iPhone 6 / 6 Plus A1549/A1522 & A1586/A1524 AT&T T-Mobile Verizon Sprint - Explained

[Allthings-I]

Hi, seems lots of people are confused about the iPhone model variations, learning a lot from the previous gens (5S), I am putting together this guide here with reference from previous shares on the forum, hope it helps:

AT&T A1549 / A1522 GSM -- These two models will also be sold in many other countries that do not have TD LTE however LOCK / Unlock status will depend on that specific carrier / network.
Unlocked: If purchased from Apple store full retail price device only
Locked: If purchased from Apple at the subsidized price, AT&T, or any other 3rd party retailer (2yr Contract / Next Plan)
Note: Can easily be unlocked for Cheap using remote IMEI sites (does not matter whether phone is in contract or not)
Carrier: AT&T will unlock your iPhone 6 / 6 Plus once your contract is completed per request. Unlock works for any GSM carrier, US or other countries
Will it work?: Yes This model will work on AT&T / T-Mobile and all MVNO networks that use AT&T / T-Mobile towers + All other GSM networks worldwide.

Verizon A1549 / A1522 CDMA
Unlocked: No matter where purchased or at what price, ALL Verizon iPhone 6 / 6 Plus are unlocked right out of the box. Even if they are bought from Verizon or 3rd party retailers at the subsidized price. Can never be carrier locked. The is due to an FCC requirement for Verizon LTE phones.
Will it work?: Yes This model will work on Verizon / AT&T / T-Mobile and all MVNO networks that use AT&T / T-Mobile towers + All other GSM networks worldwide.

T-Mobile A1549 / A1522 GSM
Unlocked: If purchased from Apple Store at Full Price It will be unlocked -- EIP / contract pricing not available via Apple Store / Apple.com
Locked: If purchased from a T-Mobile retail store whether financing or at full retail price or via 3rd party store on T-Mobile contract/financing plan. Phone will be LOCKED.
Carrier: T-Mobile allows you to request an unlock for your phone after 40 days of service with the carrier. Unlock works for any GSM carrier. US and other countries.
Will it work?: Yes This model will work on AT&T / T-Mobile and all MVNO networks that use AT&T / T-Mobile towers + All other GSM networks worldwide.

Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire A1586 / A1524 These two models will also be sold in many other countries that do have TD LTE however LOCK / Unlock status will depend on that specific carrier / network.
Unlocked: This phone can ONLY be unlocked by at the discretion of Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire. After 90 days of service and paying your bill on time Sprint will allow you to request an unlock of your iPhone.
Locked: This phone will be locked no matter where or how you purchased it. Full retail or subsidized.
Note: Even when Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire 'unlocks' your iPhone, it is only for international use. It CANNOT be used on domestic GSM carriers like AT&T or T-Mobile. This means that in the USA your phone can only be used on Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire even if it is unlocked. No exceptions.
Will it work?: No because Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire Unlock Policy does not allow you to use the iPhone on any GSM network within USA -- Unlocking is virtually impossible by Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire.

Please Understand:

iPhones are designed to be universal, All variations of iPhones contain official Carrier Settings for All Global carriers/networks that officially sell the iPhone as part of their phone lineup. Hence MMS+Visual Voicemail (If supported by network) will work by simply inserting that Carrier/Network's SIM into the iPhone.

If you are using the iPhone on a "Unsupported" network AKA network that does not currently sell the iPhone as part of its phone lineup, then you will be able to enter the APN / MMS settings via Cellular Data Network option available under "Carrier".

So Example: if you buy a Verizon iPhone 5S / 6 / 6Plus and want to use it on AT&T or T-Mobile, all you need to do is insert the SIM and EVERYTHING will work out of the box literally. This is the simplify that the iOS / iPhones are designed with in mind.


You can Find the iPhone Model and see if your country LTE is supported here: http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/ <--- Please note there is error on Apple Site, First Batch should say A1549 and A1522 GSM and CDMA respectively -- and if you don't see your iPhone 6 / 6 Plus listed with your country, look at iPhone 5S -- All iPhone 5S LTE bands are supported on iPhone 6 / 6 Plus -- Just a matter of Apple updating the full list (Hopefully they will do soon)

Recommend Model to buy at Full Price:

1st Choice: Verizon iPhone 6 (A1549 CDMA) or iPhone 6 Plus (A1522 CDMA) -- Give you most flexibility & freedom to use Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile with Full 3G/4G + LTE and all other MVNO's + Global networks.

