iPhone 7 Models From AT&T and T-Mobile Do Not Support CDMA Networks

[Howyalikdemapls]

Do I have to hire a consultant for all this? I'm on AT&T with Grandfathered Unlimited Data Plan that I want to preserve. But I'm going to be traveling and if in a non-AT&T area - want to be able to use another service for a few weeks. It seems I cannot do this. No matter what "Payment Method" I choose. Even pure full price unlocked phone requires a carrier tied to it and a phone number attached to that carrier.

Maybe I'm just damn ignorant - but I don't get it.

No matter which one you buy, if you are paying for it outright then it will be unlocked. You can use it on AT&T or pop in another SIM from a different carrier whenever you would like. It is frustrating that Apple is requiring you to enter in your account info for most of these, but if you choose T-Mobile it will be a GSM phone that will work on AT&T and all GSM networks and you don't have to put in any account info.

What we are all complaining about is that we want the Verizon version which not only works on all GSM networks but also on the CDMA networks (Verizon and Sprint) and that one you can't currently buy without providing account info.

Supposedly you can go into the Apple Store starting on September 16th and buy a Verizon "device only" which will be the most versatile GSM and CDMA phone but won't come with a SIM card. This hasn't been confirmed yet. It is also rumored that Apple will start selling a "SIM-free" phone on-line sometime in a few weeks, but again, this is just rumors.

For the vast majority of world networks (including AT&T), the GSM (T-Mobile) iPhone 7 will work fine.

The other speculation is regarding the modem that is used in these two different variants. The CDMA phone is believed to have a Qualcomm modem where the GSM is said to have an Intel modem. There is also speculation that the Qualcomm modem is faster and potentially capable of 4x4 MIMO (which T-Mobile is rolling out) where the Intel modem is not advertised as being capable of this. This depends on whether it is using the Qualcomm x12 or x10 though, so perhaps we're getting worried over nothing here. Also, I don't understand too much about this, but I've only heard that the Intel modem is "not advertised" as being capable. I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't capable.

All in all, everyone wishes we could buy a Verizon phone without providing account info because it is more versatile, and probably the superior version. I have settled on buying the T-Mobile phone because I am currently with a GSM network (T-Mobile) and I probably won't be switching to Verizon, so it probably doesn't make a difference. I also can't imagine that 4x4 MIMO will work on T-Mobile's network using the Verizon iPhone 7 but not the T-Mobile iPhone 7. That would just be ridiculous. I imagine they would rather not allow it to work at all rather than make it work only on phones that were bought to be used on competing networks.

I've personally decided I'm putting too much thought and worry into this and if I decide to switch to Verizon in the next year then I will cross that bridge when I get there. For the most part, people are moving away from Verizon anyways due to their high costs compared to companies like T-Mobile.

If you're with AT&T and you don't want to provide your account info to Apple, then just buy the T-Mobile version. You will definitely be able to use AT&T and use another service for a few weeks if you're travelling to a non-AT&T area. Just buy a local sim, swap them out, and you're good to go.

 

[gregnauman]

I forgot to mention I was an existing Apple Upgrade customer. When ordering, I selected an upgrade to my existing phone. It knew the serial number, ATT phone number, etc. Even though I selected Verizon, it never asked for any Verizon account information. My reservation info says I'm getting a Verizon phone.

OK that makes more sense
[doublepost=1473521201][/doublepost]

No matter which one you buy, if you are paying for it outright then it will be unlocked. You can use it on AT&T or pop in another SIM from a different carrier whenever you would like. It is frustrating that Apple is requiring you to enter in your account info for most of these, but if you choose T-Mobile it will be a GSM phone that will work on AT&T and all GSM networks and you don't have to put in any account info.

What we are all complaining about is that we want the Verizon version which not only works on all GSM networks but also on the CDMA networks (Verizon and Sprint) and that one you can't currently buy without providing account info.

Supposedly you can go into the Apple Store starting on September 16th and buy a Verizon "device only" which will be the most versatile GSM and CDMA phone but won't come with a SIM card. This hasn't been confirmed yet. It is also rumored that Apple will start selling a "SIM-free" phone on-line sometime in a few weeks, but again, this is just rumors.

For the vast majority of world networks (including AT&T), the GSM (T-Mobile) iPhone 7 will work fine.

