"Off Contract" AT&T iPhone 4Ss Already Come Unlocked

[Pirate515]

However, AT&T has never locked the non-contract iPhone 4 models that went on sale earlier this year, even the ones that weren't formally sold as "off contract."

As I have said earlier, it is not AT&T or any other carrier that does the locking, it is Apple. Apple is already complying with carriers by locking iPhones sold under contracts during sale. As far those sold at full price, Apple chose to keep them unlocked from get go. While AT&T could get nasty and try to get Apple to lock them back, the chances of it are slim to none given how they no longer have to bend over backwards as much to keep them happy.

From what I have heard, when Apple started offering iPhone 4 unlocked, there was no specific unlocked model in their stores. If you came up to the rep and requested unlocked iPhone 4, they would yank AT&T one of the color/size that you asked for from inventory, check the appropriate item on their POS device (probably Device Only as they do now), have you pay full price and you were good to go.

Now, I have an interesting question for those who have purchased their iPhones 4S at Apple stores and activated them with Verizon or Sprint. If you don't mind, try popping your SIM slot and see if there is one inside, and if so, does it happen to be AT&T's? This help solve a puzzle about Apple's logistics when it comes to the inventory that they keep in their own stock. I seriously believe that at this time, all 4S units come with AT&T SIM inside given that prior to sale they cannot know in advance what network any given unit will be activated with. When ringing you up, the sales person has a choice of 4 on their POS device: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or Device Only. Checking one of the first 3 prompts them to enter/verify your account info, whereas Device Only does not require anything further (other than the payment of course).

Don't bother doing this if you have purchased one from Verizon or Sprint directly as they probably do not come with SIM given how they don't need one.

 

[pedrocela]

Hey guys, I've been following this thread since the beginning.

I was wondering, the only way to buy an "off contract" iPhone 4S is by reserving it? Or can I enter to an Apple Store and buy one?

Thank you.

 

[benhollberg]

I was wondering, the only way to buy an "off contract" iPhone 4S is by reserving it? Or can I enter to an Apple Store and buy one?

Thank you.

I have bought multiple by reservation.

 

[CarlosH]

just wondering if anyone has tried restoring an unlocked off-contract 4S?

question 1.) is a SIM card need to be in to activate it again?
question 2.) once activated, is it still unlocked?

1. Yes, you need one to activate it. Any will do. I used my international sim card when I was in the USA. Once I got home, I activated my wife's with her sim card.

2. Yes, it is unlocked. I brought 4 home. We are using different carriers each.

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As I have said earlier, it is not AT&T or any other carrier that does the locking, it is Apple. Apple is already complying with carriers by locking iPhones sold under contracts during sale. As far those sold at full price, Apple chose to keep them unlocked from get go. While AT&T could get nasty and try to get Apple to lock them back, the chances of it are slim to none given how they no longer have to bend over backwards as much to keep them happy.

From what I have heard, when Apple started offering iPhone 4 unlocked, there was no specific unlocked model in their stores. If you came up to the rep and requested unlocked iPhone 4, they would yank AT&T one of the color/size that you asked for from inventory, check the appropriate item on their POS device (probably Device Only as they do now), have you pay full price and you were good to go.

Now, I have an interesting question for those who have purchased their iPhones 4S at Apple stores and activated them with Verizon or Sprint. If you don't mind, try popping your SIM slot and see if there is one inside, and if so, does it happen to be AT&T's? This help solve a puzzle about Apple's logistics when it comes to the inventory that they keep in their own stock. I seriously believe that at this time, all 4S units come with AT&T SIM inside given that prior to sale they cannot know in advance what network any given unit will be activated with. When ringing you up, the sales person has a choice of 4 on their POS device: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or Device Only. Checking one of the first 3 prompts them to enter/verify your account info, whereas Device Only does not require anything further (other than the payment of course).

Don't bother doing this if you have purchased one from Verizon or Sprint directly as they probably do not come with SIM given how they don't need one.

I bought 4, and they all came with an AT&T sim card. No eject tool though.

 

[pbateman]

Hey guys, I've been following this thread since the beginning.

I was wondering, the only way to buy an "off contract" iPhone 4S is by reserving it? Or can I enter to an Apple Store and buy one?

Thank you.

I just walked in and asked for one...no reservation

 

[pedrocela]

I just walked in and asked for one...no reservation

Thanks for your answer.

 

[Pirate515]

I was wondering, the only way to buy an "off contract" iPhone 4S is by reserving it? Or can I enter to an Apple Store and buy one?

