iPhone 6s LTE 30 Band and CDMA Version Megathread

[mattopotamus]

So if you bring your MVNO SIM card to activate your reserved Verizon iPhone on Selectel, would that satisfy them?

50/50 to be honest. You are technically "activating" the phone. I honestly think it will come down to the genius you get and the store. Some are very easy going about these things and others are sticklers (verizon SIM verizon phone, etc).

Especially in the case of the ATT iPhone, which may technically be locked even if paid in full until you call ATT. They can be ass hats with unlocking their phones.

 

[Julien]

Wish it was known if the T-Moble iPhone was the LTE 30 iPhone since I'm going to try them for unlimited music streaming. However if coverage is subpar I want to switch back to AT&T. Sure would like to know I had LTE 30.

 

[mattopotamus]

Wish it was known if the T-Moble iPhone was the LTE 30 iPhone since I'm going to try them for unlimited music streaming. However if coverage is subpar I want to switch back to AT&T. Sure would like to know I had LTE 30.

I think it is safe to say it is not. Apple list it as the same phone as verizon and sprint. I really think the ATT is the only LTE 30 phone.

I have been using ATT (well cricket) for a while and the service is amazing. Band 30 is irrelevant unless you live in a major in...and actually in the city.

 

[atomic50]

Wish it was known if the T-Moble iPhone was the LTE 30 iPhone since I'm going to try them for unlimited music streaming. However if coverage is subpar I want to switch back to AT&T. Sure would like to know I had LTE 30.

It does not have it.

 

[terraphantm]

Wish it was known if the T-Moble iPhone was the LTE 30 iPhone since I'm going to try them for unlimited music streaming. However if coverage is subpar I want to switch back to AT&T. Sure would like to know I had LTE 30.

It is known. It doesn't have band 30

 

[ROLLTIDE1]

It is known. It doesn't have band 30

I thought that phones could no longer be locked in the USA . I was going to use an AT&T phone on Verizon but it doesn't sound possible based on the info I am seeing in this thread

 

[duaneu]

I thought that phones could no longer be locked in the USA . I was going to use an AT&T phone on Verizon but it doesn't sound possible based on the info I am seeing in this thread

What are you talking about? That's the exact opposite of what's been discussed here. The phones are exactly the same except for one additional LTE band on the AT&T model. Verizon and AT&T phones will all work on each other's networks. If you purchase full price from Apple, it will be unlocked.

 

[nemker]

Take a look at the LTE support page. http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/ . When Apple corrects this then I'll believe the phones are the same.

 

[terraphantm]

Take a look at the LTE support page. http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/ . When Apple corrects this then I'll believe the phones are the same.

When they correct what?

 

[nemker]

For ATT model it doesn't show LTE support for Verizon, Sprint and Tmobile.

 

[duaneu]

For ATT model it doesn't show LTE support for Verizon, Sprint and Tmobile.

Yes it does, it has all the same bands, plus one additional one that they don't.

 

[nemker]

Understood, but ATT Verizon, Sprint and T mobile should be listed all together under support LTE networks. Maybe a over site, typo , but I'll wait till its confirmed after launch. I'm backing out of my 25th pick up.

 

[KPOM]

Understood, but ATT Verizon, Sprint and T mobile should be listed all together under support LTE networks. Maybe a over site, typo , but I'll wait till its confirmed after launch. I'm backing out of my 25th pick up.

You are making a mistake. That page has always just listed which carriers sell each particular model. Just because a network isn't listed doesn't mean another model doesn't work. The AT&T version will work with every network the Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint version will. C-Spire and US Cellular roam on Verizon, for instance. They are getting the "AT&T" model.

 

[Broadus]

Yes it does, it has all the same bands, plus one additional one that they don't.

But that gets confused with the answer to this FAQ on the 6s pre-order page:

Are there differences between an iPhone for AT&T and T-Mobile and an iPhone for Sprint and Verizon Wireless?

iPhone offers the same innovative features regardless of the wireless carrier you choose. If you choose AT&T or T-Mobile as your wireless carrier, your iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, or iPhone 5s will use GSM cellular technology for voice services and either GSM or LTE cellular technology for data services. All these devices can roam internationally on many GSM carriers around the world. See below for more details.​

If you choose Sprint or Verizon Wireless as your wireless carrier, your iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, or iPhone 5s will use CDMA cellular technology for voice services and either CDMA or LTE cellular technology for data services. An iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, or iPhone 5s activated on Sprint or Verizon Wireless also has the ability to roam internationally on GSM networks using the provided SIM. For details on LTE network support, please see www.apple.com/iphone/LTE.​

Is this saying that GSM carriers have the GSM cellular technology activated for voice and the CDMA carriers have the CDMA technology activated for voice or is it saying that those respective carriers utilize the technology needed for voice, that it is all accessible?

 

[Broadus]

50/50 to be honest. You are technically "activating" the phone. I honestly think it will come down to the genius you get and the store. Some are very easy going about these things and others are sticklers (verizon SIM verizon phone, etc).

Especially in the case of the ATT iPhone, which may technically be locked even if paid in full until you call ATT. They can be ass hats with unlocking their phones.

So the agreement with the FCC concerning unlocked phones that are fully paid doesn't come into play here, or do I misunderstand what that agreement is about?

