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

[yeldarbecirp]

Once people start getting their new phones from the various channels after launch day, would you mind posting which model you receive?

Got A1778 today.

Ordered from Apple.com at 3:30am on 9/9. Wanted to buy A1660 and enrolled in Upgrade Program as a new member to get 0% loan. Tried various ways but site would not let me specify Verizon model since I have AT&T account. Ordered AT&T reluctantly. Picked up in Apple Store on launch day, received A1778. Asked if I could switch for A1660 but told (no surprise) they did not have any extra inventory and may not for several weeks. I will Activate tonight after unpairing my Apple Watch and iTunes backup of my old iPhone etc.

Also opened a new Verizon account yesterday (BYOD using an MEID from an old Verizon phone no longer used.) Ordered additional new iPhone 7 via another enroll in the Apple Upgrade Program, this time choosing Verizon (A1660), ships 9/29. I will cancel the Verizon account within the 14 day window. Plan to return A1778 back to Apple Store within 14 day window and I will tell them the reason is because it's inferior and they should have let me order what I want in the first place.

It will remain to be seen how difficult Activation will be of the A1660 using my AT&T SIM.

 

[solodogg]

Anyone successfully used a Verizon or Sprint 7/7+ purchased from the Apple Store with T-Mobile or AT&T service, and verify that all expected features still work (WiFi calling, VoLTE, etc)??

 

[milan03]

Also at the pre-order sept 9 there was no screen that popped that said my full price AT & T phone was crippled.

Because it isn't. They're selling you exactly up to the spec they've been advertising.

 

[nealh]

Because it isn't. They're selling you exactly up to the spec they've been advertising.

That's my point when I pre-ordered at 3:20am they had no pop up that said the phone could only be used on GSM network
They said it was unlocked and connected to AT&T
The phone is crippled. I will own but can't take it to any carrier.

 

[tlkudo]

Just thought I'd pass along an update.

The 'engineering ticket' was successful. They de-coupled my new iPhone 7 Plus from the Verizon number used during purchase, and setup a way to bypass the activation server by putting all zeros in for the zip code and all zeros for the last 4 digits of the Verizon account holder's SSN.

After getting past the activation screen all seems well and I was able to restore as a backup of my previous phone. WiFi calling had to be re-enabled but activated in about a minute and works flawlessly. VoLTE also works seamlessly with no issues.

This upgrade was from an AT&T iPhone 6 Plus, so the SIM cards are fully compatible at least 2 generations back.

I have 2 more phones coming this way, so unfortunately it looks like it will take an engineering ticket and 4 hours each time to bypass the Verizon activation. But at least there is a success path.

 

[mi7chy]

#radiogate

This has been discussed previously so if you didn't get the carrier unlocked uncrippled Verizon Qualcomm version then you haven't been paying attention.

 

[macmai]

Just thought I'd pass along an update.

The 'engineering ticket' was successful. They de-coupled my new iPhone 7 Plus from the Verizon number used during purchase, and setup a way to bypass the activation server by putting all zeros in for the zip code and all zeros for the last 4 digits of the Verizon account holder's SSN.

After getting past the activation screen all seems well and I was able to restore as a backup of my previous phone. WiFi calling had to be re-enabled but activated in about a minute and works flawlessly. VoLTE also works seamlessly with no issues.

This upgrade was from an AT&T iPhone 6 Plus, so the SIM cards are fully compatible at least 2 generations back.

I have 2 more phones coming this way, so unfortunately it looks like it will take an engineering ticket and 4 hours each time to bypass the Verizon activation. But at least there is a success path.

Congrats on your success! I'm in the same situation like yours - ATT user using a friend's Verizon #, zip and ssn when preordering. Was assuming a simple SIM swapping on Monday when I receive 7+ JB to do the trick, but now learned from your experience. Thanks for sharing!

Do you know if you allow the new phone to activate with the Verizon SIM, and then give the new SIM to your Verizon account friend, and put your ATT SIM back will work for both of you? My friend is close by so I wonder it'd be easier/faster...

 

[campyguy]

Got my brand new shiny Verizon iPhone 7 Plus from UPS this morning. Immediately tossed out the Verizon SIM and put in my ATT SIM, fired it up, and then...

Although the phone was purchased outright there's still an association with Verizon. I used a friend's account to get past the Verizon 'purchase wall' to order the phone. Now the initial setup process 'knows' the phone number used to purchase the phone and won't allow you to proceed with 'activation' of the phone without the account details used at time of purchase.