No, they sell them to walk-ins too. Depending on how they are doing on stock, they give priority to reservations if they run out. I think what happens is when they open up in the morning is they set aside X amount of units for reservations, and whatever is left is for walk-ins. So if for example you want a 16 GB Black and they do not have any left in the walk-in pile, they will not sell you one even though they have some left in reservation pile. Although, those who made reservations also have until certain time that day to pick them up, and if they don't show up by then, the store reserves the right to sell them to walk-ins instead.

From what I hear, 16 GB model is very popular one and sells out fast on daily basis, so if that's the one you want, you are probably better off making a reservation. I think the rest of them you should have no problem picking up as a walk-in. I reserved my 64 GB Black last Monday and picked one up last Tuesday; however, there were several walk-ins who had no problem getting it as well.

Funny thing is when I was reserving it, they do ask you what carrier model you want. From what I remember from last Monday night, there were no 16 GB models left, and there was nothing left for Sprint at all. I reserved mine as AT&T, but had no problem getting it off-contract as Device Only.

 

[KPOM]

Now, I have an interesting question for those who have purchased their iPhones 4S at Apple stores and activated them with Verizon or Sprint. If you don't mind, try popping your SIM slot and see if there is one inside, and if so, does it happen to be AT&T's? This help solve a puzzle about Apple's logistics when it comes to the inventory that they keep in their own stock. I seriously believe that at this time, all 4S units come with AT&T SIM inside given that prior to sale they cannot know in advance what network any given unit will be activated with. When ringing you up, the sales person has a choice of 4 on their POS device: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or Device Only. Checking one of the first 3 prompts them to enter/verify your account info, whereas Device Only does not require anything further (other than the payment of course).

Don't bother doing this if you have purchased one from Verizon or Sprint directly as they probably do not come with SIM given how they don't need one.

I'm guessing that the Verizon and Sprint iPhones have Verizon and Sprint SIMs provisioned for use outside the US. Remember, those phones roam on GSM networks outside the US or wherever else Verizon and Sprint have CDMA roaming agreements (e.g. Canada, Korea).

The official unlocked phones do not have any SIMs in them. The ones sold right now off contract have AT&T SIMs.

 

[fa2545]

Hi all,
Thanks for the info. It would REALLY help if you mentioned which store you guys went to. I'm in the DC area and would appreciate a heads up especially before 9pm!
I tried the montgomery mall apple store today no luck!
BTW it was by reservation only there.

 

[SecPhil]

Wow nice! I hope AT&T automatically unlocks iPhones as contracts expire!

Per AT&T Support entry 61097,

iPhone cannot be unlocked, even if you are out of contract.​

This is true for me. I've tried other SIMs to no avail on my +2yr old iPhone.

 

[reinballe]

Per AT&T Support entry 61097,

iPhone cannot be unlocked, even if you are out of contract.​

This is true for me. I've tried other SIMs to no avail on my +2yr old iPhone.

You have to request your phone to be unlocked, it does not unlock automatically by the end-of-contract.

AT&T are as greedy as can be... At&T will not unlock your iPhones at all... but they happily tell you a lie about it... just so you wont blame them for it.

AT&T reps will falsely blame Apple for the unfortunate inability to unlock. I have heard it... and others have reported the same story too.

 

[Pirate515]

You have to request your phone to be unlocked, it does not unlock automatically by the end-of-contract.

AT&T are as greedy as can be... AT&T will not unlock your iPhones at all... but they happily tell you a lie about it... just so you wont blame them for it.

AT&T reps will falsely blame Apple for the unfortunate inability to unlock. I have heard it... and others have reported the same story too.

Typical AT&T, quick to blame someone else for something that was put in place at their own behest. In order to unlock a locked iPhone in Europe, a carrier had to submit a request to Apple along with IMEI, and once Apple gets around to entering IMEI into their database, you would be unlocked next time you sync with iTunes. It used to take a few days for Apple to process the request, maybe it is faster now (or can even be done on the spot). It should be like that here in the US, but greedy AT&T just won't do it. But then again, they have laws in EU requiring carriers/vendors to unlock phones once customer has fulfilled their contract or to sell them unlocked upfront. Sadly, it will be very long (if ever) before something like this gets passed here in the US.

 

[pedrocela]

No, they sell them to walk-ins too. Depending on how they are doing on stock, they give priority to reservations if they run out. I think what happens is when they open up in the morning is they set aside X amount of units for reservations, and whatever is left is for walk-ins. So if for example you want a 16 GB Black and they do not have any left in the walk-in pile, they will not sell you one even though they have some left in reservation pile. Although, those who made reservations also have until certain time that day to pick them up, and if they don't show up by then, the store reserves the right to sell them to walk-ins instead.