The other speculation is regarding the modem that is used in these two different variants. The CDMA phone is believed to have a Qualcomm modem where the GSM is said to have an Intel modem. There is also speculation that the Qualcomm modem is faster and potentially capable of 4x4 MIMO (which T-Mobile is rolling out) where the Intel modem is not advertised as being capable of this. This depends on whether it is using the Qualcomm x12 or x10 though, so perhaps we're getting worried over nothing here. Also, I don't understand too much about this, but I've only heard that the Intel modem is "not advertised" as being capable. I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't capable.

All in all, everyone wishes we could buy a Verizon phone without providing account info because it is more versatile, and probably the superior version. I have settled on buying the T-Mobile phone because I am currently with a GSM network (T-Mobile) and I probably won't be switching to Verizon, so it probably doesn't make a difference. I also can't imagine that 4x4 MIMO will work on T-Mobile's network using the Verizon iPhone 7 but not the T-Mobile iPhone 7. That would just be ridiculous. I imagine they would rather not allow it to work at all rather than make it work only on phones that were bought to be used on competing networks.

I've personally decided I'm putting too much thought and worry into this and if I decide to switch to Verizon in the next year then I will cross that bridge when I get there. For the most part, people are moving away from Verizon anyways due to their high costs compared to companies like T-Mobile.

If you're with AT&T and you don't want to provide your account info to Apple, then just buy the T-Mobile version. You will definitely be able to use AT&T and use another service for a few weeks if you're travelling to a non-AT&T area. Just buy a local sim, swap them out, and you're good to go.

Here it is in black and white from Apple. See snapshot photos I took
[doublepost=1473521364][/doublepost]Basically what apple is doing is LIMITING the CDMA phones to Verizon and Sprint right now.

ALL iPhone 7s do GSM, only some of them do CDMA

 

[rhapsodyosx]

Some are claiming that all iPhone 7's purchased via apples payment / upgrade plans are cdma+GSM variants by default even when you input carrier info (i.e. Att).

Anyone have any more clarification on this ?

 

[beq]

All these posts over multiple pages (too many to quote) have been very informative, kudos to everyone for being so helpful

I have family members that travel to Asia, and I see from Wikipedia that there are (perhaps smaller) CDMA operators there, such as China Telecom, Korea's SK Telecom, Japan's KDDI, Indonesia's Smartfren, etc. Not to mention Canada's Bell/Telus/etc, or Mexico's Telcel (and other America Movil brands in the Americas)... even if legacy CDMA is generally being phased out towards LTE migration.

So even though I hate driving to stores, especially when there's a crowd, I'd like to purchase outright the unlocked Qualcomm iPhone 7 Plus at:

1) Apple Stores around launch - ask for Verizon "device only" hoping they still do that this year. Perhaps even Sprint "device only" if there's such a thing and it's also unlocked from Apple. Probably longest lines, limited to what each store stocks that day for first-come, first-served walk-in customers (a separate pile from reservation pick-ups I think).

2) Verizon Stores around launch - insist on buying device only without service signup (all Verizon phones via all retail channels should be unlocked per their govt agreement). May be crapshoot depending on store/employee, and I'm not good negotiating. May be less stock than Apple Stores at launch, and I don't imagine they could even sell me the phone device only if it's not actually on hand. In fact around launch when demand outstrips supply, employees may not even be tempted to sell device only as they could just as well get a service signup from the next guy in the door?

2a) I lose negotiation and end up signing for a new Verizon family plan in order to buy the phones outright. Cancel in 1 month. Nurse my wounded pride.

(I wouldn't risk buying from a Sprint Store since they don't have the same unlocked-across-the-board policy.)

3) Wait few weeks hoping Apple will again sell the "SIM-free" SKU, which I'll be able to buy online at my convenience, or at least deal with much less crowded Apple Stores. Whereas during the launch window I'd be wasting so much time checking all the stores every few days and braving the long lines each time.

