iPhone 6s LTE 30 Band and CDMA Version Megathread

[chrfr]

What more benefit would there be in Apple releasing a "sim-free" version? What would be different?

At one point, Verizon would not activate an AT&T iPhone 6, even though that phone has CDMA capability, but would activate a SIM-free phone. Verizon has now changed their policy and will activate any iPhone that has CDMA capability.
At this point there seems to be little reason to not buy the AT&T version.

 

[penajmz]

I preordered a T-Mobile version and had to cancel after I found out about band 30. Then ordered an AT&T version that still delivers 9/25. I don't want to miss out on band 30 and the AT&T version is actually the most complete iPhone.

 

[CodeSpyder]

I preordered a T-Mobile version and had to cancel after I found out about band 30. Then ordered an AT&T version that still delivers 9/25. I don't want to miss out on band 30 and the AT&T version is actually the most complete iPhone.

I like the band 30 feature as well.

 

[incarnate]

At one point, Verizon would not activate an AT&T iPhone 6, even though that phone has CDMA capability, but would activate a SIM-free phone. Verizon has now changed their policy and will activate any iPhone that has CDMA capability.
At this point there seems to be little reason to not buy the AT&T version.

Can't buy the AT&T version without an AT&T account.

 

[bmms8]

Can't buy the AT&T version without an AT&T account.

You could walk into an Apple store, and purchase an AT&T phone out right no questions asked…

 

[duaneu]

Can't buy the AT&T version without an AT&T account.

You can't buy it online, but you should be able to get it "device only" once they're available in stores.

 

[k3roro]

I preordered a T-Mobile version and had to cancel after I found out about band 30. Then ordered an AT&T version that still delivers 9/25. I don't want to miss out on band 30 and the AT&T version is actually the most complete iPhone.

I'm in the same boat, except my original T-mobile version was Rose Gold and when I ordered the AT&T version it was all sold out

 

[bchreng]

You can't buy it online, but you should be able to get it "device only" once they're available in stores.

You mean at the AT&T stores? Will they be unlocked there?

 

[duaneu]

You mean at the AT&T stores? Will they be unlocked there?

No, I was referring to Apple Stores. I don't think AT&T will sell you one without signing up for service, but you can always ask.

 

[The19th]

Hmm, have my T-Mo/Contract-Free A168x order in already, but still toying with the idea of getting an ATT A163x version.

I tried to go through the apple.com order page for an ATT model (They're still 9/25 delivery for 6s Silver 128gb) , but of course it's asking for an existing account to upgrade. I entered my sister's ATT info (with her permission) and it's asking for a $15 upgrade fee (and possibly mucking something up with her account/existing sim cards. Grrrrr…)

I think my current plan now will be to take delivery of my T-Mo order, not open it (using all my willpower) and return it to an apple retail store, and buy a device only A163x model at an ATT store. That is until more info comes to light.

 

[The19th]

No, I was referring to Apple Stores. I don't think AT&T will sell you one without signing up for service, but you can always ask.

I'm sure the Apple Retail Stores will have a similar process to the Apple Online store with regards to buying an AT&T model – they'll ask for existing AT&T account info and verify upgrade eligibility, even when paying in full. I think chances are better buying device only/paying in full at an AT&T store.

 

[KPOM]

Sigh. Why do they have to do this stuff after preorders? I guess I will pay attention to the tests of the ATT model to see if CDMA is working on it and then swap out within my 14 day return period. Hopefully there will be stock of the rose gold 6s within the window.

My guess is that they were getting a lot of questions and realized the old posted specs were creating lots of confusion. Since the only difference between the "AT&T" and other US and non-Chinese global versions is Band 30, I wonder why Apple doesn't just have a single radio in all iPhones that supports all bands.

 

[KPOM]

I'm sure the Apple Retail Stores will have a similar process to the Apple Online store with regards to buying an AT&T model – they'll ask for existing AT&T account info and verify upgrade eligibility, even when paying in full. I think chances are better buying device only/paying in full at an AT&T store.

When buying phones in store, it was always possible to purchase them "device only" without them asking for an account.

 

[chrfr]

I'm sure the Apple Retail Stores will have a similar process to the Apple Online store with regards to buying an AT&T model

When I bought a Verizon 5S full price in the Apple Store, I walked in, told the employee what I wanted to do, I was handed the phone, paid, and left. There is no account verification for full price purchases at Apple.
I wouldn't expect AT&T to sell a phone to anyone who doesn't have an account.

 

[Harthag]

I'm sure the Apple Retail Stores will have a similar process to the Apple Online store with regards to buying an AT&T model – they'll ask for existing AT&T account info and verify upgrade eligibility, even when paying in full. I think chances are better buying device only/paying in full at an AT&T store.

I would expect the opposite- that Apple store is easier than AT&T store? You can walk into an AT&T store and just buy a phone at full retail without having an AT&T account? I've never tried it but expect that to be a hassle. The Apple stores in my area are all cool folks. I've never been asked to show proof of account or anything else when buying an iPhone at full retail. Same thing now, I reserved at AT&T 6S for pick up on the 25th, full retail, and the Apple site didn't ask me for any info. I'd doubt once I get to the Apple store on the 25th they'll decline my purchase if I don't show them account info? I mean I have an existing AT&T account, so it's all good anyway, but I'll try not showing them anything at first and see what happens.

