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

nabeel24 said:
Just a heads up here, I'm not sure if someone noticed this.

But for those that are buying the Verizon iPhone because it allows CDMA and GSM, it does NOT have the Band 30 on it.

I'm not sure how big of a role that will play. I'm with AT&T and was planning on grabbing the Verizon iPhone since it allows both CDMA and GSM, but it not having Band 30 is a bit worrisome.
Click to expand...
It does have band 30. You can see all the bands listed here: http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/
 
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Ahh! Yeah, you all are right.

I thought I saw no Band 30 on the CDMA version on the MacRumors image.
 
People are going to be super pissed if they buy the GSM only version (Intel) because it's the only one available for purchase if you're with T-Mobile, and later find out only the CDMA version (Qualcomm) works with T-Mobile's 4x4 MIMO service.

At least I know I will be.
 
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How much will having the GSM-only iPhone 7 really kill the resale value in one year, though?
 
lamanzana said:
Agreed, the obvious choice should be the Verizon or Sprint model so it could be used in any CDMA/GSM network, IF those Verizon or Sprint models are unlocked. Do you know if those come unlocked? i.e. I buy the Verizon or Sprint model and right away in put my T-Mobile chip, will it work?
Click to expand...

The Verizon phones are definitely unlocked. If you buy through the Apple Upgrade Plan, the phone is guaranteed to be unlocked regardless of carrier.
 
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Howyalikdemapls said:
People are going to be super pissed if they buy the GSM only version (Intel) because it's the only one available for purchase if you're with T-Mobile, and later find out only the CDMA version (Qualcomm) works with T-Mobile's 4x4 MIMO service.

At least I know I will be.
Click to expand...

Is this true? That's ridiculous. They both support 3-way CA, right?
 
madman555 said:
If you're able to get the Verizon phone, it will be unlocked and will work on all networks. The issue is getting the phone. In order to pre-order it tonight, you'll need to enter a Verizon account. If you somehow have access to a Verizon account and use it, you'll receive the phone with a sim card linked to that Verizon account. You can simply switch the sim out and use it with any carrier afterwards. But the major issue here is getting the Verizon phone in the first place
Click to expand...

This is true. If you try to buy an iPhone SE via the Apple Store app right now, it does the exact same thing. So oh well, it looks like I'll just have to settle for the T-Mobile version since I don't have access to a Verizon account.
 
BruiserB said:
OK....that's good to know. In the past Sprint was very difficult if not impossible to get unlocked....but that's probably changed finally with the new rules that the carriers are supposed to follow. Verizon's unlocked status was mandated by the FCC as a condition of them getting the LTE bands they wanted (or something like that). And they didn't use to sell unlocked phones from carriers other than T-mobile online at launch. You had to go to the store and request device only....seems the walls are finally coming down!
Click to expand...

I finally jumped through all the hoops and waited past the two year requirement and got Sprint to unlock my iPhone 5. When I upgraded that phone to the iPhone 6S, and added a line to my account and put my unlocked iPhone 5 on that new account, Sprint locked it again. I didn't want to spend the time or effort required to understand why or fight it, because I knew it was a battle I wouldn't win. Of course my 6S was locked from the beginning as well.
 
"Ultimately, the most obvious choice should be to purchase a Verizon or Sprint model, even if you are an AT&T or T-Mobile customer, especially when considering resale value. "

No, this isn't the obvious choice. Does Intel's GSM chip work better than Qualcomm's? That's the question.
 
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Is there any reason to not use a friend's Verizon account to place the order online and then pop in my AT&T SIM when it arrives?
 
I'm coming from an Android, so I'm new to buying iPhones. From reading a few pages, a CDMA, Verizon iPhone 7 would be the best to get? Also, will Apple ask you for your account info when you purchase a Verizon/Sprint iPhone at a physical retail store?
 
1paine1 said:
CDMA is the reason you have good coverage in rural areas and inside buildings. Old yes, outdated only in Europe! WTF Apple?
Click to expand...
Not sure about Rural, but it's the wavelength of the signal, not CDMA tech that makes it good for inside building. Att is good in building, but uses GSM.
 
AVS0S said:
I'm coming from an Android, so I'm new to buying iPhones. From reading a few pages, a CDMA, Verizon iPhone 7 would be the best to get? Also, will Apple ask you for your account info when you purchase a Verizon/Sprint iPhone at a physical retail store?
Click to expand...
From my understanding, yes to your first question and no to your second question.
 
Heres my interesting conversation w/ "Janet" at apple regarding this;

Welcome to Apple.

What can we do for you today?

I just read something concerning I needed clarification for. I am ordering 2 iPhone 7+. I am currently an ATT subscriber but my understanding is if I buy it through picking ATT, I could never take it to, say, Verizon. I know the old phones supported both. I have no contract and I plan on buying the phone straight out in full. How do I know if I'd get the ATT one that can't go to Verizon or the Verizon one who can go everywhere? I can't seem to get this clarified on your site.

Please wait while I connect you with an Apple Specialist.

Now Chatting with Janet

Hello! My name is Janet. Welcome to the Apple Online Store.

I am happy to help with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 plus.

Is it true that if I buy a ATT iPhone "unlocked" full payment, that it will not support CDMA?

The AT&T and T-Mobile models are GSM only. They will not accept a CDMA carrier.

I'm trying to understand if I buy a phone, unlocked, and I "have" to pick a carrier, why is it limited? I "could" pick Verizon, even though I use ATT (not in contract) and the Verizon phone supports all bands. Just confused. Should I lie and say Verizon, as I have no contract and paying it in full. That way i can take it wherever I want?