 

[headcase]

If you pay the full price, the phone will be unlocked. If you pay via the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program, the phone will be unlocked. No one in this thread is really concerned with the phone being unlocked or not, because we know it will be unlocked. We're concerned with the fact that when you purchase the phone, Apple gives you one of two models... GSM (AT&T/T-Mobile/etc) or CDMA/GSM (Verizon/Sprint/etc) based on what carrier your using at the time (meaning what carrier your phone number comes back to). So if you're currently using AT&T you will get a GSM only phone and if 6 months down the road you decide to switch to Verizon you will not be able to use your phone on Verizon expansive CDMA network, ONLY their LTE. Conversely, if your phone number is currently with Verizon, you'll get a CDMA/GSM phone and if in 6 months you switch to AT&T you'll be 100% fine and the phone will function 100%. That's what we're upset about, we all want the CDMA/GSM variant of the iPhone 7.

Hopefully that makes sense..

Exactly. +1. Not to mention, having a CDMA radio in the device helps should I travel to a country that happens to still use that for all or parts of their network. To me, the CDMA/GSM iPhone 7 is the real "global phone" this year, unlike the GSM iPhone 7 model.

I still have the two VZW iPhone 5 handsets I bought on Day One from the West Linn VZW corporate store. One is on my desk as a backup for my business (but bought with my personal funds - I don't care about mix and matching funds here) and my business partner is using the other. Both bought outright, no contract and no contract information given.

I still have two VZW iPhone 6 handsets that I bought on Day One from the VZW corporate store on Broadway, just a few blocks from the Pioneer Place Apple Store and in the same building as one of my attorneys (which is why I was there in the first place...). Both bought outright, no contract and no contract information given. Both are used as backups for my small company but bought with my personal funds with that intent.

I have and still use daily a VZW 6S+, bought at the West Linn VZW corporate store, bought outright, no contract and no contract information given.

I don't see what others think this bit is difficult. I walk in, ask for what I want, and buy it. There no law that tells me that I can't walk in with my own cup of coffee and order breakfast from my favorite breakfast place, which makes dishwater-flavored coffee but great breakfast dishes - it's pretty much like that, they're sales people at VZW and all one has to do is ask. Get past the bluff and puffery - I did, over 40 years ago in Manhattan buying stuff from "vendors" on 6th - they'll tell what they want, and you tell them you have money and offer "take it or leave it". It's that simple, and they don't need to know anything else about you except your credit card number.

I am a VZW customer, but I don't share that with anyone in a VZW corporate store anymore. The people in the store are just sales people out for a buck, since VZW fired their tech support staff a couple of years ago, the people in a VZW corporate store could be at Starbucks or a used car lot next week - they just want their commission. I get that "disappointed" look that they're not extending an existing or creating a new contract, but I don't care and - in the end - neither do they... Buy a $19 crap headset accessory if you feel guilty and want to pad the bottom line. I'm guessing that a manager feeds them a line that they need a telephone or account number, I just conduct myself with a respectful assertiveness, buy what I want, and walk out the door...

I guess I've been required one too many times to have existing or new service when purchasing a phone from a Verizon or Sprint store, to fully buy into this opinion. Not to mention the financial incentive for a VZW or Sprint store rep to want to sell their extremely limited supply of new iPhones with a contract vs. device only is a factor here.

But I do look forward to the day when all the US carriers have evolved beyond the BS of contracts and artificially locked phones now that we're all effectively paying full price for the device. Until then, I'll try picking up a "device only" Verizon iPhone 7 from my local Apple store soon.

 

[Moi Ici]

You should be happy that you can choose between those 2 models.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world is screwed, because my iPhone 7 won't work with Verizon when I travel to the U.S. Well done Apple!

But it'll work with att & t mo!

 

[beq]

What's tempting are these "FREE iPhone 7" promotions all 4 major carriers are offering this week or this month (started by T-Mobile and then they all snowballed).

All are offering $650 credit (value of base iPhone 7) spread over 2 years, when trading in a recent phone (iPhone 6 or later, sometimes even Samsung/Android) toward any iPhone 7 model. Some will even credit $400 or so to trade in really old phones like the iPhone 5. Some like Sprint even throwing in an additional $100 off to get the 256GB models.

Better than the normal trade-ins, such as Apple Store which only offers max $250 credit even for the very latest iPhone 6s Plus.