 

[The19th]

I bought T-Mobile version and have att service as well. Not a big deal guys. I've called several tech support reps and they either A: have no idea about what I'm talking about or B: said 2.3 ghz WCS band 30 is not enabled yet at least on Long Island, NY. Probably in 2016 sometime little by little, by that time iPhone 7 will be coming.

That settles it. I should stop second guessing myself and stick with my T-mo order. I think this is the most reasonable route. Band 30 rollout isn't widespread, and I don't see myself going back to AT&T before the next iPhone model is released next year, when (hopefully) a model with more complete band coverage is released.

As far as my T-mo service is concerned, LTE Band 12 (700 MHz) is in both models, and my reception should improve compared to how it is currently on my iPhone 6.

 

[Harthag]

That settles it. I should stop second guessing myself and stick with my T-mo order. I think this is the most reasonable route. Band 30 rollout isn't widespread, and I don't see myself going back to AT&T before the next iPhone model is released next year, when (hopefully) a model with more complete band coverage is released.

As far as my T-mo service is concerned, LTE Band 12 (700 MHz) is in both models, and my reception should improve compared to how it is currently on my iPhone 6.

Are there any locations that are confirmed band 30 enabled yet? I've read all the articles, Fiercewireless, etc., and know that pretty much the whole USA is covered in band 30, but it would be helpful to know where it's currently enabled. I guess we'll find out on the 25th, maybe.

 

[The19th]

I've never been asked to show proof of account or anything else when buying an iPhone at full retail.

Last year when I was on AT&T I bought the contract-free (T-Mo) iPhone 6 Plus off apple.com and had it delivered. Had it for about two weeks and realized it was too unwieldy for me, so I went to an ARS to swap it out for a regular iPhone 6 on AT&T and paid in full. The POS they used asked for my existing AT&T account info before the transaction could complete. Maybe it's different this year.

A few weeks ago, I bought an iPad keyboard from an AT&T store without an account, even though their system asked for existing info, they just skipped it. I know it was just an accessory and not a phone with possible service, but it was one of the easiest transactions I've had at an AT&T store.

 

[Chacocliff]

Are there any locations that are confirmed band 30 enabled yet? I've read all the articles, Fiercewireless, etc., and know that pretty much the whole USA is covered in band 30, but it would be helpful to know where it's currently enabled. I guess we'll find out on the 25th, maybe.

I know it's enabled in Chicago, San Fransico, Dallas, and Las Vegas.

 

[adam1080]

I'm sure the Apple Retail Stores will have a similar process to the Apple Online store with regards to buying an AT&T model – they'll ask for existing AT&T account info and verify upgrade eligibility, even when paying in full. I think chances are better buying device only/paying in full at an AT&T store.

They sure didn't ask me last year when I bought my 6 plus.
I was the first in a long line and said, "AT&T 128 6 plus, space grey or silver, applecare and a black leather case; full price please." Walked out in less than 90 seconds. No mention of phone number or AT&T account. Switched my sim and was off to the races.

 

[The19th]

Are there any locations that are confirmed band 30 enabled yet? I've read all the articles, Fiercewireless, etc., and know that pretty much the whole USA is covered in band 30, but it would be helpful to know where it's currently enabled. I guess we'll find out on the 25th, maybe.

Covered, maybe, but not enabled:
https://forums.att.com/t5/Network-Coverage/Lte-band-30-map/td-p/4308772

Even the redditors don't know the current deployment status:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ATT/comments/3kpr6l/the_state_of_lte_band_30/?

And that fiercewireless article seems to be the only optimistic article out there that mentions Band 30 rollout.

 

[mattopotamus]

Covered, maybe, but not enabled:
https://forums.att.com/t5/Network-Coverage/Lte-band-30-map/td-p/4308772

Even the redditors don't know the current deployment status:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ATT/comments/3kpr6l/the_state_of_lte_band_30/?

And that fiercewireless article seems to be the only optimistic article out there that mentions Band 30 rollout.

As a prepaid customer who is capped at 8mb/ps I could care-a-less

 

[Harthag]

I know it's enabled in Chicago, San Fransico, Dallas, and Las Vegas.

Excellent, thanks. I'm in Chicago. Fingers crossed!

 

[terraphantm]

Last years T-Mobile iPhone 6 was just an AT&T variant that was unlocked. Same phone essentially.

I don't really care either way because band 30 will be useless for probably years.

I just got HD voice in my area a week ago and that's been rolling out for over a year and a half

Last year's T-mobile iPhone 6 shared the part number with the AT&T version (and Verizon for that matter). This year T-mobile shares the part number with Verizon and Sprint. It won't have band 30

 

[jetlitheone]

Lets be serious band 30 won't be as impactful as AT&T keeps saying, and the rollout will probably be slow just like HD Voice.