2nd Choice: GSM iPhone 6 (A1549 GSM) or iPhone 6 Plus (A1522 GSM) Either AT&T or T-Mobile and have them unlock it or get it unlocked from 3rd party -- Give you freedom to use AT&T, T-Mobile with Full 3G/4G + LTE and all other MVNO's + Global networks.

I'm hoping this helps, if you have any seriously technical questions you can BBM to: 79F758CA for more info.

 

[rumorman69]

Hi, seems lots of people are confused about the iPhone model variations
T-Mobile A1549 / A1522 GSM
Thus coming from Apple, the iPhone 6 / 6 Plus that has a T-Mobile sim card SHOULD BE UNLOCKED but last year some 5S models came LOCKED....so be careful.

Mmm, any proof of this. I purchased T-Mobile 5S's from Apple and they were all UNLOCKED...

 

[Allthings-I]

Mmm, any proof of this. I purchased T-Mobile 5S's from Apple and they were all UNLOCKED...

Could have just searched the forum but heres a full blown discussion from last year....https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1640112/

 

[rumorman69]

Could have just searched the forum but heres a full blown discussion from last year....https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1640112/

I don't have time to read through 36 pages of comments. From a preliminary glance I see no proof of Apple selling any Full-Price iPhone 5S's locked to T-Mobile. The thread was started *before* the 5S launch and was based on speculation / what apple employees said, not on actual facts. There may have been claims in the thread of people buying locked, full-price phones from Apple, but I didn't see any. Feel free to post them - we're not going to read through the entire thing.

 

[Allthings-I]

I don't have time to read through 36 pages of comments. From a preliminary glance I see no proof of Apple selling any Full-Price iPhone 5S's locked to T-Mobile. The thread was started *before* the 5S launch and was based on speculation / what apple employees said, not on actual facts. There may have been claims in the thread of people buying locked, full-price phones from Apple, but I didn't see any. Feel free to post them - we're not going to read through the entire thing.

and what makes you think I have the time? did you not read I said "may" and I also posted the link for anyone that interested to dig deeper if they indeed are buying the iPhone 6 / 6+ T-mobile "named" from Apple.com.

I think as long as they ask for "Device Only", anyone buying at full price should be good to go with a factory unlocked one, or the device unlock will complete by first activation.

 

[AndrewR23]

I bought a t mobile 5S off apple and it was unlocked. They were never locked from apple. Ever. In the United States at least.

 

[rumorman69]

and what makes you think I have the time? did you not read I said "may" and I also posted the link for anyone that interested to dig deeper if they indeed are buying the iPhone 6 / 6+ T-mobile "named" from Apple.com.

I think as long as they ask for "Device Only", anyone buying at full price should be good to go with a factory unlocked one, or the device unlock will complete by first activation.

Yes, and Tim Cook *may* have personally delivered gold-plated iPhone 5S's to 100 lucky people last year. You made a claim and I'm just asking you to back it up (i.e. Where are there even people claiming they bought locked no-contract phones from Apple. Speculation about the matter before the iPhone 5S was even released is irrelevant.

----------

I bought a t mobile 5S off apple and it was unlocked. They were never locked from apple. Ever. In the United States at least.

Yeah, that's what I beleve to be the case. Op probably made a mistake, but doesn't seem to want to admit it.

 

[Allthings-I]

Yes, and Tim Cook *may* have personally delivered gold-plated iPhone 5S's to 100 lucky people last year. You made a claim and I'm just asking you to back it up (i.e. Where are there even people claiming they bought locked no-contract phones from Apple. Speculation about the matter before the iPhone 5S was even released is irrelevant.

----------



Yeah, that's what I beleve to be the case. Op probably made a mistake, but doesn't seem to want to admit it.

I own up to it, As I should have worded it differently, so now I just correct the main post fully to reflect full price T-Mobile Contract Free Device = Unlocked.

