So the "tweaked" A1428 is a total lie? This whole article is a lie? They are in fact exactly the same, NOT TWEAKED?
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T-Mobile's iPhone 5 is a Tweaked Model A1428 Phone with AWS Support
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So the "tweaked" A1428 is a total lie? This whole article is a lie? They are in fact exactly the same, NOT TWEAKED?
The FCC filings are very clear that AWS support in the iPhone 5 required NO hardware changes. No changes meaning exactly the same. Tweaked, in this case means a software/firmware change. But the identical hardware means maintaining the same model number. The device itself is unchanged. The software is "tweaked".
Now I understand that "A1428" only relates to hardware. However how does a customer differentiates between A1428 without AWS firmware and A1428 with AWS firmware. Since it's impossible to update firmware of older A1428, I would want to be sure that I'm buying the correct A1428 with the latest software/firmware.
Perhaps it's somewhere on the box "supports AWS". That's all I'm asking.
You are very right in your thoughts as to how would a customer distinguish between one with AWS and one without. And really, that's the crux of the problem. Since it is the same phone and there is no substantive difference, restricting it to units shipped after a certain date is going to cause headaches.
My guess is that people will start using the serial numbers for identifying whether AWS support is there.
AT&T had exclusive rights to the iPhone until 2011. They probably had exclusive GSM iPhone rights till 2013.
The Engadget post that references the Apple rep response indicates that all capacities will be revised with AWS access. Apple will be replacing the current A1428 model in all capacities as a running change. I think this is quite clear.
So, if you have Apple Care + on your iPhone 5, just invoke the $49 replacement option (you have two exchanges total) and get the updated phone after April 12th (perhaps wait a couple weeks for the old stock to clear). I think its worth the money to have the added band if you are on TMO.
hmm..very nice..jailbreak possibility?
Although I'm on tmobile now with my factory unlocked iphone 4 and get great 3g speed when I need it most, I would only get this iphone 5 if it ever gets a jailbreak. Otherwise I'll stick with 6.1.2 evasi0n. lol!
Although I'm on tmobile now with my factory unlocked iphone 4 and get great 3g speed when I need it most, I would only get this iphone 5 if it ever gets a jailbreak. Otherwise I'll stick with 6.1.2 evasi0n. lol!
There were no hardware change needed. AWS is supported in the chipset for the iPhone 5 (and back to the iPhone 4 I think) but it was disabled. The "new" units will have this band enabled. The question is whether it might be possible to enable it on existing phones. Apple has said they won't be enabling it for units already in the field, but that may not preclude a third party from doing it. Depending on what and where the software/firmware needed to enable AWS is will determine whether it is possible to do existing units.
Here in VA, the 3G (refarmed) signal isn't that strong and I get Edge a lot of places, will certainly be looking at the exchange process. Thank goodness for AppleCare+
I bought an unlocked iPhone 5 from the Apple store in November and after a frustrating 1 month on Edge put it away. I am definitely going to buy the new iPhone 5 that will also have AWS coverage. T-mobile's AWS coverage is pretty good in MN, unlike their 1900 Mhz PCS, which is really not ready for prime time. That said, my only hope is that they are able to have Apple allow Wi-Fi calling on their iPhone 5 on the T-mobile network like Samsung, HTC and Blackberry phones. Then one can receive calls even in no cell coverage areas or when one turns of the radio while overseas but wants to use their phone as if they were in the US.
16gb will be stocked in TMo stores. The 32 &64 GB versions will be available online. I assume from TMo's website but it doesnt specify.
The wifi calling is nice for some Low-cell-signal places, but as per their agreement, there is no change to minute usage; you still get charged whether connecting via cell tower or wireless router. It ain't Skype.
I have the Apple Care Plan (the one that does not include accidental coverage) and would I be able to exchange my iPhone 5 for the T-Mobile version? Thanks!
Hmmm. That makes much more sense, although a bit strange the limit for the unlimited is mighty low.
I can not find clarification of this on T-Mo's site. Do you have a link?
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As I mentioned in my post, my analysis is from what I've read.
Their Web site is *very* unclear about tethering and the cost associated with it.
On the unlimited plan footnote it says this:
Includes up to 500 MB of data for Smartphone Mobile HotSpot (Additional options available for more tethering data)
I searched and searched to see what options are available under this plan and could find nothing. If you have links, that would be helpful.
They do seem to have clarified about the included tethering on the GB plans so thank you for pointing that out.
Oh, GREAT!
How the hell will I recognize a an A1428 from a T-mo A1428!!
WTH couldn't Apple call it A1428+, or produce some kind of unique ID mark?
Apples naming system is horrible at the opposite extreme. My dad was sold OS X 10.6 system for his iMac.
It was the G5 version, which cannot run 10.6, yet the Apple sales man said it will work with iMac's.
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If it is possible to tweak old versions of iPhone to be AWS enabled, it will be just more ammo for anti-iPhone crowed.
How the hell will I recognize a an A1428 from a T-mo A1428!!
WTH couldn't Apple call it A1428+, or produce some kind of unique ID mark?
Apples naming system is horrible at the opposite extreme. My dad was sold OS X 10.6 system for his iMac.
It was the G5 version, which cannot run 10.6, yet the Apple sales man said it will work with iMac's.
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If it is possible to tweak old versions of iPhone to be AWS enabled, it will be just more ammo for anti-iPhone crowed.
Mobile hotspot is tethering. If you want unlimited data for your phone but also want tethering you can purchase additional tethering in blocks of 2GB for $10. So you could do $80/month for unlimited data (on the phone), texts, and minutes with 2.5GB of tethering.
I'm also curious to find out if one can exchange a defective iphone 5 for a new one (if you have applecare) on April 12th as I am in the same boat as you.
40-60 depending on need. Your $30 I'd assume is the current wind plan? I have a wind line as well, great price for unlimited service but on a limited network. If you stay in coverage that's great.
More interesting I find is that wind or the big3 generally seem to have much better pricing than the US carriers.
Canadian pricing can be lower but not consistently. We've had the very highest rates in the world for many years. The slight improvements recently are a direct result of wind and mobi. Just hope Rogers doesn't buy Wind.
