Other Should I continue buying an unlocked iPhone?

[NJRonbo]

Hey Everyone!


I am a Verizon customer

Bought my last iPhone, the 14 Pro Max, unlocked and had no issues. I purchased an unlocked phone as I figured it would have better resale value.

Anticipating purchasing the iPhone 16 Pro Max and I am wondering about the benefit of an unlocked phone vs. carrier locked


1. Can I buy an unlocked iPhone and activate it with Verizon during purchase?

2. Does purchasing an unlocked iPhone cost more than one tied to Verizon?

3. Does an unlocked phone get better resale value?

4. Any benefit staying with locked iPhone rather than unlocked?


Thanks for the help!

 

[Jackbequickly]

An unlocked phone can be bought by more people and not just people tied to that particular carrier, so it would likely be worth more.

Most “locked” phones are locked because you got it at a discount due to being tied to a carrier contract. There is no benefit to a locked phone except the possible perks given by the carrier.

 

[NJRonbo]

An unlocked phone can be bought by more people and not just people tied to that particular carrier, so it would likely be worth more.

Most “locked” phones are locked because you got it at a discount due to being tied to a carrier contract. There is no benefit to a locked phone except the possible perks given by the carrier.

Thank you. Will continue buying unlocked.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I always buy unlocked but any locked phone, in the US, will be unlocked by the carrier when the terms of the contract are met.. or in the case of Verizon, 60 days after you buy it, contract or not.

Factory unlocked and carrier unlocked are exactly the same.

 

[NJRonbo]

I always buy unlocked but any locked phone, in the US, will be unlocked by the carrier when the terms of the contract are met.. or in the case of Verzion, 60 days after you buy it, contract or not.

Factory unlocked and carrier unlocked are exactly the same.

Thank You!

 

[eyoungren]

Just to note, due to an agreement with the FCC for spectrum licensing, Verizon unlocks all phones 60 days after purchase. This used to be 30 days and before that Verizon was required to unlock out of the box.

So, if you buy unlocked that's your choice of course. But a locked to Verizon device is unlocked after 60 days anyway.

 

[4sallypat]

Is a T Mobile phone purchased on Apple store using the Apple Card (24 month installment @ 0%) considered unlocked ?

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Is a T Mobile phone purchased on Apple store using the Apple Card (24 month installment @ 0%) considered unlocked ?

Any iPhones bought at the Apple Store are unlocked, when using the Apple Card payment plans.

There is an Store article that I wanted to link as it spells out all the details, but Apple's site is currently down.

 

[nburwell]

I prefer purchasing my iPhone’s directly from Apple. I’d rather not add to my current cell phone bill by financing a device through them.

 

[840quadra]

In the past, cellular radios and supported bands were different in some past models. I don't anticipate that issue being the case now, but as new bands (and potentially carriers) come out in the future, it may spring back as being an issue.

As a general rule I buy direct from Apple, and buy unlocked.

 

[RichHI]

OK. Had experience of this. What I have found.
1) Buying the exact model you want and having it explained to you with new features is mich easier and faster than VZW store. Also trade ins are better unless you are buying an old model on promo.
Easier to get things fixed if you bought it at local apple store.
2) VZW told me all their iphones are unlocked but getting esim loaded as Primary and AT&T as Sim secondary took 6 months to fix. Last time I bought at apple, went to VZW store and when AT&T store got it all done in a morning with correct settings.
3) no discernible price difference and without discounting they try to ensnare you with new phone every.,, xx months. I change phones on release of feature i need or when it has too many issues. Changing this year and is 4 years old.
Summary
In theory you can take either route but I think buying at apple store is easier and better experience.

 

[1rottenapple]

Unlocked is so nice when traveling. I paid $18 for 20gb data typing this in Scotland Edinburgh. So always buy unlocked.

 

[Wags]

Any iPhones bought at the Apple Store are unlocked, when using the Apple Card payment plans.

There is a Store article that I wanted to link as it spells out all the details, but Apple's site is currently down.

Cant buy ‘sim free’ devices anymore on Apple financing but like said, all are unlocked with Apple financing.