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It's a SIM card thing, as well as a model thing. AT&T and T-Mobile being identical models, Verizon being CDMA enabled with the phone IMEI whitelisted on Verizon's network. Not sure about Sprint though.

I didn't think it was a model thing. I thought factory unlocked phones had the capability for both GSM & CDMA networks and that buying a phone on this upgrade plan means you can take your device to ANY carrier.
 



iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s pre-orders began on September 12 at 12:01 AM Pacific, with two options to receive your new smartphone: home delivery or in-store pickup. Customers that do not place a pre-order or reservation for in-store pickup can also try their luck by standing in line at an Apple Store on September 25, but expect long lines. Most retail locations will open early at 8:00 AM local time.

Reserve and Pick Up

The easiest and most convenient way to purchase an iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus from an Apple Store on launch day is to make a reservation for in-store pickup by September 25. Simply choose an iPhone model, color, storage size and carrier on Apple's website and click on the "Reserve to buy in store" button.

iPhone6s-Reserve.jpg

Next, sign in with your Apple ID and select an Apple Store near you. You will then be required to text a code to an Apple number to receive a unique registration code to enter on Apple's website. Then, select how many iPhones you would like, choose a 30-minute time block for pickup, verify your contact information and confirm your reservation.

When you arrive at the Apple Store during your specified check-in window, most locations should have a special line for customers with reservations. An employee will then help you with purchasing and setting up your new iPhone. Only the person named on the reservation can pick up the iPhone -- bring a government-issued photo ID.


Click here to read more...

Article Link: How to Purchase an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus From an Apple Store on September 25
 
I've reserved two iPhones now at two different locations and didn't receive a confirmation code either time , but it did say my conversation was reserved. Did this happen to anyone else?
 
I didn't think it was a model thing. I thought factory unlocked phones had the capability for both GSM & CDMA networks and that buying a phone on this upgrade plan means you can take your device to ANY carrier.
I believe they still separate them out. I'd read that AT&T and T-Mobile were the same model this year but the following links don't agree with that, suggesting T-Mobile/Verizon/Sprint are on the A1688 and AT&T is on the A1633 (for iphone 6s)
http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/
http://www.apple.com/iphone-6s/specs/

Now does this make a functional real-world difference for most people? Not likely. I'd buy a unlocked T-Mobile or Verizon phone to use on AT&T without a second thought, and I'd buy an unlocked AT&T to use on T-Mobile without a second thought. Unless Verizon has changed, they won't turn on a non-Verizon device; while the model may be technically capable that's meaningless if the carrier won't accept it onto their network.
 
As a CDMA-based carrier (until LTE takes over), Verizon isn't nearly as friendly to the bring-your-own-phone trend as the likes of AT&T or T-Mobile. You can't usually swap SIM cards and expect your unlocked phone to work. Thankfully, the carrier recently made the process a whole lot easier... provided you have the right device, that is. It'll now activatecompatible, unlocked versions of the iPhone 6 and Nexus 6. So long as you can find your device's ID and pick up a Verizon SIM, you can jump over to Big Red without having to ditch your existing hardware. You'll likely be stuck if you own another device, but that's more due to technology (few unlocked phones have full Verizon CDMA and LTE support at present) than anything else.



Of course, Verizon isn't opening up strictly out of kindness. Allowing outside phones helps Verizon honor the voluntary code of conduct for American carriers, which is meant to simplify jumping between providers and stay on the government's good side. Also, this is simply wise from a business perspective. Few people relish the thought of buying a brand new phone (or waiting for a promotional credit) to switch networks -- eliminating that hurdle potentially gets more customers, whether they're unhappy with their old service or wary of owning a carrier-locked handset.
 
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Are those that are excited about the 6S just people on the "S" upgrade cycle? My 6 is only about 8 months old and still working great, I am not under contract but don't see any reason to blow an upgrade on the 6S. I'll save t for the 7.

I'm on the S upgrade cycle as I generally find the S model a much better product because they've had time to iron out all the problems with the first iteration of each new design.
 
Are those that are excited about the 6S just people on the "S" upgrade cycle? My 6 is only about 8 months old and still working great, I am not under contract but don't see any reason to blow an upgrade on the 6S. I'll save t for the 7.

My wife and I are still on the 4S. I don't think much more needs to be said.

BL.
 
One would have to be insane to want to wait in a ten hour line for any Apple device today. This went out with the flat-brim baseball cap.
No need to be so judgmental of others. While I have no desire or intent to stand in line for hours, I'm mature enough to grasp the concept that others might enjoy the experience for some reason that I don't understand. Just for fun, go talk to an ER nurse about motorcycles sometime... :D

Are those that are excited about the 6S just people on the "S" upgrade cycle? My 6 is only about 8 months old and still working great, I am not under contract but don't see any reason to blow an upgrade on the 6S. I'll save t for the 7.
Blow an upgrade? Are you still on a subsidized plan?

I pick and choose based on the feature set and differences from previous models. Went from 4 to 4S for the improved performance and because someone in the family needed a new-to-them phone but didn't need the latest/greatest. Skipped the 5 and bought the 5S due to TouchID. Went to the 6 for the screen size bump. I'm not currently planning to buy a 6S as I don't see a strong enough reason to spend the money given my particular needs/usage.
 
Hey guys, can I purchase a 6S outright at the apple store on Friday as a cricket user? Just want to pay full price for the phone. Will apple let me?
 
Hey guys, can I purchase a 6S outright at the apple store on Friday as a cricket user? Just want to pay full price for the phone. Will apple let me?
In the past I've been able to buy TMobile phones outright, they never asked me if I was a TMO customer. Didn't activate in store, just opened box to make sure phone was physically okay. Later on I simply moved an extant AT&T SIM into the phones (mine, wife's, one for a buddy) and was good to go.

Up to you as far as whether you can do that with Cricket. I know they're an MVNO but never looked into what network they ride on.
 
Seriously. "i'd rather take off a couple days of making money to then lose more money waiting in line." ha ha, Ship to home!
Careful not to think everyone is the same. Especially if that leads into judging others choices/actions.

Lots of folks making good money working nights, or later hours, or in many cases stuff like 4 days on / 3 days off. The latter is pretty common for dentists and their staff around here.

If not needing to be at work on a Friday, which would be better: reserve for in-store pickup when you know what your pickup time is and you're free to do whatever you want before and after, or order for delivery and be stuck at home all day at the mercy of the delivery driver's schedule while praying they don't come while you're on the can.
 
Will I be able to walk in to an Apple store tomorrow and purchase a Sim-Free iPhone 6S Plus (assuming they have one in stock that suits me)?

I want to purchase a phone outright and move to AT&T but I don't want any type of long term agreement or be under contract with a carrier.
 
Will I be able to walk in to an Apple store tomorrow and purchase a Sim-Free iPhone 6S Plus (assuming they have one in stock that suits me)?

I want to purchase a phone outright and move to AT&T but I don't want any type of long term agreement or be under contract with a carrier.
 
Yes you can that's what I'm doing in the morning I'm here camping out I'm not using my upgrade just buying straight out Like previous years
 
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Yes you can that's what I'm doing in the morning I'm here camping out I'm not using my upgrade just buying straight out Like previous years

Thank you for the hint. I went into the store and bought a phone outright. They still wanted to know which carrier I was going to though. Which I am not sure why they do this. I did not activate it in the store. I went to an AT&T store and activated the phone without being locked into a contract. Feels so much better that way.

I plan on purchasing a SIM card when I go on vacation and see how that works. Should be interesting!
 
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