Worse, the account association between the new phone and my friends Verizon account is done through Apple servers and not locally on the device. I confirmed the association wasn't on the phone itself by doing a DFU restore, no joy same thing. I could just plug in my friend's account info again, but I'm hesitant to actually 'activate' the phone in iTunes using their account since at that point it may have some actual effect on their service.

After calling Apple, the first line support was completely confused by the issue and told me I had a locked phone. I responded that the phone wasn't locked, it actually had 3 'dots' of AT&T service as we were speaking but wouldn't let me enter the correct phone number for initial activation. Eventually, I was able to get through to a senior support rep, who had a better grasp on things. Confirmed that the serial number is associated on Apple servers with the Verizon account used for purchase. This would require an 'engineering ticket' to address, which she put in for me. She said the wait would be between 30 minutes to 4 hours for a call back. So I'll post an update once I hear back.

Again, disappointed in Apple for making inferior versions of the iPhone 7 and creating this situation in the first place...

Nits aside about VZW's activation process, Apple is a VAR and generally orders through VARs create a "Pending Order" that is resolved when the current or next billing period ends. You and the iPhone 7 are not experiencing anything new - purchases at VARs, both online and in-person will generate a PO. That iPhone has been associated with a VZW account, and that association needs to be resolved by using a VZW nano-SIM - after that several minute process just about any SIM should work. I'm on both VZW and ATTWS, with both locked and unlocked handsets in use personally and for my company.

The PO will eventually resolve itself once it's been registered on VZW's network. The simplest means to do this is find a friend with a nano-SIM on VZW's network - that's what I'd do, if I were you but I have about 60 lines at my disposal...

Do not use that SIM or try activating the new phone online, the latter process will require a VZW SIM anyway - you'll deactivate the SIM in your friend's device and, at a minimum, they'll need to get a new one and have it activated.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/pending-orders/
http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/how-to-activate-4g-phone-upgrade/ - Steps 4 & 5 are the only two steps to concern yourself with.

One issue that came up with a VZW iPhone 6 when I bought one from through Apple was that Apple conveyed to VZW that the phone wouldn't "arrive" and be available for service until a future date - after I'd taken delivery via FedEx. Only talking to a VZW business rep tied to the Apple Store yielded that information - basically, it arrived before it should have and VZW couldn't activate it. I exchanged it in-store for a new handset right there and then, and that replacement handset worked on the spot. I was baffled at the time, but evidently it's not unusual with VZW for new product launches.

 

[tlkudo]

Congrats on your success! I'm in the same situation like yours - ATT user using a friend's Verizon #, zip and ssn when preordering. Was assuming a simple SIM swapping on Monday when I receive 7+ JB to do the trick, but now learned from your experience. Thanks for sharing!

Do you know if you allow the new phone to activate with the Verizon SIM, and then give the new SIM to your Verizon account friend, and put your ATT SIM back will work for both of you? My friend is close by so I wonder it'd be easier/faster...

I'm sure that will work. In my case my friend is about half a state away, so I wanted to be absolutely sure I wouldn't screw up his account! One thing to be cognizant of though, Verizon will charge a $20 activation fee to the account holder if you continue along with their information. It's probably easier to just activate and hand him a $20 along with the new SIM card
[doublepost=1474063833][/doublepost]

Do not use that SIM or try activating the new phone online, the latter process will require a VZW SIM anyway - you'll deactivate the SIM in your friend's device and, at a minimum, they'll need to get a new one and have it activated.

Agreed - if you proceed to activate with the Verizon account holder's information, it will create an action required headache for your buddy, who may then be less inclined to help you in the future...

By calling Apple and working through 2nd level support and an 'engineering ticket' they were able to disassociate the new iPhone 7 from the VZW account I used to buy it. After that I was able to activate the phone with my AT&T SIM installed. No $20 VZW activation, no disabled SIM card, no pissed off buddies...

 

[campyguy]

By calling Apple and working through 2nd level support and an 'engineering ticket' they were able to disassociate the new iPhone 7 from the VZW account I used to buy it. After that I was able to activate the phone with my AT&T SIM installed. No $20 VZW activation, no disabled SIM card, no pissed off buddies...

Nifty. Now, go show off your new bling!

 

[macmai]

I'm sure that will work. In my case my friend is about half a state away, so I wanted to be absolutely sure I wouldn't screw up his account! One thing to be cognizant of though, Verizon will charge a $20 activation fee to the account holder if you continue along with their information. It's probably easier to just activate and hand him a $20 along with the new SIM card
[doublepost=1474063833][/doublepost]

Agreed - if you proceed to activate with the Verizon account holder's information, it will create an action required headache for your buddy, who may then be less inclined to help you in the future...