See:
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/09/how-to-get-a-free-iphone-7-on-your-carrier.html

http://appleinsider.com/articles/16...e-iphone-7-deals-offering-up-to-650-in-credit

http://www.theverge.com/2016/9/9/12...verizon-sprint-tmobile-are-two-year-contracts

Of course, that's if you don't mind staying with the the carrier 2 years, and usually getting a locked phone (except Verizon).

Unfortunately AT&T and T-Mobile users wanting the Qualcomm iPhone 7 will have to buy outright and pay full price, and even then we don't have a way to buy yet...

 

[campyguy]

I guess I've been required one too many times to have existing or new service when purchasing a phone from a Verizon or Sprint store, to fully buy into this opinion. Not to mention the financial incentive for a VZW or Sprint store rep to want to sell their extremely limited supply of new iPhones with a contract vs. device only is a factor here.

But I do look forward to the day when all the US carriers have evolved beyond the BS of contracts and artificially locked phones now that we're all effectively paying full price for the device. Until then, I'll try picking up a "device only" Verizon iPhone 7 from my local Apple store soon.

Absolutely no offense intended - it's not my opinion, and I'm not picking nits here. Apple gives them a kickback for an iPhone sale, and VZW gives them a kickback for upselling crap, er, accessories and contracts. I picked the outlying stores for two reasons - there was no line and they likely had stock. Since there was no line, there were no other people ready to buy that shiny new iPhone - just a "bird-in-the-hand" mentality.

When the greeter asks you for your account number, do what I do - tell them I'm here to buy an outright-purchase iPhone.

FWIW, we're getting to that point, just buying what we want. After the last of the "contracts" expire (I still have one, a Nationwide family plan with several UL data lines that are renewed for another 2 years now - playing VZW's game...). You could also offer that there are no laws requiring a phone be activated with a new SIM card. I've also walked out of an Apple Store with my shiny new iPhone. I'm lucky that a few Apple Stores are in my region, but I've never had an issue with walking into a VZW store either. Good luck...

 

[milan03]

The other speculation is regarding the modem that is used in these two different variants. The CDMA phone is believed to have a Qualcomm modem where the GSM is said to have an Intel modem. There is also speculation that the Qualcomm modem is faster and potentially capable of 4x4 MIMO (which T-Mobile is rolling out) where the Intel modem is not advertised as being capable of this. This depends on whether it is using the Qualcomm x12 or x10 though, so perhaps we're getting worried over nothing here. Also, I don't understand too much about this, but I've only heard that the Intel modem is "not advertised" as being capable. I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't capable.

First of all, just by looking at the design, the chance that the iPhone will have 4x4 MIMO capability is slim to none. They would need to design and implement four separate receive LTE antennas into a slim iPhone form factor, so Qualcomm modem alone isn't enough. It needs Front End to fully support four spatial streams.

Second, aside from the 4x4 MIMO, T-Mobile has also activated Higher Order Modulation on the Downlink (256 QAM) and Uplink (64 QAM). Both of these features are fully supported by Qualcomm X12 (MDM9x45) modem, and don't require a special antenna design. It could be activated with a software update if it isn't enabled out of the box. Intel 7360 Modem doesn't support Higher Order Modulation, or 4x4 MIMO.

Lastly, a device that supports all cellular technologies and is likely to perform better in challenging signal conditions is likely to maintain a higher resale value than a device with a first generation LTE-A modem.

Just a thought.

 

[jhersco]

What's tempting are these "FREE iPhone 7" promotions all 4 major carriers are offering this week or this month (started by T-Mobile and then they all snowballed).

All are offering $650 credit (value of base iPhone 7) spread over 2 years, when trading in a recent phone (iPhone 6 or later, sometimes even Samsung/Android) toward any iPhone 7 model. Some will even credit $400 or so to trade in really old phones like the iPhone 5. Some like Sprint even throwing in an additional $100 off to get the 256GB models.

Better than the normal trade-ins, such as Apple Store which only offers max $250 credit even for the very latest iPhone 6s Plus.

See:
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/09/how-to-get-a-free-iphone-7-on-your-carrier.html

http://appleinsider.com/articles/16...e-iphone-7-deals-offering-up-to-650-in-credit

http://www.theverge.com/2016/9/9/12...verizon-sprint-tmobile-are-two-year-contracts

Of course, that's if you don't mind staying with the the carrier 2 years, and usually getting a locked phone (except Verizon).