 

[nemker]

You are making a mistake. That page has always just listed which carriers sell each particular model. Just because a network isn't listed doesn't mean another model doesn't work. The AT&T version will work with every network the Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint version will. C-Spire and US Cellular roam on Verizon, for instance. They are getting the "AT&T" model.

 

[nemker]

I see what you are saying. I have a Verizon and an ATT reserved. Is the ATT the best choice?

 

[KPOM]

I see what you are saying. I have a Verizon and an ATT reserved. Is the ATT the best choice?

Yes. This year the AT&T model is the "best" since it is the only one to support Band 30 on AT&T. If you use AT&T like I do, then that is the one to get.

 

[KPOM]

So the agreement with the FCC concerning unlocked phones that are fully paid doesn't come into play here, or do I misunderstand what that agreement is about?

The FCC agreement is simply that phones are unlockable once the subscriber is off contract.

This year, all the iPhones have the CDMA and GSM radios turned on, as well as LTE. So they all will work if unlocked. The AT&T model has the advantage of running on Band 30, which AT&T is using to supplement their LTE coverage in cities.

 

[s2mike]

Yes. This year the AT&T model is the "best" since it is the only one to support Band 30 on AT&T. If you use AT&T like I do, then that is the one to get.

I'm an AT&T user. I've got a reservation to pick up my phone at the Apple Store on the 25th, and will be enrolling in the Apple Upgrade Program.

Am I correct in assuming that A) they'll issue me the A1633 model, and B) it'll be unlocked.

Does the fact that I'm not paying full make a difference?

 

[KPOM]

I'm an AT&T user. I've got a reservation to pick up my phone at the Apple Store on the 25th, and will be enrolling in the Apple Upgrade Program.

Am I correct in assuming that A) they'll issue me the A1633 model, and B) it'll be unlocked.

Does the fact that I'm not paying full make a difference?

Yes, it is unlocked and you will get the 1633 or 1634 depending on whether you get the 6S or the 6S Plus. You are technically paying in full. You pay the tax and the first installment with a credit card. Citizens One Bank is running a credit check, makes you a loan, and pays Apple a little bit less than the remaining purchase price on day 1 (the difference is the interest they would otherwise earn). You then pay off your loan through monthly charges to your credit card. If you upgrade next year, Apple takes your phone, pays off your old loan, and you enter into a new loan with whichever bank they are contracting with then.

 

[Broadus]

The FCC agreement is simply that phones are unlockable once the subscriber is off contract.

This year, all the iPhones have the CDMA and GSM radios turned on, as well as LTE. So they all will work if unlocked. The AT&T model has the advantage of running on Band 30, which AT&T is using to supplement their LTE coverage in cities.

I don't understand, so you may need to type more slowly. Are you saying that since all radios are turned on this year, they will all work, but they can still be locked even if they are purchased at full price?

 

[KPOM]

I don't understand, so you may need to type more slowly. Are you saying that since all radios are turned on this year, they will all work, but they can still be locked even if they are purchased at full price?

The carriers (except Verizon) have the right to lock phones for those who sign contracts. AT&T will lock the phone if you sign a 2 year contract for a subsidized phone, but you can only do that at an AT&T store. Similarly T-Mobile will lock a phone if you buy it from a T-Mobile store under an installment plan, and Sprint will lock it if you sign a contract. However, once you fulfill your contractual obligations they will all unlock the phone. If you pay full price at Apple you have already fulfilled your obligations with respect to the phone and it is unlocked right away. All Verizon LTE phones are unlocked, whether or not you are under a contract.

 

[s2mike]

Yes, it is unlocked and you will get the 1633 or 1634 depending on whether you get the 6S or the 6S Plus. You are technically paying in full. You pay the tax and the first installment with a credit card. Citizens One Bank is running a credit check, makes you a loan, and pays Apple a little bit less than the remaining purchase price on day 1 (the difference is the interest they would otherwise earn). You then pay off your loan through monthly charges to your credit card. If you upgrade next year, Apple takes your phone, pays off your old loan, and you enter into a new loan with whichever bank they are contracting with then.

Thanks very much!

 

[Broadus]

The carriers (except Verizon) have the right to lock phones for those who sign contracts. AT&T will lock the phone if you sign a 2 year contract for a subsidized phone, but you can only do that at an AT&T store. Similarly T-Mobile will lock a phone if you buy it from a T-Mobile store under an installment plan, and Sprint will lock it if you sign a contract. However, once you fulfill your contractual obligations they will all unlock the phone. If you pay full price at Apple you have already fulfilled your obligations with respect to the phone and it is unlocked right away. All Verizon LTE phones are unlocked, whether or not you are under a contract.

That's what I thought concerning Verizon phones, but I have yet to get an Apple employee, online or Apple Store, to agree that a full-priced Verizon phone is unlocked and is ready to be activated on the MVNO that I use, Selectel.

As I've said (probably ad nauseam to many!), I have a full-price Verizon 6s on reserve the 25th at our Apple Store. However, it's 45 miles away and I've tried to get some official assurance that my drive will not be in vain because the Apple Store may sell Verizon phones only to those with Verizon accounts. They may be wrongly informed, but they still won't sell me the phone if they remain wrongly informed. I've never had so much trouble trying to get people to take my money for a premium product.