By calling Apple and working through 2nd level support and an 'engineering ticket' they were able to disassociate the new iPhone 7 from the VZW account I used to buy it. After that I was able to activate the phone with my AT&T SIM installed. No $20 VZW activation, no disabled SIM card, no pissed off buddies...

Thank you tlkudo and campyguy for making it super clear! Once I receive my phone I'll 1) grab a VZW SIMs from my coworker to put in the 7+, after it's registered on VZW's network swap back to my ATT SIM (fastest, less hassle) -> 2) if not working just call apple (slower but still less hassle) -> 3) last resort is to bug my friend again for SIM swap (hassle + $20 fee).

 

[Trey M]

Just thought I'd pass along an update.

The 'engineering ticket' was successful. They de-coupled my new iPhone 7 Plus from the Verizon number used during purchase, and setup a way to bypass the activation server by putting all zeros in for the zip code and all zeros for the last 4 digits of the Verizon account holder's SSN.

After getting past the activation screen all seems well and I was able to restore as a backup of my previous phone. WiFi calling had to be re-enabled but activated in about a minute and works flawlessly. VoLTE also works seamlessly with no issues.

This upgrade was from an AT&T iPhone 6 Plus, so the SIM cards are fully compatible at least 2 generations back.

I have 2 more phones coming this way, so unfortunately it looks like it will take an engineering ticket and 4 hours each time to bypass the Verizon activation. But at least there is a success path.

Thanks for this. I just went thru an interesting, similar scenario so want to share my thoughts.

I went thru this same process having issues, getting past the Verizon Billing Zip/last 4 ss #, in the store. I had a VZ rep assisting me, and Apple Genius, and no one was able to figure it out. I knew I was inputting the correct information, given I just entered the same info to order the phone a week ago, however I just couldn't get past the Verizon authentication to continue activating my phone.

Left the store saying I'd leave and try to figure it out myself. Once I returned home, I got the idea to try a different zip code. While my plan's billing zip is in another city entirely , I decided to try the zip code where the phone was shipped instead (Dallas). Upon entering the shipping zip code and last 4 of the ss, I was able to get thru. Some word of advice for those who are in a similar scenario. It appears the authentication may be based on shipping zip code rather than billing zip code as it says in the iPhone UI.

Also, another interesting note: during my time in the store they were also telling me about this new Apple device association for which the device is ordered. I can confirm Apple themselves are creating associations with the phone numbers/devices, at least for Verizon iPhone 7's. . As you said in a post above, even a DFU restore will not bypass this association. So you're forced to be aware of the info (the goal is to stop scalpers). However, upon activating service on the new phone with the SIM Card that was included in the new phone, it did NOT deactivate my old phone. So, I don't think you really had to go thru the steps to avoid having your buddy's line disconnected-- though it was wise that you did and considered that. However, in my experience, I believe all you have to do is bypass the authentication-- the actual device activation is based on whatever SIM card you used. The included SIM card for the iPhone 7 is NOT needed.

Edit: Forgot to add-- don't know if this matters, but I did pick up the phone via an in store reservation versus ordering it online. Not sure if this would impact the flow of the activation process or not.

 

[pcmike]

Got my brand new shiny Verizon iPhone 7 Plus from UPS this morning. Immediately tossed out the Verizon SIM and put in my ATT SIM, fired it up, and then...

Although the phone was purchased outright there's still an association with Verizon. I used a friend's account to get past the Verizon 'purchase wall' to order the phone. Now the initial setup process 'knows' the phone number used to purchase the phone and won't allow you to proceed with 'activation' of the phone without the account details used at time of purchase.

Worse, the account association between the new phone and my friends Verizon account is done through Apple servers and not locally on the device. I confirmed the association wasn't on the phone itself by doing a DFU restore, no joy same thing. I could just plug in my friend's account info again, but I'm hesitant to actually 'activate' the phone in iTunes using their account since at that point it may have some actual effect on their service.

After calling Apple, the first line support was completely confused by the issue and told me I had a locked phone. I responded that the phone wasn't locked, it actually had 3 'dots' of AT&T service as we were speaking but wouldn't let me enter the correct phone number for initial activation. Eventually, I was able to get through to a senior support rep, who had a better grasp on things. Confirmed that the serial number is associated on Apple servers with the Verizon account used for purchase. This would require an 'engineering ticket' to address, which she put in for me. She said the wait would be between 30 minutes to 4 hours for a call back. So I'll post an update once I hear back.