 

[applestore91]

Hi, seems lots of people are confused about the iPhone model variations, learning a lot from the previous gens (5S), I am putting together this guide here with reference from previous shares on the forum, hope it helps:

AT&T A1549 / A1522 GSM -- These two models will also be sold in many other countries that do not have TD LTE however LOCK / Unlock status will depend on that specific carrier / network.
Unlocked: If purchased from Apple store full retail price device only
Locked: If purchased from Apple at the subsidized price, AT&T, or any other 3rd party retailer (2yr Contract / Next Plan)
Note: Can easily be unlocked for Cheap using remote IMEI sites (does not matter whether phone is in contract or not)
Carrier: AT&T will unlock your iPhone 6 / 6 Plus once your contract is completed per request. Unlock works for any GSM carrier, US or other countries
Will it work?: Yes This model will work on AT&T / T-Mobile and all MVNO networks that use AT&T / T-Mobile towers + All other GSM networks worldwide.

Verizon A1549 / A1522 CDMA
Unlocked: No matter where purchased or at what price, ALL Verizon iPhone 6 / 6 Plus are unlocked right out of the box. Even if they are bought from Verizon or 3rd party retailers at the subsidized price. Can never be carrier locked. The is due to an FCC requirement for Verizon LTE phones.
Will it work?: Yes This model will work on Verizon / AT&T / T-Mobile and all MVNO networks that use AT&T / T-Mobile towers + All other GSM networks worldwide.

T-Mobile A1549 / A1522 GSM
Unlocked: If purchased from Apple Store at Full Price It will be unlocked -- EIP / contract pricing not available via Apple Store / Apple.com
Locked: If purchased from a T-Mobile retail store whether financing or at full retail price or via 3rd party store on T-Mobile contract/financing plan. Phone will be LOCKED.
Carrier: T-Mobile allows you to request an unlock for your phone after 40 days of service with the carrier. Unlock works for any GSM carrier. US and other countries.
Will it work?: Yes This model will work on AT&T / T-Mobile and all MVNO networks that use AT&T / T-Mobile towers + All other GSM networks worldwide.

Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire A1586 / A1524 These two models will also be sold in many other countries that do have TD LTE however LOCK / Unlock status will depend on that specific carrier / network.
Unlocked: This phone can ONLY be unlocked by at the discretion of Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire. After 90 days of service and paying your bill on time Sprint will allow you to request an unlock of your iPhone.
Locked: This phone will be locked no matter where or how you purchased it. Full retail or subsidized.
Note: Even when Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire 'unlocks' your iPhone, it is only for international use. It CANNOT be used on domestic GSM carriers like AT&T or T-Mobile. This means that in the USA your phone can only be used on Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire even if it is unlocked. No exceptions.
Will it work?: No because Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire Unlock Policy does not allow you to use the iPhone on any GSM network within USA -- Unlocking is virtually impossible by Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire.

Please Understand:

iPhones are designed to be universal, All variations of iPhones contain official Carrier Settings for All Global carriers/networks that officially sell the iPhone as part of their phone lineup. Hence MMS+Visual Voicemail (If supported by network) will work by simply inserting that Carrier/Network's SIM into the iPhone.

If you are using the iPhone on a "Unsupported" network AKA network that does not currently sell the iPhone as part of its phone lineup, then you will be able to enter the APN / MMS settings via Cellular Data Network option available under "Carrier".

So Example: if you buy a Verizon iPhone 5S / 6 / 6Plus and want to use it on AT&T or T-Mobile, all you need to do is insert the SIM and EVERYTHING will work out of the box literally. This is the simplify that the iOS / iPhones are designed with in mind.


You can Find the iPhone Model and see if your country LTE is supported here: http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/ <--- Please note there is error on Apple Site, First Batch should say A1549 and A1522 GSM and CDMA respectively -- and if you don't see your iPhone 6 / 6 Plus listed with your country, look at iPhone 5S -- All iPhone 5S LTE bands are supported on iPhone 6 / 6 Plus -- Just a matter of Apple updating the full list (Hopefully they will do soon)

Recommend Model to buy at Full Price:

1st Choice: Verizon iPhone 6 (A1549 CDMA) or iPhone 6 Plus (A1522 CDMA) -- Give you most flexibility & freedom to use Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile with Full 3G/4G + LTE and all other MVNO's + Global networks.

2nd Choice: GSM iPhone 6 (A1549 GSM) or iPhone 6 Plus (A1522 GSM) Either AT&T or T-Mobile and have them unlock it or get it unlocked from 3rd party -- Give you freedom to use Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile with Full 3G/4G + LTE and all other MVNO's + Global networks.