Unfortunately AT&T and T-Mobile users wanting the Qualcomm iPhone 7 will have to buy outright and pay full price, and even then we don't have a way to buy yet...

I went to an AT&T store after seeing your post. I did the math with the salesperson and determined that, for many people, these "free iPhone" deals are not always as good as other approaches to buying. For example, Next Worth is offering me $380 for a 64 GB iPhone 6S, a trade I locked in before Sept. 9. Assuming the same kind of trade-in deal for a 128 GB iPhone 7 is available next year, that would be $760 returned to me over 24 months. (Selling it myself, instead of trading it in would likely yield even more dollars.) Either way, that would be much better than the $650 AT&T and the other carriers are offering as a 24-month credit on your bills, after you trade in your current iPhone. These deals may be a decent option for owners of an iPhone 6, but not for those who have an iPhone 6S. So, make sure you do the math before buying.

 

[beq]

Interestingly, a few months ago when it became known that Apple was actively helping Intel, analysts were predicting that all the US, Canadian, UK, Australia and EU phones would keep the universal Qualcomm modem, and only Asian and Latin countries would get the Intel version.

Lastly, a device that supports all cellular technologies and is likely to perform better in challenging signal conditions is likely to maintain a higher resale value than a device with a first generation LTE-A modem.

I'm guessing that Apple is trying out Intel's modem this year to get all the kinks out of the collaboration process. They could've waited to start working together next year when Intel (hopefully) would have CDMA support, but Apple may have wanted to minimize any risk to the ultra important 10-year anniversary iPhone in 2017. Better to get any teething problems due to the modem change under their belt now, as next year's iPhone is rumored to have a lot more design changes that they'll have to deal with...
[doublepost=1473553444][/doublepost]

I picked the outlying stores for two reasons - there was no line and they likely had stock. Since there was no line, there were no other people ready to buy that shiny new iPhone - just a "bird-in-the-hand" mentality.

Good tactic! Hmm must start mapping and plotting...
[doublepost=1473553789][/doublepost]

I went to an AT&T store after seeing your post. I did the math with the salesperson and determined that, for many people, these "free iPhone" deals are not always as good as other approaches to buying. For example, Next Worth is offering me $380 for a 64 GB iPhone 6S, a trade I locked in before Sept. 9. Assuming the same kind of trade-in deal for a 128 GB iPhone 7 is available next year, that would be $760 returned to me over 24 months. (Selling it myself, instead of trading it in would likely yield even more dollars.) Either way, that would be much better than the $650 AT&T and the other carriers are offering as a 24-month credit on your bills, after you trade in your current iPhone. These deals may be a decent option for owners of an iPhone 6, but not for those who have an iPhone 6S. So, make sure you do the math before buying.

I think I see your point (need more coffee to think)... But that $760 back is after giving up your 2nd phone, no?

With the carrier promo it's true you'd have to wait 2 yrs to get the whole $650 back, but you'd still be left with the 2nd phone in your possession?

BTW would it be possible to upgrade yet again to the iPhone 8 next year, even if you haven't finished receiving the monthly credits for the iPhone 7 (assuming you've already paid it off or satisfied any installment requirements)?


EDIT: It's funny that Apple's bifurcated modem strategy seems to be benefitting Verizon competitively (and Sprint to an extent). I mean if you're already (and intend to stay) a Verizon customer, it'd be the easiest thing in the world to just get the "free" iPhone 7 upgrade promotion straight from VZW. You'd pay less than direct from Apple. It's always unlocked no matter what. And it'll be the Qualcomm version by default. Shoot...

 

[jhersco]

I'm guessing that Apple is trying out Intel's modem this year to get all the kinks out of the collaboration process. They could've waited to start working together next year when Intel (hopefully) would have CDMA support, but Apple may have wanted to minimize any risk to the ultra important 10-year anniversary iPhone in 2017. Better to get any teething problems due to the modem change under their belt now, as next year's iPhone is rumored to have a lot more design changes that they'll have to deal with...
[doublepost=1473553444][/doublepost]
Good tactic! Hmm must start mapping and plotting...
[doublepost=1473553789][/doublepost]
I think I see your point (need more coffee to think)... But that $760 back is after giving up your 2nd phone, no?