Again, disappointed in Apple for making inferior versions of the iPhone 7 and creating this situation in the first place...

I had the same experience, but the store manager allowed me to buy the Verizon variant at full price (which allows it to be unlocked immediately and use any SIM). I still plan on going back and returning it and repurchasing it with a friend's Verizon account information via IUP and then giving my friend the activated Verizon SIM for her phone and slipping my T-Mobile SIM into my new phone. For some reason Apple is required to activate Verizon phones on Verizon and then afterwards in their system if you're on IUP the system will unlock the phone for use on any carrier. It definitely has to be because of some Apple/carrier agreement. I emailed Tim Cook to try and get some clarification because it is a major pain in the butt!
[doublepost=1474071390][/doublepost]

Anyone successfully used a Verizon or Sprint 7/7+ purchased from the Apple Store with T-Mobile or AT&T service, and verify that all expected features still work (WiFi calling, VoLTE, etc)??

Yes. I'm using one now. All works. Problem is they can't sell you the Verizon phone outright without extenuating circumstances (meaning the store manager has to OK it).

 

[yeldarbecirp]

Also, another interesting note: during my time in the store they were also telling me about this new Apple device association for which the device is ordered. I can confirm Apple themselves are creating associations with the phone numbers/devices, at least for Verizon iPhone 7's. . As you said in a post above, even a DFU restore will not bypass this association. So you're forced to be aware of the info (the goal is to stop scalpers).

Interesting Apple's promoting these (IUP, full price) as "Unlocked" but yet there is still this "Association". People are going to be annoyed by that. More like "Unlocked, BUT..." (you have to jump through hoops with Apple to use it on a different carrier than the one you bought it for.)

 

[pcmike]

The hoops are temporary until Apple has a "sim-free" version to purchase. For now, you need to get a carrier version and it has to be activated on that carrier first before it can be unlocked in any fashion.

The problem with the aforementioned "SIM-free" model is figuring out exactly which model will be considered "SIM-free" ... GSM or CDMA/GSM? And will you be allowed to purchase that one via IUP?

 

[MisterAndrew]

Both T-Mobile iPhones I pre-ordered that arrived today were model A1778. I went to the Bridgeport Village Apple Store about 5 am this morning and got in line. There were only about 20 people ahead of me so I was able to get a reservation for later today. I bought a Sprint iPhone 7 device-only, model A1660. (They didn't have the configuration I wanted left in Verizon.) The Apple Store guys claimed it should work on the Verizon network, although it says it's not compatible when you enter the IMEI on their website. They told me I probably have to go to the Verizon store to activate it. I put my AT&T SIM card in the Sprint phone and it immediately made iTunes say "Congratulations, your iPhone is unlocked" when I plugged it into the computer. (I took out the Sprint SIM card before I turned it on the first time, so it never activated on the Sprint network.) AT&T service seems to be working properly. It's a good day.

 

[punkypj]

Just thought I'd pass along an update.

The 'engineering ticket' was successful. They de-coupled my new iPhone 7 Plus from the Verizon number used during purchase, and setup a way to bypass the activation server by putting all zeros in for the zip code and all zeros for the last 4 digits of the Verizon account holder's SSN.

After getting past the activation screen all seems well and I was able to restore as a backup of my previous phone. WiFi calling had to be re-enabled but activated in about a minute and works flawlessly. VoLTE also works seamlessly with no issues.

This upgrade was from an AT&T iPhone 6 Plus, so the SIM cards are fully compatible at least 2 generations back.

I have 2 more phones coming this way, so unfortunately it looks like it will take an engineering ticket and 4 hours each time to bypass the Verizon activation. But at least there is a success path.

Hi,

I have this exact issue and have rung Apple, however rather than make whatever change needs to be made on the Apple servers, the support are saying I have to call Verizon.

Can anyone advise exactly what I need to request to explain the issue to Apple so that it gets resolved?

Frustrating as I have purchased an "unlocked" phone!

 

[tlkudo]

Hi,

I have this exact issue and have rung Apple, however rather than make whatever change needs to be made on the Apple servers, the support are saying I have to call Verizon.

Can anyone advise exactly what I need to request to explain the issue to Apple so that it gets resolved?

Frustrating as I have purchased an "unlocked" phone!

All I can tell you is that you'll have to be persistent. The first line will tend not to know anything. Verizon won't help you since you don't have a Verizon account. Plus the association between the phone you pre-ordered from Apple and the phone number you used to pre-order it is purely on the Apple servers, so Verizon couldn't help even if they wanted to.

