How to pre-order CDMA iPhone X with only AT&T account

[kevjen888]

I'm not sure what this thread is about. Isn't an unlocked phone basically the same as a sim free phone. IF I did have a sim free phone and I wanted to us ATT, would I need an ATT sim card in a sim free phone. I have the ATT IP8 (fully paid). A few days ago I requested it to be unlocked and in less than 24 hours, ATT unlocked. I know with this phone now I can go overseas, pickup a local sim card and be good to go.

The thing I don't know is if my unlocked IP8 could EVER be used with Verizon or anyother CDMA network.

iPhones purchased from Apple directly are all unlocked. But of those unlocked models there are two kinds. AT&T and T-Mobile models are only GSM unlocked, they can be used on any networks runs GSM but not CDMA networks. Verizon and Sprint models are both GSM & CDMA unlocked, hence can be used on virtually any network worldwide.

 

[StarShot]

iPhones purchased from Apple directly are all unlocked. But of those unlocked models there are two kinds. AT&T and T-Mobile models are only GSM unlocked, they can be used on any networks runs GSM but not CDMA networks. Verizon and Sprint models are both GSM & CDMA unlocked, hence can be used on virtually any network worldwide.

Thanks, that clears up it up for me. Do the sim free phones have a virtural sim card that allows them to use ATT/T-Mobile?

 

[kevjen888]

Thanks, that clears up it up for me. Do the sim free phones have a virtural sim card that allows them to use ATT/T-Mobile?

Sim-free just the name it does not come with any SIM cards, just insert yours it’ll work. It’s basically identical to the Verizon model but you can purchase online without having an actual Verizon account.

 

[geoff5093]

It’s frustrating for actual Verizon customers who need the CDMA v. The users who just want it because of . . . Status I guess? (I understand there may be AT&T and T Mobile users with “legitimate” needs and my frustrations are not directed toward them) From Apples perspective it really should only have one version. So much easier to make and for us to acquire.

Oh well . . . That’s litigation and patents.

Not really for status, but a lot of people would rather have a phone that they can use on all US carriers and not be limited to just T-Mobile and AT&T.

 

[bufffilm]

Not really for status, but a lot of people would rather have a phone that they can use on all US carriers and not be limited to just T-Mobile and AT&T.

So wait for the sim-free version. That's always been the case.

 

[geoff5093]

So wait for the sim-free version. That's always been the case.

Some people don't want to wait months...

 

[bufffilm]

Some people don't want to wait months...

Hopefully you won't have to...but's that's up to Apple.

I really don't see what the fuss is about this year...but that's my feeling.

 

[Kendo]

My advice, don't overthink it. You're selling the phone in a year anyway for the iPhone Xs.

 

[protoxx]

My advice, don't overthink it. You're selling the phone in a year anyway for the iPhone Xs.

Maybe only 8 or 10 months.

 

[elev8d]

You’ll need phone number, last four digits of social, billing zip, and the account pin. So most unless they have a very willing friend or family member will not be ordering the Verizon model at pre order. Not for nothing the intel model is the sim free for most of the world I’ll never understand the schemes just to get the extra $6 in resale value. It’s a much smoother process to just order the one you have the credentials for. 🙄

I was considering switching to Verizon this year, as t-mobile service has been spotty for me. That's why it's an issue for me.

 

[WilliamG]

I was considering switching to Verizon this year, as t-mobile service has been spotty for me. That's why it's an issue for me.

Then I wouldn’t buy the GSM-only version.

 

[govnr99]

I am on AT&T network and plan to preorder iPhone X and pay the full price.
Since model A1865 (Qualcomm) supports more networks than A1901 (Intel), I would really want to have the Qualcomm model for future proof and international travel.
It seems like you could order SIM-free iPhone 8 but not iPhone X from Apple website. The Verizon version would require an active Verizon account, which I don't have.

My question is what is the best way to get the Qualcomm version at launch?

I broke down and ordered it from a Verizon Store. My plan is to try out verizon for a while and if they are good then keep it, otherwise I can swtich back to AT&T as there is no contract. Since I am paying full price fore the phone, it doesn't matter. They even gave me an iphone6 to try out their service for a week to make sure it had coverage everywhere I needed it.

I do have to return the iphone6 within a week to not get charged for it.