iPhone 5S unlocked option removed from Apple Store?

[Ulmer]

A couple days ago on the Apple Store online, I believe the 5C and 5S listed "Unlocked and contract-free" options of T-mobile and "SIM-free".

Today, the 5C page continues to show these options, but the 5S page no longer lists an unlocked option. Just "Contract-free" for T-mobile.

http://store.apple.com/us/buy-iphone/iphone5s

Does this mean that the T-mobile 5S phones are locked and there's no unlocked option through the Apple Store yet? I know they have delayed unlocked phone availability in the past...

 

[JodyK]

The Tmobile versions will be unlocked

Apple is not calling them "unlocked" now I think because it draws resellers and promotes the Tmobile version. Will sku their sales numbers ... I am sure ATT complained about this.

 

[JKK photography]

Unfortunately, that's what it looks like. You're right, they have delayed the unlocked versions in the past to keep up with demand from customers who want a contract phone. I was hoping that that wouldn't be the case this time.

Thankfully, I believe this will still work for me. I'm hoping to pick up a 5s before I go to Australia for a year. However, when I come back, I'll probably try to get on AT&T.

Does anyone know what T-Mobile's unlocking policy is? Frankly, this device should be unlocked, since there is no hardware subsidy.

Edit: For those in a position like I am in, it seems like T-Mobile's unlocking policy is straightforward and that it does apply to iPhones: http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588

This looks like the route I'll be going tonight, at least.

 

[bendrumin]

I could be wrong, but if its an off contract phone (no upgrade but full price) it comes unlocked correct?

 

[jabba jabba]

Wow, good catch. They did change the wording and removed the link about the unlocked iPhone...

Although it looks like it will still be unlocked. Try selecting one of the T-mobile iPhones and in the Summary box in the upper right it's listed as "T-mobile Unlocked." Let's hope so...

But like most other questions prior to launch...no one knows for sure!

 

[aka777]

Thankfully, I believe this will still work for me. I'm hoping to pick up a 5s before I go to Australia for a year. However, when I come back, I'll probably try to get on AT&T.

You probably want to buy one there, so you get to utilize their LTE frequencies.

 

[JKK photography]

Wow, good catch. They did change the wording and removed the link about the unlocked iPhone...

Although it looks like it will still be unlocked. Try selecting one of the T-mobile iPhones and in the Summary box in the upper right it's listed as "T-mobile Unlocked." Let's hope so...

But like most other questions prior to launch...no one knows for sure!

Oh, alright -- good catch!

Hopefully it is just a change in wording. I guess we'll just wait and see, but T-Mobile does have a decent unlocking policy for its devices: http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588

It's a nice nuclear option, if the device comes locked.

----------

You probably want to buy one there, so you get to utilize their LTE frequencies.

I've checked the bands and I should be good to go, but I won't be in an area with LTE for the carrier I'll be on anyways, so it is kind of a non-issue. Plus, it's a temporary move and then I'll be back in the States again.

 

[krizko]

So, purchasing this "T-Mobile unlocked" iPhone would still work on an AT&T account using say a current iPhone 5 nano sim? Or is the hardware any different at all?

 

[Lance-AR]

From reading the unlock policy on T-Mobile's site it looks like you have to be a customer to unlock? I'm wanting to purchase a phone for AT&T..