thus, the phones are essentially unlocked anyway unless you go with AT&T?

Thanks in advance.

 

[chrfr]

I waited on preorder launch day to order my iPhone Pro Max.

I wasn't really sure I wanted it, and about 8 hours post-launch, I decided to order.

I usually always get the unlocked version.

That version was sold out so I got the Verizon version since I am on that network.

Does that hurt the chance of resale? I know unlocked phones usually sell higher.

However, aren't the SIM cards removable, and as thus, the phones are essentially unlocked anyway unless you go with AT&T?

Thanks in advance.

From Apple's "Will my iPhone be unlocked" page:
Your iPhone will be unlocked when you:
Choose any carrier and select One-time payment.
Choose any carrier and select Apple iPhone Payments.
Choose any carrier and either join or upgrade with the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program.
Purchase a SIM-free model. This is like any other iPhone, just without a carrier nano-SIM card.

Your iPhone will be locked when you:
Choose AT&T as your carrier and pay with AT&T Next.

In short, yes, phones that are carrier locked do have a lower resale value.

 

[Givmeabrek]

Verizon version is unlocked...

 

[NJRonbo]

Excellent. Thanks for the help, gents!

This way I can sell the phone as unlocked.

 

[ATEspo]

I've been fighting with AT&T to unlock my iPhone X for about a week now. I finally called Apple and they are calling AT&T for me to get it resolved.

I originally bought my X through Apple but used AT&T's Next program. I paid the phone off last month so I could get it unlocked and prepare to sell it when my 11 Pro comes in. AT&T Told me I had to call Apple to get it unlocked since I purchased it directly from them...

When I check my unlock status on AT&T's site I get:
Current status - Denied
Your unlock request was denied because the IMEI number doesn't match a device that's compatible with the AT&T network

 

[Mr. Heckles]

I've been fighting with AT&T to unlock my iPhone X for about a week now. I finally called Apple and they are calling AT&T for me to get it resolved.

I originally bought my X through Apple but used AT&T's Next program. I paid the phone off last month so I could get it unlocked and prepare to sell it when my 11 Pro comes in. AT&T Told me I had to call Apple to get it unlocked since I purchased it directly from them...

When I check my unlock status on AT&T's site I get:
Current status - Denied
Your unlock request was denied because the IMEI number doesn't match a device that's compatible with the AT&T network

Wow that's bad! Years ago I had issues unlocking from them because I upgraded to a new iPhone and wanted to unlock my iPhone for my mom. Nothing but issues. They said I had to wait 14 days after I got my new iPhone to unlock, and I say why? They said it's their policy. I said well I paid for the phone, who owns? And it was just an argument. I ordered the 11 and since I am waiting for it, I already unlocked my iPhone 7. It's been paid off for over a year, but I just remembered to do it now. I get locking it while it's being paid off, but it should be automatically unlocked as soon as that last payment is done.

 

[JRoDDz]

Best bet is to buy the Sim-free version which isn't tied to any carrier. Just take your sim card and pop it in. You're done.

 

[tps3443]

ATT unlocks phones easily. They unlocked my iPad Pro 1TB cellular, I restored it with iTunes and could use any carrier on the Apple ESIM, and any carrier nano SIM card in the external sim slot. Data would work immediately. I could activate any carrier data plan in the settings too

I also just unlocked a iPhone 7 which can use any nano SIM card just fine too

What is the issue with AT&T devices ???

I know some people want to use other carriers. But AT&T is balling fast anyways.

Are people trying to sell new devices that are still on payment plans or something???

What is the issue. Wait until AT&T just lets you unlock the device, and they will.

 

[NJRonbo]

I always thought AT&T worked on a different signal spectrum than the other carriers.

At least that was the issue two years ago when I owned one of their iPhones and could not switch to Verizon.

I don't know what has changed since.

 

[Strelok]

Verizon version is unlocked...

Verizon actually locks phones for up to 60 days now, which is stupid that the FCC decided to allow that.

 

[NJRonbo]

Verizon actually locks phones for up to 60 days now, which is stupid that the FCC decided to allow that.

When do they lock it? Upon activation?

I just want to be certain that in a year's time I can sell it as unlocked.

 

[Strelok]

When do they lock it? Upon activation?

I just want to be certain that in a year's time I can sell it as unlocked.

I believe it's activation and like I said, after 60 days it is 100% unlocked. You could probably get them to unlock it before, they generally don't care about you using a GSM carrier as long as you are paying for Verizon service.