Is that a no?

The issue is the iPhone we currently have our set to work with the carrier you choose. They will have the Sim card for the chosen carrier and when you turn them on ready to activate with that carrier.

One final question, if I may.

Please ask any questions.

SOOO...if I buy a Verizon phone (Model A1660/A1661) that supports CDMA, I COULD take it to ATT (hypothetically) as it supports ALL bands. But if I buy an ATT phone (Model (A1778/A1784), I can not take it to Verizon, as it does not support CDMA. Are both those correct?

That is correct.

So lie it is then. Interesting.

Ok, thank you for your time and assistance. Apparently I'm a Verizon customer unofficially.

If you want to eventually use AT&T on that iPhone you would need Verizon or Sprint.

Even though its unlocked...?

(again, paid in full is what I'm talking about)

(not your "purchase plans")

I am looking at paid in full.

Is it okay if I quote this in a report?

Give me another moment. I am seeing when you order you must choose the carrier. I want to be sure it is not locked to that carrier choice.

I know it will be locked if not paid in full but if its paid in full, then its unlocked. My understanding is unlocked phones are not subjected to carrier regulations (i.e. - being locked). The ones online full cost you must be an existing customer and it will have you check eligibility in order to have it ready to activate at the time you receive it.

There is not a carrier free option available on the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 plus online at this time.

Thank you for your time and assistance. I appreciate the clarification.

You are welcome.

It is a little confusion . Unlock means once you complete your commit to the carrier you choose the iPhone is able to be used with other carriers. Just online right now you must choose one of the 4 carriers.

No update on a Sim free carrier free model yet.

Ya, funny thing is if its unlocked and paid in full, there is no obligations. Interesting, that's all. :)
 
StalkinWolf said:
Heres my interesting conversation w/ "Janet" at apple regarding this;

Welcome to Apple.

What can we do for you today?

I just read something concerning I needed clarification for. I am ordering 2 iPhone 7+. I am currently an ATT subscriber but my understanding is if I buy it through picking ATT, I could never take it to, say, Verizon. I know the old phones supported both. I have no contract and I plan on buying the phone straight out in full. How do I know if I'd get the ATT one that can't go to Verizon or the Verizon one who can go everywhere? I can't seem to get this clarified on your site.

Please wait while I connect you with an Apple Specialist.

Now Chatting with Janet

Hello! My name is Janet. Welcome to the Apple Online Store.

I am happy to help with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 plus.

Is it true that if I buy a ATT iPhone "unlocked" full payment, that it will not support CDMA?

The AT&T and T-Mobile models are GSM only. They will not accept a CDMA carrier.

I'm trying to understand if I buy a phone, unlocked, and I "have" to pick a carrier, why is it limited? I "could" pick Verizon, even though I use ATT (not in contract) and the Verizon phone supports all bands. Just confused. Should I lie and say Verizon, as I have no contract and paying it in full. That way i can take it wherever I want?

Is that a no?

The issue is the iPhone we currently have our set to work with the carrier you choose. They will have the Sim card for the chosen carrier and when you turn them on ready to activate with that carrier.

One final question, if I may.

Please ask any questions.

SOOO...if I buy a Verizon phone (Model A1660/A1661) that supports CDMA, I COULD take it to ATT (hypothetically) as it supports ALL bands. But if I buy an ATT phone (Model (A1778/A1784), I can not take it to Verizon, as it does not support CDMA. Are both those correct?

That is correct.

So lie it is then. Interesting.

Ok, thank you for your time and assistance. Apparently I'm a Verizon customer unofficially.

If you want to eventually use AT&T on that iPhone you would need Verizon or Sprint.

Even though its unlocked...?

(again, paid in full is what I'm talking about)

(not your "purchase plans")

I am looking at paid in full.

Is it okay if I quote this in a report?

Give me another moment. I am seeing when you order you must choose the carrier. I want to be sure it is not locked to that carrier choice.

I know it will be locked if not paid in full but if its paid in full, then its unlocked. My understanding is unlocked phones are not subjected to carrier regulations (i.e. - being locked). The ones online full cost you must be an existing customer and it will have you check eligibility in order to have it ready to activate at the time you receive it.

There is not a carrier free option available on the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 plus online at this time.

Thank you for your time and assistance. I appreciate the clarification.

You are welcome.

It is a little confusion . Unlock means once you complete your commit to the carrier you choose the iPhone is able to be used with other carriers. Just online right now you must choose one of the 4 carriers.

No update on a Sim free carrier free model yet.

Ya, funny thing is if its unlocked and paid in full, there is no obligations. Interesting, that's all. :)
Click to expand...
Janet is saying that yes you can use a new Verizon iPhone 7 on any carrier you like, but you have to provide account details when ordering online and it comes with a Verizon SIM for the account you told them. If you use a friend's account to do this then your new iPhone 7 will activated as your friend's phone number and their old SIM card will be deactivated. You can then give your new SIM card to your friend and put your AT&T SIM card in your iPhone. This is a very messy solution as they don't sell a sim free model at this time. You can't just lie without having access to a Verizon account.

If you go to a brick and mortar Apple Store it is the general belief that you can buy a CDMA iPhone 7 sim free but there has not been an official word on this yet.
 
Is this a result in changing the antennas? I would think Apple would want fewer SKU's in their inventory for many reasons.
 
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