I'm hoping this helps, if you have any seriously technical questions you can BBM to: 79F758CA for more info.

Is Samunlocks site reliable source to unlock the iPhone 6 plus (ATT)?

 

[cbongiova]

So the full price iphone sold on the apple.com website is not compatiable with Verizon?

How can you buy a Verizon iphone for full price and add it to an existing line? Can this be done online?

 

[CEmajr]

Could have just searched the forum but heres a full blown discussion from last year....https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1640112/

The ones saying it might be locked were speculation. After release everyone who bought one, myself included, proved they were unlocked. Apple doesn't sell locked T-Mobile phones at all. Period.

 

[nardow12]

Waiting for a confirmation on the Apple store full price ATT iPhone 6 being unlocked not or not

I'm sure it will be if nothing changes from last year, but still waiting for a sure answer

 

[TheMWaly]

Confirmed. The T-Mobile iPhone 6 from Apple is unlocked.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1773920/

 

[videoexpert]

You are wrong!

CORRECTION! I bought AT&T full price and it is locked! I tried other sim cards and it does not work. PS your website is not cheap $120 to unlock it a rip off. I can set up account month to month with AT&T and then request unlock for less, then cancel.

AT&T A1549 / A1522 GSM -- These two models will also be sold in many other countries that do not have TD LTE however LOCK / Unlock status will depend on that specific carrier / network.
Unlocked: If purchased from Apple store full retail price device only
Locked: If purchased from Apple at the subsidized price, AT&T, or any other 3rd party retailer (2yr Contract / Next Plan)
Note: Can easily be unlocked for Cheap using remote IMEI sites (does not matter whether phone is in contract or not)

 

[terraphantm]

CORRECTION! I bought AT&T full price and it is locked! I tried other sim cards and it does not work. PS your website is not cheap $120 to unlock it a rip off. I can set up account month to month with AT&T and then request unlock for less, then cancel.

Call att and they should unlock it. They may ask for a receipt showing you paid full price.

 

[Ceobuilder]

A1586/A1524 unlocked work with AT&T or T-Mobile 4G network in USA?

You'd mentioned that even the unlocked version from Sprint will not work with other GSM network in USA. I have an unlocked version A1586/A1524 from Hong Kong and I want to bring this phone back to usa and use on T-Mobile network. It's not from Sprint or any carrier and I'd like to know whether it will work on T-Mobile 4G network or not.

Hi, seems lots of people are confused about the iPhone model variations, learning a lot from the previous gens (5S), I am putting together this guide here with reference from previous shares on the forum, hope it helps:

AT&T A1549 / A1522 GSM -- These two models will also be sold in many other countries that do not have TD LTE however LOCK / Unlock status will depend on that specific carrier / network.
Unlocked: If purchased from Apple store full retail price device only
Locked: If purchased from Apple at the subsidized price, AT&T, or any other 3rd party retailer (2yr Contract / Next Plan)
Note: Can easily be unlocked for Cheap using remote IMEI sites (does not matter whether phone is in contract or not)
Carrier: AT&T will unlock your iPhone 6 / 6 Plus once your contract is completed per request. Unlock works for any GSM carrier, US or other countries
Will it work?: Yes This model will work on AT&T / T-Mobile and all MVNO networks that use AT&T / T-Mobile towers + All other GSM networks worldwide.

Verizon A1549 / A1522 CDMA
Unlocked: No matter where purchased or at what price, ALL Verizon iPhone 6 / 6 Plus are unlocked right out of the box. Even if they are bought from Verizon or 3rd party retailers at the subsidized price. Can never be carrier locked. The is due to an FCC requirement for Verizon LTE phones.
Will it work?: Yes This model will work on Verizon / AT&T / T-Mobile and all MVNO networks that use AT&T / T-Mobile towers + All other GSM networks worldwide.

T-Mobile A1549 / A1522 GSM
Unlocked: If purchased from Apple Store at Full Price It will be unlocked -- EIP / contract pricing not available via Apple Store / Apple.com
Locked: If purchased from a T-Mobile retail store whether financing or at full retail price or via 3rd party store on T-Mobile contract/financing plan. Phone will be LOCKED.
Carrier: T-Mobile allows you to request an unlock for your phone after 40 days of service with the carrier. Unlock works for any GSM carrier. US and other countries.
Will it work?: Yes This model will work on AT&T / T-Mobile and all MVNO networks that use AT&T / T-Mobile towers + All other GSM networks worldwide.

Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire A1586 / A1524 These two models will also be sold in many other countries that do have TD LTE however LOCK / Unlock status will depend on that specific carrier / network.
Unlocked: This phone can ONLY be unlocked by at the discretion of Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire. After 90 days of service and paying your bill on time Sprint will allow you to request an unlock of your iPhone.
Locked: This phone will be locked no matter where or how you purchased it. Full retail or subsidized.
Note: Even when Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire 'unlocks' your iPhone, it is only for international use. It CANNOT be used on domestic GSM carriers like AT&T or T-Mobile. This means that in the USA your phone can only be used on Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire even if it is unlocked. No exceptions.
Will it work?: No because Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire Unlock Policy does not allow you to use the iPhone on any GSM network within USA -- Unlocking is virtually impossible by Sprint / US Cellular / C-Spire.

Please Understand:

iPhones are designed to be universal, All variations of iPhones contain official Carrier Settings for All Global carriers/networks that officially sell the iPhone as part of their phone lineup. Hence MMS+Visual Voicemail (If supported by network) will work by simply inserting that Carrier/Network's SIM into the iPhone.

If you are using the iPhone on a "Unsupported" network AKA network that does not currently sell the iPhone as part of its phone lineup, then you will be able to enter the APN / MMS settings via Cellular Data Network option available under "Carrier".

So Example: if you buy a Verizon iPhone 5S / 6 / 6Plus and want to use it on AT&T or T-Mobile, all you need to do is insert the SIM and EVERYTHING will work out of the box literally. This is the simplify that the iOS / iPhones are designed with in mind.


You can Find the iPhone Model and see if your country LTE is supported here: http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/ <--- Please note there is error on Apple Site, First Batch should say A1549 and A1522 GSM and CDMA respectively -- and if you don't see your iPhone 6 / 6 Plus listed with your country, look at iPhone 5S -- All iPhone 5S LTE bands are supported on iPhone 6 / 6 Plus -- Just a matter of Apple updating the full list (Hopefully they will do soon)

Recommend Model to buy at Full Price:

1st Choice: Verizon iPhone 6 (A1549 CDMA) or iPhone 6 Plus (A1522 CDMA) -- Give you most flexibility & freedom to use Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile with Full 3G/4G + LTE and all other MVNO's + Global networks.

2nd Choice: GSM iPhone 6 (A1549 GSM) or iPhone 6 Plus (A1522 GSM) Either AT&T or T-Mobile and have them unlock it or get it unlocked from 3rd party -- Give you freedom to use Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile with Full 3G/4G + LTE and all other MVNO's + Global networks.

I'm hoping this helps, if you have any seriously technical questions you can BBM to: 79F758CA for more info.

 

[rui no onna]

2nd Choice: GSM iPhone 6 (A1549 GSM) or iPhone 6 Plus (A1522 GSM) Either AT&T or T-Mobile and have them unlock it or get it unlocked from 3rd party -- Give you freedom to use Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile with Full 3G/4G + LTE and all other MVNO's + Global networks.

I'm not sure if this is a typo but it actually seems to be true. I have an AT&T iPhone 6 Plus and it has an MEID so it looks like the CDMA radio is activated. There have been folks who tested already activated Verizon SIM cards on unlocked GSM iPhones and seems like CDMA works although not officially supported.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1791187/

If this is like the universal iPad Air/rMini, then that would be great.

 

[phpmaven]

CORRECTION! I bought AT&T full price and it is locked! I tried other sim cards and it does not work. PS your website is not cheap $120 to unlock it a rip off. I can set up account month to month with AT&T and then request unlock for less, then cancel.

Wait... Is this true? I've heard it said many times that any phone bought at full price at the Apple store is unlocked.

 

[rui no onna]

Wait... Is this true? I've heard it said many times that any phone bought at full price at the Apple store is unlocked.

Actually, I do believe they come locked but you can quickly unlock with a restore via iTunes.

