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iPhone 6s LTE 30 Band and CDMA Version Megathread
- Thread starter milaround
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I just know some basic info about the B12: it covers the 700 MHz spectrum, where T-Mo guarantees coverage in especially rural areas. that lower frequency has a longer range and is supposed to penetrate walls better, but doesn't hold as much traffic as higher frequencies (shorter range but ideal for metropolitan areas).
The sim free unlocked version is now available for purchase on US Apple Store online. Can someone confirm which model this is.? Some are saying 1633/1634 and others 1688/1687. I purchased a 6s plus but nowhere does is say the model number only says 6s plus rose gold 128gb free.
Yes it does, after you select the phone but before you add to cart, there is a link "Learn more about sim-free iPhone."
That it where it confirms to be the AT&T model numbers. Enjoy your phone!
On Apple's site:
About the SIM-free iPhone
The SIM-free iPhone comes without a wireless contract commitment or carrier financing. It doesn’t come with a nano-SIM card for iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, or iPhone 5s. And because it’s unlocked, it isn’t tied to one carrier, so you can get a nano-SIM from any supported carrier worldwide, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint in the United States.
Purchasing a SIM-free iPhone means you will not qualify for the lower iPhone price associated with a contract or a carrier installment plan.
If you don’t want a multiyear service contract, or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the SIM-free iPhone is the best choice.
The SIM-free iPhone 6s model is A1633 and the SIM-free iPhone 6s Plus model is A1634. For details on LTE network support, please see www.apple.com/iphone/LTE.
It should be noted, that although the AT&T model and the SIM-free model are both 1633/34, Apple is evidently using an internal identifier to separate the two types in their system. From Apple's iPhone reservation system:
We can see though they are both A1633, they are clearly different stock in their inventory. The question is then, what the difference is between the AT&T model and the SIM-free; My guess would be that the AT&T model comes with an AT&T sim included, while the SIM-free does not.
EDIT: The SIM-free model will also have the difference of already being whitelisted in other carriers' systems. Thanks solodogg!
On a side note, all SIM-free iPhone 6s 128GB models are out of stock in Texas as of Oct 9, 9:30am.
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also, the SIM free model would be whitelisted in Sprint and Verizon systems, whereas the AT&T version would not be. Not that Apple couldn't get it added to the carriers whitelist if you were to purchase one and need it activated on one of those carriers, but it wouldn't come that way automatically.
Thanks, that's important to note. So as one could contact a carrier to get their AT&T phone whitelisted, the only difference between AT&T and SIM-free is basically that the SIM-free model is slightly more convenient, coming without an AT&T sim and already being whitelisted.
It should be noted, that although the AT&T model and the SIM-free model are both 1633/34, Apple is evidently using an internal identifier to separate the two types in their system. From Apple's iPhone reservation system:
We can see though they are both A1633, they are clearly different stock in their inventory. The question is then, what the difference is between the AT&T model and the SIM-free; My guess would be that the AT&T model comes with an AT&T sim included, while the SIM-free does not.
EDIT: The SIM-free model will also have the difference of already being whitelisted in other carriers' systems. Thanks solodogg!
On a side note, all SIM-free iPhone 6s 128GB models are out of stock in Texas as of Oct 9, 9:30am.
The unlocked sim free version is listed with Verizon or Sprint so should work with those carriers without any hassle.
so, the SIM-free model would work with Sprint Spark as well as a Sprint model would?
I didn't realise they would have the SIM-free version that soon.
I didn't realise they would have the SIM-free version that soon.
Another small difference: The sim-free has the sim tray removal tool, while the carrier iPhones don't have it. Not a big deal for sure, but using the tool is better than using a paperclip. Sometimes the paperclip is too big or if the paperclip is too small you don't get enough leverage to pop the tray.
Starting with the 6s line Apple stop providing the tool on all phones? Or perhaps they did that starting with the 6.
Starting with the 6s line Apple stop providing the tool on all phones? Or perhaps they did that starting with the 6.
It should be noted, that although the AT&T model and the SIM-free model are both 1633/34, Apple is evidently using an internal identifier to separate the two types in their system. From Apple's iPhone reservation system:
We can see though they are both A1633, they are clearly different stock in their inventory. The question is then, what the difference is between the AT&T model and the SIM-free; My guess would be that the AT&T model comes with an AT&T sim included, while the SIM-free does not.
EDIT: The SIM-free model will also have the difference of already being whitelisted in other carriers' systems. Thanks solodogg!
On a side note, all SIM-free iPhone 6s 128GB models are out of stock in Texas as of Oct 9, 9:30am.
Even an AT&T, Verizon, or T-mobile phone should work with spark if you can get them to whitelist the device. Sprint's website says you can bring an iPhone 6s from another carrier, but it's apparently easier said than done
I figured the T-Mo and VZW versions would since they're the same models as the Sprint. I just thought the ATT (and now SIM-free) version/s would be missing a band or so on the CDMA LTE side.
No such thing as CDMA LTE. LTE is LTE. The AT&T model has all the same bands as the Sprint model, plus band 30.
I was just on the phone with them on Monday, and they were telling me it wouldn't be available for a while. I guess it doesn't matter now that I already went through the pains of having mine unlocked.
one thing I noticed that was kind of odd was how some features in my Settings have changed after mine was whitelisted for Sprint. HotSpot setting is gone. WiFi assist setting is gone. and there was one other I can't remember now. I'm going to see if the menu changes with my other carrier cards...
Good question. I would think so, but I guess not since Apple bothered making the different versions
Definitely easier said than done. Sprint wouldn't give my mom an iPhone 6S SIM (she had a Sprint iPhone 5 with an incompatible SIM) for a "T-Mobile" iPhone 6S. My parents decided to port over to Verizon and got the same runaround. Fortunately the Apple Store had the Verizon model in stock and they just exchanged it. If they had the SIM-Free model 2 weeks ago this wouldn't have been an issue.
I wonder why they didn't just launch it at the same time.
I just returned home from my trip to the Apple Store with my SIM-free 6s, model A1633. I sent an email to the online dealer handling my Selectel account with the info he requested. Hopefully tomorrow the ESN change takes effect and the 6s is on Verizon towers.