From what I hear, 16 GB model is very popular one and sells out fast on daily basis, so if that's the one you want, you are probably better off making a reservation. I think the rest of them you should have no problem picking up as a walk-in. I reserved my 64 GB Black last Monday and picked one up last Tuesday; however, there were several walk-ins who had no problem getting it as well.

Funny thing is when I was reserving it, they do ask you what carrier model you want. From what I remember from last Monday night, there were no 16 GB models left, and there was nothing left for Sprint at all. I reserved mine as AT&T, but had no problem getting it off-contract as Device Only.

Thank you very much for the information, this helps me a lot!

 

[SecPhil]

No unlock for contract AT&T phones...yet

In order to unlock a locked iPhone in Europe, a carrier had to submit a request to Apple along with IMEI, and once Apple gets around to entering IMEI into their database, you would be unlocked next time you sync with iTunes. It used to take a few days for Apple to process the request, maybe it is faster now (or can even be done on the spot).
It should be like that here in the US, but greedy AT&T just won't do it. But then again, they have laws in EU requiring carriers/vendors to unlock phones once customer has fulfilled their contract or to sell them unlocked upfront. Sadly, it will be very long (if ever) before something like this gets passed here in the US.

I asked AT&T US to unlock my old iPhone, and they said it was "against their policy" to do so. At least no finger-pointing.

And just to shut the door on any other rumors, attempting to activate a contract US AT&T 4S with an international SIM does NOT work. Apple eventually finds your IMEI in the database, tells you the number that you bought it with, and gives you a message, "The SIM card in your iPhone does not match the SIM card associated with your account. // To activate your iPhone with this account, please use the SIM card provided with your iPhone, and try again."

 

[gguerini]

Yesterday I tried to buy an off-contract iPhone but they didn't have any device (16GB) in stock. They suggested me to reserve it online but aparently it's ok to do that. Today I will pick it up and try to unlock it. Can't wait!!

Do you know how many devices I can buy at once?

 

[SirAguilera]

No international sim card

I have read all the thread, but just to me make sure

I'm in the US visiting and I'll leave soon. I don't have an International sim card, It's ok to plug the phone to Itunes with the AT&T sim card included and get the unblock message?

Or should I wait to get home and place my carrier's sim?

Thanks! my first post ever in Macrumors.

 

[benhollberg]

I have read all the thread, but just to me make sure

I'm in the US visiting and I'll leave soon. I don't have an International sim card, It's ok to plug the phone to Itunes with the AT&T sim card included and get the unblock message?

Or should I wait to get home and place my carrier's sim?

Thanks! my first post ever in Macrumors.

I have thought dozens of these phones and this is what I do every time to show people they are unlocked. Upon opening just plug the phone into iTunes, don't turn it on yourself, just let your computer first power it up. You should see the unlocked message after it powers on.

 

[fa2545]

I just came back from Bethesda Row with 2 unlocked iphones!
Thanks all!
I did exactly what is mentioned in the post above mine.

 

[TomH TX]

???: So then to "swap" the sim from an iphone4 into the "unlocked" 4s to use it on an existing contract/account, do you have to contact AT&T to update the IMEI and/or upgrade to the "new" 4s data plan?

 

[SirAguilera]

I have thought dozens of these phones and this is what I do every time to show people they are unlocked. Upon opening just plug the phone into iTunes, don't turn it on yourself, just let your computer first power it up. You should see the unlocked message after it powers on.

Thank you, I'll do that, just plug it to iTunes right after unboxing.

 

[Pirate515]

???: So then to "swap" the SIM from an iPhone 4 into the "unlocked" 4S to use it on an existing contract/account, do you have to contact AT&T to update the IMEI and/or upgrade to the "new" 4S data plan?

No, sneaky AT&T automatically detects IMEI's, you do not have to do anything on your part. It started showing 4S a few hours after I swapped the SIM from my old 4.

If you had a dumb phone before and move the SIM into iPhone (or any other smartphone for that matter), expect them to add/upgrade a data plan to your account. If you had any other smartphone (including iPhone) and already have a data plan, it will most likely remain unchanged. Funny thing is that if you move that SIM back to dumb phone, I seriously doubt that they will downgrade/remove that data plan.

Note that they will not extend your contract just for swapping the SIM into a different phone, but they will sign you up for a smartphone data plan if you haven't already been paying for one.

 

[KPOM]

No, sneaky AT&T automatically detects IMEI's, you do not have to do anything on your part. It started showing 4S a few hours after I swapped the SIM from my old 4.