With the carrier promo it's true you'd have to wait 2 yrs to get the whole $650 back, but you'd still be left with the 2nd phone in your possession?

BTW would it be possible to upgrade yet again to the iPhone 8 next year, even if you haven't finished receiving the monthly credits for the iPhone 7 (assuming you've already paid it off or satisfied any installment plan requirements)?[you would have a phone in your possession.

Sorry. You are right. You would have a 2-year old phone in your possession, which would likely be worth more than the additional money I mentioned getting in my plan. That would make the carrier promo a fairly decent deal, just not "truly free."

AT&T told me that, since the $650 discount would be paid out over 24 months, you would have to trade in your iPhone 7 and forfeit the remaining $325 to upgrade to the next iPhone 12 months from now.

 

[pgadam]

I spoke to apple support on chat during my purchase, and they repeatedly told me a t-mobile unlocked phone works on Verizon (any carrier) once it is unlocked.

I hope they have not also stooped down to intentional misleading, apart from having problematic devices.

Attaching my chat here.

 

[discuit]

I spoke to apple support on chat during my purchase, and they repeatedly told me a t-mobile unlocked phone works on Verizon (any carrier) once it is unlocked.

I hope they have not also stooped down to intentional misleading, apart from having problematic devices.

I would certainly trust the official device specs page over a random chat support rep. It says:

Models A1778 and A1784 do not support CDMA networks, such as those used by Verizon and Sprint.

 

[pcmike]

I spoke to apple support on chat during my purchase, and they repeatedly told me a t-mobile unlocked phone works on Verizon (any carrier) once it is unlocked.

I hope they have not also stooped down to intentional misleading, apart from having problematic devices.

Attaching my chat here.

They're not misleading you, it will work... on Verizon's LTE network.

 

[Howyalikdemapls]

I spoke to apple support on chat during my purchase, and they repeatedly told me a t-mobile unlocked phone works on Verizon (any carrier) once it is unlocked.

I hope they have not also stooped down to intentional misleading, apart from having problematic devices.

Attaching my chat here.

Ya... Jennifer doesn't know what she's talking about.

 

[KPOM]

You should be happy that you can choose between those 2 models.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world is screwed, because my iPhone 7 won't work with Verizon when I travel to the U.S. Well done Apple!

That was long the case, anyway. Even when Vodafone owned part of VZW their own phones roamed on AT&T and T-Mobile. However, in theory the international models can roam onto VZW's LTE network if the carriers have a roaming agreement. VZW has almost universal LTE coverage now.

 

[gregnauman]

They're not misleading you, it will work... on Verizon's LTE network.

You are wrong see my previous posts. iPhone 7 is NOT THE SAME as past iPhones
[doublepost=1473623185][/doublepost]Here it is in black and white right from apple website.....


AT&T and T-Mobile
The iPhone for AT&T and T-Mobile does not support CDMA and will not work on Sprint or Verizon Wireless.

 

[Howyalikdemapls]

You are wrong see my previous posts. iPhone 7 is NOT THE SAME as past iPhones
[doublepost=1473623185][/doublepost]Here it is in black and white right from apple website.....


AT&T and T-Mobile
The iPhone for AT&T and T-Mobile does not support CDMA and will not work on Sprint or Verizon Wireless.

Ya... I think what PCMike is saying that it will work with Verizon's LTE network but ONLY with their LTE network. I think LTE is actually OFDMA not CDMA (I'm not super familiar with the details of this, but I'm pretty sure that LTE is totally different from their CDMA network).

So I think he's saying it'll kinda sorta work with Verizon, but only on LTE, and you can only talk using VoLTE. It still lacks CDMA support which cripples your phone on Verizon's network.

 

[MisterAndrew]

I have and still use daily a VZW 6S+, bought at the West Linn VZW corporate store, bought outright, no contract and no contract information given.

There does not appear to be a West Linn VZW corporate store. The only one I can find is called Diamond Wireless, an authorized VZW retailer. So if that's the one you went to it looks like this may work at non-corporate stores as well.

 

[campyguy]

There does not appear to be a West Linn VZW corporate store. The only one I can find is called Diamond Wireless, an authorized VZW retailer. So if that's the one you went to it looks like this may work at non-corporate stores as well.

