iPhone X preorder - paying in full - AT&T or T-Mobile model?

[AlphaGuitarist]

My apologies in advance if this was already asked. I’m on AT&T and will be purchasing the X outright. I just did a dry run on the Apple Store app and noticed that it does a verification with AT&T before allowing me to add the phone to my bag. This process takes a couple of seconds. I then tested it out with the T-Mobile version, which doesn’t have the verification step and adds the phone to my bag immediately.

Here’s the question - should I opt for the T-Mobile model, instead of AT&T? Since I’m paying in full, the phone will already come unlocked and both models are identical. Since time will be of extreme essence on October 27 and, by popular consensus on this forum, a couple of seconds can make a difference between getting the phone quickly or risk having it slip into backorder, are there any reasons not to get the T-Mobile model?

 

[patricem]

I wondered this too but I dont think it matters other than having your number ported over before you've put the sim in.

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

I won’t be signing up for a T-Mobile plan during the preorder, since I’m buying the phone outright. It’s actually an unlocked phone with a T-Mobile SIM.

 

[jjk454ss]

By that point, with the iPhone in your cart, does Apple give you a certain amount of time to complete the purchase before you lose out on your spot?

 

[flat five]

My apologies in advance if this was already asked. I’m on AT&T and will be purchasing the X outright. I just did a dry run on the Apple Store app and noticed that it does a verification with AT&T before allowing me to add the phone to my bag. This process takes a couple of seconds. I then tested it out with the T-Mobile version, which doesn’t have the verification step and adds the phone to my bag immediately.

after you do the verification, place the phone in your favorites..
then when you open the app again and choose it from your favorites, you should be able to go directly to bag/checkout..
no?

 

[Givmeabrek]

after you do the verification, place the phone in your favorites..
then when you open the app again and choose it from your favorites, you should be able to go directly to bag/checkout..
no?

You can't do the verification until the site goes live, 10/27...

 

[patricem]

There is a way to have your carrier info pre-entered and saved. I did it on my iphone but I cant remember how, and I am trying to do it on my ipad. The info stayed so it would not have to be entered each time.

 

[flat five]

You can't do the verification until the site goes live, 10/27...

you can pre-enter your carrier account password when applicable.

like- in my favorites, my phone# is already with the phone as my Sprint account has already been verified by Apple.

 

[patricem]

It keeps asking me for my carrier info even though I have already entered it , and added the phone to favorites. This is for mock buy of Ip8

 

[Givmeabrek]

you can pre-enter your carrier account password when applicable.

like- in my favorites, my phone# is already with the phone as my Sprint account has already been verified by Apple.

Doesn't really help. You need your SS# last 4 digits, and the verification code they send you when they verify your account (only good for 2 minutes). You can't do any of this until the site goes live....

 

[flat five]

Doesn't really help. You need your SS# last 4 digits, and the verification code they send you when they verify your account (only good for 2 minutes). You can't do any of this until the site goes live....

hmm.. we're talking about different verification steps..

the one you speak of can be avoided entirely.
(AppleStore.app & ApplePay)

 

[patricem]

How do I enter the carrier info so that it is all verified ? And saved? I have it done on my phone but can't seem to do it on the ipad.

 

[Givmeabrek]

Oops I think you're right. That's with the website login....

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

I’ve decided to go with the T-Mobile variant, in order to avoid the carrier verification. When I receive the phone, I’ll replace the T-Mobile SIM card (I believe each respective carrier’s SIM comes preinstalled) with my AT&T SIM before powering on the phone for the first time.

 

[thadoggfather]

I’ve decided to go with the T-Mobile variant, in order to avoid the carrier verification. When I receive the phone, I’ll replace the T-Mobile SIM card (I believe each respective carrier’s SIM comes preinstalled) with my AT&T SIM before powering on the phone for the first time.

T-Mobile won't require account verification?

im on att and maybe if I do preorder ill go this route too

dont have faith att system won't crash verifying stuff

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

T-Mobile won't require account verification?

im on att and maybe if I do preorder ill go this route too

dont have faith att system won't crash verifying stuff

I did the entire process, up until submitting payment, for the T-Mobile variant of the iPhone 8 and can confirm that it doesn’t require account verification. I believe it has something to do with Apple’s payment processing system, since they also require iUP customers who have T-Mobile to complete their transaction at a physical Apple Store.

 

[Gooberton]

I did the entire process, up until submitting payment, for the T-Mobile variant of the iPhone 8 and can confirm that it doesn’t require account verification. I believe it has something to do with Apple’s payment processing system, since they also require iUP customers who have T-Mobile to complete their transaction at a physical Apple Store.

Can someone weigh in on this. I'm
In the same boat. Should I get the T-Mobile version to save The time ? Is there a single disadvantage?

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

I just came across a post in another thread, stating that T-Mobile variants are a "scalper's dream" and are usually more difficult to get from the Apple Store than other variants. I guess we'll see what happens this Friday.

 

[Tgrey]

I want to buy T mobile variant and paying full, except GSM only, is it same as retail SIM free phone? it's not modified or branded in anyway?

 

[sniffies]

I want to buy T mobile variant and paying full, except GSM only, is it same as retail SIM free phone? it's not modified or branded in anyway?

No, retail SIM-free iPhone is SIM-free Verizon iPhone

 

[Lobwedgephil]

I just came across a post in another thread, stating that T-Mobile variants are a "scalper's dream" and are usually more difficult to get from the Apple Store than other variants. I guess we'll see what happens this Friday.

They used to be, as they used to work on all four carriers, not anymore though.

 

[Tgrey]

No, retail SIM-free iPhone is SIM-free Verizon iPhone

Thanks, I know it's GSM only, jut want to know if it's modified or branded, with pre installed carrier Apps... carrier info...like that

 

[Lobwedgephil]

Thanks, I know it's GSM only, jut want to know if it's modified or branded, with pre installed carrier Apps... carrier info...like that

Apple phones don't come with carrier apps, or branded.

 

[sniffies]

Thanks, I know it's GSM only, jut want to know if it's modified or branded, with pre installed carrier Apps... carrier info...like that

Apple iPhones have been clear of any carrier apps and branding since day 1. Steve Jobs made it very clear to the world. SIM-free iPhones are both GSM and CDMA, not just GSM.

 

[BiggAW]

Bad choice. The Verizon one is the one to get, as it's Qualcomm, supports CDMA, and is fully unlocked for all four carriers. The T-Mobile and AT&T versions are Intel, and may have less resale value due to being LTE-only on Verizon and not working on Sprint.