To be fair, any GSM carrier can tell what phone is running from the IMEI. I had the original iPhone back in 2007, and after unlocking it (through the "unofficial" methods), put my T-Mobile SIM in it. I called T-Mobile Customer Service about another issue, and the rep was a bit surprised to see that the iPhone popped up on his system as the phone I was using (I was "officially" using a feature phone at the time but also had a Nokia N95-1).

 

[chinesedemo]

For the last time: if you purchase an iPhone 4s from either Apple or AT&T unsubsidized the phone will be UNLOCKED (whether the employees know this or not). How many times must this be said? The phones are unlocked, you can pop any micro sim into the bloody thing and it will display the respective carrier.

The phones available in November will be unlocked SKU's, but the same phone and packaging. The difference being they will not contain AT&T sim cards and will include a sim ejector tool.

I've already spoken to Apple Engineering about every foreseeable consequence of purchasing an unlocked phone before the official launch. There is nothing to worry about, again as long as you purchase at regular price the phone will be unlocked........

 

[joec1101]

No, sneaky AT&T automatically detects IMEI's, you do not have to do anything on your part. It started showing 4S a few hours after I swapped the SIM from my old 4.

If you had a dumb phone before and move the SIM into iPhone (or any other smartphone for that matter), expect them to add/upgrade a data plan to your account. If you had any other smartphone (including iPhone) and already have a data plan, it will most likely remain unchanged. Funny thing is that if you move that SIM back to dumb phone, I seriously doubt that they will downgrade/remove that data plan.

Note that they will not extend your contract just for swapping the SIM into a different phone, but they will sign you up for a smartphone data plan if you haven't already been paying for one.

Yes, ATT will auto-detect your device. However, if you want to be changed over to a 4S data plan (vs. a standard 4 data plan) you will have to call customer service and tell them to switch it. No need to worry about losing your unlimited data plan if you have one; there's an equivalent unlimited 4s data plan they will switch you to. Switching to the 4s data plan will allow your device to access the HSPA+ portion of the network for faster data speeds (if available in your area).

 

[Pirate515]

For the last time: if you purchase an iPhone 4S from either Apple or AT&T unsubsidized the phone will be UNLOCKED (whether the employees know this or not). How many times must this be said? The phones are unlocked, you can pop any micro sim into the bloody thing and it will display the respective carrier.

The phones available in November will be unlocked SKU's, but the same phone and packaging. The difference being they will not contain AT&T SIM cards and will include a SIM ejector tool.

I've already spoken to Apple Engineering about every foreseeable consequence of purchasing an unlocked phone before the official launch. There is nothing to worry about, again as long as you purchase at regular price the phone will be unlocked........

I beg to differ about phones purchased from AT&T. I think several folks here who have purchased theirs from AT&T said that theirs were locked despite the fact that the paid full retail price as opposed to subsidized.

My guess is that whatever Apple ships to AT&T, the IMEI numbers get entered into "locked" database even before they are actually sold to end users, all AT&T does it tie them to accounts during sale.

The phones that ship to Apple retail stores are different story though. Given that same unit can be activated with either AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or sold as Device Only, they are not added to any "locked" database ahead of time. Those activated on a contract are added to that "locked" DB at the time of sale, Device Only remain unlocked. That is why 4S boxes/packaging no longer contains any carrier-specific logos/branding as all other iPhones before that did. The sticker on the bottom of the box does list the ICCID (SIM card number). I have seen some screen shots on eBay of boxes from unlocked 4S, and ICCID info was missing. I suspect that those that go on sale here in the US will be the same way as well.

So going back to what I have said before, if you want the unlocked one, I would stay away from AT&T stores as you will probably end up paying full retail price and will still be stuck with locked phone. The one purchased from Apple though would in fact be unlocked as was the case with many others (myself included).

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Yes, AT&T will auto-detect your device. However, if you want to be changed over to a 4S data plan (vs. a standard 4 data plan) you will have to call customer service and tell them to switch it. No need to worry about losing your unlimited data plan if you have one; there's an equivalent unlimited 4S data plan they will switch you to. Switching to the 4S data plan will allow your device to access the HSPA+ portion of the network for faster data speeds (if available in your area).

I just did that. Actually tried to change to the 4S plan online, but it wouldn't do it because their billing system was still showing my old 4 and kept saying that the 4S data plan was incompatible with it. Called them and they added my 4S IMEI to their system and dropped that of my old 4 and I was able to change plans then.

P.S. After they added my IMEI, I tried swapping in my pre-paid T-Mobile SIM into it and it still connects and is able to make and receive calls. So for those who are worried, my 4S is still unlocked despite AT&T now officially knowing that I use it and has its IMEI in their system.