Gotta love Google Maps. I looked it up and find you're quite right. It was at the time of my purchases, however, a corporate store. The only differences that I know about VARs and corporate stores are the JIT services, such as VARs will charge you for a SIM while corporate stores hand them out at no cost.

I was just poring over this thread a bit and there is a tactic I've used 3 times for my GF - I want to keep her happy and her two black belts in her dresser... - I have purchased a VZW phone for her in a corporate store by telling them "it's a gift", and I'll admit that I'm a bit buried with moving an office this weekend. The "it's a gift" line worked without question for a 5S, 6, and 6S at a corporate store in DT Portland, and I paid full price (and kept the black belts nicely tucked away...).

Thanks for the tip on the relevant VZW store as I'm heading to O City to meet with one of my attorneys in two weeks and had considered stopping in, for the aforementioned reason. I don't see why you can't try the gifting angle as it *has* worked for me, but most VARs are very nice to work with as well (when I use one on the road I flip them a Jackson, it's just fair to me!).

 

[jhersco]

Some are claiming that all iPhone 7's purchased via apples payment / upgrade plans are cdma+GSM variants by default even when you input carrier info (i.e. Att).

Anyone have any more clarification on this ?

The statement by rhapsodyosx about orders via The iPhone Upgrade Program may be true.

I pre-ordered an iPhone 7 Plus, selected AT&T as my carrier and signed up for the iPhone Upgrade Program. I had online chats with two different Apple Store specialists today. (The first one's transcript didn't get emailed to me, so I did a second chat.) Both specialists checked my order number and confirmed that I would be receiving model A1661, which is usable with all carriers. When I asked, "Are you sure?" both stated that model A1784 would be sent to people who selected T-Mobile as their carrier. I told both of them that I would hold Apple to this and they confirmed, again, that model A1661 will be shipped to me because I selected AT&T in my order.

I know this contradicts the original subject of this thread and is opposite to what most people are saying or writing. I've got my transcript now and will hold Apple to the promise I was given, if the A1661 doesn't arrive in my order.

I suggest that others who have selected AT&T as their carrier and are concerned about the model they will receive, call or chat with one of the Apple Store specialists to get their own confirmation. Then, perhaps, we AT&T customers can relax.

 

[packman2006]

The statement by rhapsodyosx about orders via The iPhone Upgrade Program may be true.

I pre-ordered an iPhone 7 Plus, selected AT&T as my carrier and signed up for the iPhone Upgrade Program. I had online chats with two different Apple Store specialists today. (The first one's transcript didn't get emailed to me, so I did a second chat.) Both specialists checked my order number and confirmed that I would be receiving model A1661, which is usable with all carriers. When I asked, "Are you sure?" both stated that model A1784 would be sent to people who selected T-Mobile as their carrier. I told both of them that I would hold Apple to this and they confirmed, again, that model A1661 will be shipped to me because I selected AT&T in my order.

I know this contradicts the original subject of this thread and is opposite to what most people are saying or writing. I've got my transcript now and will hold Apple to the promise I was given, if the A1661 doesn't arrive in my order.

I suggest that others who have selected AT&T as their carrier and are concerned about the model they will receive, call or chat with one of the Apple Store specialists to get their own confirmation. Then, perhaps, we AT&T customers can relax.

I ordered 2 separate 7 pluses with AT&T as my carrier, and on a chat, was also informed that I was receiving A1660/A1661 for both orders.

 

[pcmike]

You are wrong see my previous posts. iPhone 7 is NOT THE SAME as past iPhones
[doublepost=1473623185][/doublepost]Here it is in black and white right from apple website.....


AT&T and T-Mobile
The iPhone for AT&T and T-Mobile does not support CDMA and will not work on Sprint or Verizon Wireless.

Really dude? If you've been following this thread in the slightest you'll see I have a /firm/ grasp on the fact that there are two models and what exactly GSM and CDMA are... like the guy who posted after me said, I was pointing out that YOU are wrong and Apple is correct... the GSM phone will in fact work with a Verizon SIM on Verizon's LTE network (clearly not on Verizon's CDMA network).

 

[jhersco]

I ordered 2 separate 7 pluses with AT&T as my carrier, and on a chat, was also informed that I was receiving A1660/A1661 for both orders.

Another confirmation. That's great to know.