 

[benji888]

AT&T A1549 / A1522 GSM -- These two models will also be sold in many other countries that do not have TD LTE however LOCK / Unlock status will depend on that specific carrier / network.
Unlocked: If purchased from Apple store full retail price device only
Locked: If purchased from Apple at the subsidized price, AT&T, or any other 3rd party retailer (2yr Contract / Next Plan)
Note: Can easily be unlocked for Cheap using remote IMEI sites (does not matter whether phone is in contract or not)
Carrier: AT&T will unlock your iPhone 6 / 6 Plus once your contract is completed per request. Unlock works for any GSM carrier, US or other countries
Will it work?: Yes This model will work on AT&T / T-Mobile and all MVNO networks that use AT&T / T-Mobile towers + All other GSM networks worldwide.
...

T-Mobile A1549 / A1522 GSM
Unlocked: If purchased from Apple Store at Full Price It will be unlocked -- EIP / contract pricing not available via Apple Store / Apple.com
Locked: If purchased from a T-Mobile retail store whether financing or at full retail price or via 3rd party store on T-Mobile contract/financing plan. Phone will be LOCKED.
Carrier: T-Mobile allows you to request an unlock for your phone after 40 days of service with the carrier. Unlock works for any GSM carrier. US and other countries.
Will it work?: Yes This model will work on AT&T / T-Mobile and all MVNO networks that use AT&T / T-Mobile towers + All other GSM networks worldwide.
...

Recommend Model to buy at Full Price:

1st Choice: Verizon iPhone 6 (A1549 CDMA) or iPhone 6 Plus (A1522 CDMA) -- Give you most flexibility & freedom to use Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile with Full 3G/4G + LTE and all other MVNO's + Global networks.

2nd Choice: GSM iPhone 6 (A1549 GSM) or iPhone 6 Plus (A1522 GSM) Either AT&T or T-Mobile and have them unlock it or get it unlocked from 3rd party -- Give you freedom to use Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile with Full 3G/4G + LTE and all other MVNO's + Global networks. ...

There seems to be a discrepancy here, first you say unlocked AT&T or T-Mobile phone works on AT&T or T-Mobile...then, at the bottom, you say that I could get a GSM iPhone 6 from either AT&T or T-Mobile and unlocked will work on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile? Which is correct? Previous iPhones purchased for use on GSM, regardless of internals or carrier, could not be activated and used on CDMA networks (as far as I know). (And, if this is true, can I just get the unlocked version direct from Apple, which states it's for T-Mobile?).

If I can I want to get the unlocked phone and switch (from AT&T) to T-Mobile, but, if there network doesn't improve next year, I might need to switch and would prefer as many options as possible, but, won't be returning to AT&T.

 

[Mahler12x]

Wait, so if I'm with T-Mobile, and since finding a T-Mobile phone at the Apple Store is practically impossible, I should get a Verizon phone full price over an AT&T phone full price? Is there really a preference for one over the other?

 

[terraphantm]

Wait, so if I'm with T-Mobile, and since finding a T-Mobile phone at the Apple Store is practically impossible, I should get a Verizon phone full price over an AT&T phone full price? Is there really a preference for one over the other?

There isn't a real difference anymore. Both work with Verizon sims if unlocked (and the AT&T one will be unlocked if you buy at full price). The only difference is that Verizon may not recognize what kind of device you have (though they detect my AT&T 6 properly)

 

[Mahler12x]

There isn't a real difference anymore. Both work with Verizon sims if unlocked (and the AT&T one will be unlocked if you buy at full price). The only difference is that Verizon may not recognize what kind of device you have (though they detect my AT&T 6 properly)

So, if I decide at a future date to switch from T-Mobile to Verizon and I have an AT&T phone I bought at full price, there'd be no difference than if I'd bought the Verizon at full price? It's all unlocked the same?

This stuff is confusing. My Apple Store has stock of the AT&T Plus I want, but I worry about limiting my future options

 

[Allthings-I]

So, if I decide at a future date to switch from T-Mobile to Verizon and I have an AT&T phone I bought at full price, there'd be no difference than if I'd bought the Verizon at full price? It's all unlocked the same?

This stuff is confusing. My Apple Store has stock of the AT&T Plus I want, but I worry about limiting my future options

Your best bet is to buy a Verizon Full Price if in the future you ever think about moving from T-Mobile to Verizon.

Yes its true that Factory Unlocked models being sold as "T-mobile" and "AT&T" from the Apple Store or even AT&T(Once Unlocked) or T-Mobile Stores (Once unlocked) work on Verizon, the catch is that Verizon won't officially activate those devices not purchased as Verizon devices because their MEID / IMEI is not found in Verizon Database.