When talking with Apple support, I explained that the phone number showing up for activation of the new iPhone was incorrect, that I did not have a Verizon account and that we needed to decouple my phone from the number used to pre-order it. First line seemed to think my new iPhone was locked, to which I explained it was not, since I purchased outright and it was advertised as unlocked (so are you telling me that was false advertising?) I also mentioned that I already had AT&T service (3 dots) with the SIM card installed so it couldn't be locked. After some back and forth she handed my case off to 2nd line who was able to help.

 

[punkypj]

OK, yes in the end I did agreed to call Verizon, who confirmed they couldn't do anything. When we told Apple this they agreed to open a engineering ticket and wrote up the notes, quoting up to 24hours to respond.

Apple also said we might need to contact Vodafone (my carrier) to request it be unlocked! I explained that they definitely would not be able to help unlocking a iPhone I have purchased from Apple. Not 100% sure what the Apple engineers are being advised on this scenario given that last point? Makes no sense to me that another carrier would in any way be able to unlock a phone that has absolutely no connection with them other that having their sim card in it.

 

[macmai]

OK, yes in the end I did agreed to call Verizon, who confirmed they couldn't do anything. When we told Apple this they agreed to open a engineering ticket and wrote up the notes, quoting up to 24hours to respond.

Apple also said we might need to contact Vodafone (my carrier) to request it be unlocked! I explained that they definitely would not be able to help unlocking a iPhone I have purchased from Apple. Not 100% sure what the Apple engineers are being advised on this scenario given that last point? Makes no sense to me that another carrier would in any way be able to unlock a phone that has absolutely no connection with them other that having their sim card in it.

Can you try the method @campyguy suggested: borrow a Verizon SIM from anyone or from Verizon store, put it in your new iPhone and just let it "registered on VZW's network", then swap back to Vondafone SIM?

 

[lezmaka]

Question for someone: I have AT&T. What will happen if I go into Best Buy and buy an unactivated Verizon at full price (yes I'm aware of the price, it's not an issue, I've got that covered) can I just go to AT&T and get a new sim, put it n the Verizon phone and it'll work? Or will still need to do the Verizon sim thing?

Thanks

 

[solodogg]

Question for someone: I have AT&T. What will happen if I go into Best Buy and buy an unactivated Verizon at full price (yes I'm aware of the price, it's not an issue, I've got that covered) can I just go to AT&T and get a new sim, put it n the Verizon phone and it'll work? Or will still need to do the Verizon sim thing?

Thanks

Just swap the sim, it will work fine. Only time it won't work is if you purchase from Apple online, and have it shipped. All other VZW iPhones do not come pre-activated.

 

[1984]

Just swap the sim, it will work fine. Only time it won't work is if you purchase from Apple online, and have it shipped. All other VZW iPhones do not come pre-activated.

Does the same apply if you order from Best Buy online and have it shipped?

 

[solodogg]

Does the same apply if you order from Best Buy online and have it shipped?

Yep! Only place that becomes a PITA is having one shipped from Apple, as they get pre-activated on an Apple server, and require technical support to remove the device before you can activate it on another carrier.

 

[jhersco]

I didn't want to wait until sometime in October for my AT&T iPhone 7 Plus and find out that Apple sent me an iPhone that works with AT&T and T-Mobile only. I wanted an iPhone 7 Plus model A1661 (Verizon/Sprint) which is capable of working with any carrier. So, having only an AT&T account right now, here's how I got the iPhone I wanted today:

1. I went to https://reserve.cdn-apple.com/US/en...1&sourceID=email&rv=0&path=&iPP=U&appleCare=Y at 8 a.m. local time.

2. I found the model I wanted available to reserve for pickup today at my nearby Apple retail store.

3. I selected Verizon as my carrier. No further account questions were asked.

4. I selected a time of day to pick it up. (First available time was right when the store opened.)

5. When I got to the Apple store, I told the salesperson that I wanted to put my AT&T SIM card in the Verizon model that I had reserved.

6. He told me that there would be no problem, as long as I was willing to pay for the iPhone upfront, rather than use the iPhone Upgrade monthly payment program.

7. I agreed, figuring I can just sell the iPhone 7 Plus if I want to upgrade next year. I'll apply what I get for selling my current iPhone toward today's full payment.

8. I put my AT&T SIM card in my new iPhone and it works just fine.

For people who don't have a Verizon or Sprint account, I recommend this as a fairly easy way to get the A1660 or A1661. The stores are getting new stock just about every day. Try it yourself any morning at 8 a.m.