iPhone 5S will only be unlocked on T-Mobile

[xmaseve]

I think you might not understand the meaning of "unlocked". If it's unlocked, it's not tied to T-Mobile. Apple's website says, "The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a wireless contract commitment. You can activate and use the unlocked iPhone on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice, such as AT&T or T-Mobile in the United States."

I see what your saying, but what is strange is that if you go to the unlocked section for the 5c and 4s, it's offers both a t-mobile unlocked and a sim-free unlocked. Why is there only the t-mobile unlocked option for the 5s. I use AT&T and want an unlocked 5s, but I'm wondering if the 5s still needs to be unlocked via t-mobile. Very confusing...nice job apple

 

[lorax3]

Interesting. So there is no way to buy a contract-free iPhone 5s on AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon?

 

[skimcpip]

Interesting. So there is no way to buy a contract-free iPhone 5s on AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon?

You'll be able to buy a phone without a contract. No contract =/= unlocked. You can walk into an Apple store or carrier store and pay full retail. Or if you don't have an upgrade, Apple.com will offer it to you at full price.

 

[chabig]

Interesting. So there is no way to buy a contract-free iPhone 5s on AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon?

Won't all the carriers sign you up contract-free if you bring your own device? I thought the contract was a condition of getting the subsidy.

 

[0970373]

Also a thing of note for those who are on AT&T and want an unlocked iPhone, purchasing the T-Mobile unlocked device is essentially the same thing since they will likely be the same phone just like is the case with the iPhone 5.

Upgrading from a 4S so hopefully I can just call or go to an AT&T tore and get a new SIM for it. Will it be that easy? I bought my 4S off contract full price but the AT&T model so they "unlocked" it on purchase and I just called AT&T to update the SIM in the system.

 

[lorax3]

You'll be able to buy a phone without a contract. No contract =/= unlocked. You can walk into an Apple store or carrier store and pay full retail. Or if you don't have an upgrade, Apple.com will offer it to you at full price.

I do have an upgrade available, but I do not want to use it and renew my contract.

I do not see the option to buy an off-contract iPhone 5s on Apple.com for any carrier besides T-Mobile. The system sees I have an upgrade, so it suggests the subsided price.

 

[skimcpip]

I do have an upgrade available, but I do not want to use it and renew my contract.

I do not see the option to buy an off-contract iPhone 5s on Apple.com for any carrier besides T-Mobile. The system sees I have an upgrade, so it suggests the subsided price.

Go with the "T-Mobile" option. You won't be getting a phone specifically tied to T-Mobile only. You'll get the same exact phone as you would get from ATT or Verizon, but unlocked, and it happens to come with a T-Mobile SIM card, which you don't have to use or activate. You will be able to buy this phone at full price and use it on any network except Sprint.

 

[lorax3]

Go with the "T-Mobile" option. You won't be getting a phone specifically tied to T-Mobile only. You'll get the same exact phone as you would get from ATT or Verizon, but unlocked, and it happens to come with a T-Mobile SIM card, which you don't have to use or activate. You will be able to buy this phone at full price and use it on any network except Sprint.

Gotcha. Thanks!

 

[jpcarro]

You can also buy a Verizon iPhone 5, 5C or 5S full price without a contract, and that phone will work on TMobile and ATT on their HSPA bands. No LTE (LTE on Verizon only).

I don't think the statement "No LTE (LTE on Verizon only)" is accurate for the model A1533 (CDMA) 5s. If you put in an AT&T sim and disable CDMA, you should get LTE on AT&T's network.

 

[chabig]

I don't think the statement "No LTE (LTE on Verizon only)" is accurate for the model A1533 (CDMA) 5s. If you put in an AT&T sim and disable CDMA, you should get LTE on AT&T's network.

I'm not so smart on these things, but according to this article it won't.

 

[bendrumin]

I'm not so smart on these things, but according to this article it won't.

because thats for the 5, not the 5s. The 5s works on GSM and CDMA with all LTE.