So if you want to save your self the confusion and are already buying out your iPhone 6/6+ then go ahead and buy the Verizon model.

I own one, I had preordered a Verizon iPhone 6+ via the Sign up for a new 2 year contract on Apple Website, got to store and asked them to cancel the order and charge me full price, thats exactly what they did and I got my Full paid iPhone 6+ from Verizon on launch day.

----------

There isn't a real difference anymore. Both work with Verizon sims if unlocked (and the AT&T one will be unlocked if you buy at full price). The only difference is that Verizon may not recognize what kind of device you have (though they detect my AT&T 6 properly)

They do detect the device, however the IMEI/MEID of the non-Verizon iPhone 6/6+ is not in Verizon's database so they won't officially activate it.

It is not an issue with those that are already on Verizon, however those that are/will be moving to Verizon in the future, they won't be able to give Verizon the IMEI/MEID to activate as it won't accept it on their network....so they will have to go through a loop to activate the SIM on another device, then put it into their iPhone 6/6+ and I think that is inconvenient for most people.

----------

CORRECTION! I bought AT&T full price and it is locked! I tried other sim cards and it does not work.

Perhaps you didn't pay full price....we upgraded all our phones and have 4 in hand.

All paid in Full:

1x T-mobile iPhone 6 from Apple Store
1x T-Mobile iPhone 6+ from Apple Store
1x AT&T iPhone 6 from Apple Store
1x Verizon iPhone 6+ from Apple Store

I think you are missing something...key here is purchasing from Apple Store and for full price...


----------

There seems to be a discrepancy here, first you say unlocked AT&T or T-Mobile phone works on AT&T or T-Mobile...then, at the bottom, you say that I could get a GSM iPhone 6 from either AT&T or T-Mobile and unlocked will work on Verizon

Sorry, Corrected, I've been really busy lately so didn't have the time to do it any earlier.

Yes the iPhone 6/6+ from AT&T / T-mobile if unlocked has been shown to support Verizon, However Verizon will not officially activate those devices when you divide to move over from T-Mobile, basically you will need to activate the Verizon Service with different IMEI/MEID and then swap SIM cards if you don't get the Verizon model to begin with.

That is why I recommended the Verizon iPhone 6/6+ model as #1 choice when buying device at full price as it offers the true flexibility without having you to jump any hoops in future.

----------

I'm not sure if this is a typo but it actually seems to be true. I have an AT&T iPhone 6 Plus and it has an MEID so it looks like the CDMA radio is activated. There have been folks who tested already activated Verizon SIM cards on unlocked GSM iPhones and seems like CDMA works although not officially supported.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1791187/

If this is like the universal iPad Air/rMini, then that would be great.

I have not tested it but from what I can understand is:

In order to use AT&T / T-Mobile iPhone 6/6+, one must have a pre-activated Verizon service and SIM with another device as Verizon will not recognize the iPhone6/6+ IMEI/MEID from AT&T/T-Mobile because it is not registered in their database.

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You'd mentioned that even the unlocked version from Sprint will not work with other GSM network in USA. I have an unlocked version A1586/A1524 from Hong Kong and I want to bring this phone back to usa and use on T-Mobile network. It's not from Sprint or any carrier and I'd like to know whether it will work on T-Mobile 4G network or not.

It will but all depends if your carrier will actually unlock the device, if they will, then you are golden. It will work and support T-Mobile as if purchased from T-Mobile it self.

 

[rui no onna]

I have not tested it but from what I can understand is:

In order to use AT&T / T-Mobile iPhone 6/6+, one must have a pre-activated Verizon service and SIM with another device as Verizon will not recognize the iPhone6/6+ IMEI/MEID from AT&T/T-Mobile because it is not registered in their database.

Yes, that is the case. I have a Verizon iPhone 5c that can be used to activate the SIM so that's my workaround if ever I decide to switch.

Still, at least now a workaround is available. Before, using a GSM iPhone on Verizon was a complete non-option. If you're buying a new device full price, I agree, Verizon is the best choice. However, if you already have a T-Mobile or AT&T iPhone 6/6+ that can be unlocked and can borrow a nano SIM-compatible Verizon phone (or MEID) from someone else for the SIM activation portion then it's possible to switch over your GSM iPhone to Verizon. No need to buy a new device.