Tmobile 5s same as AT$T 5s?

[KPOM]

So just to clear things up:

Verizon device only : unlocked
AT&T device only : unlocked
T-Mobile device only : unlocked

Does it matter if its purchased at an apple store or not? Just need to confirm
also do you have restore before they all unlock or is it plug n play?

Yes it matters if it is from an Apple store. If you purchase it full price from a carrier it will be locked to their network. You have request a unlock from the carrier. Buy from an apple store.

Buy "device only" from an apple store, unbox and plug into iTunes. You will see the unlock message.

Close. Per the post above, all Verizon iPhones are unlocked, whether purchased on contract or device only, from the carrier, Apple, or any other reseller. It was a condition for one of the LTE licenses that Verizon entered into. However, Verizon doesn't have to sell you a phone device-only. Apple doesn't have to, either, but they will, at least in the store.

 

[1twojay]

Close. Per the post above, all Verizon iPhones are unlocked, whether purchased on contract or device only, from the carrier, Apple, or any other reseller. It was a condition for one of the LTE licenses that Verizon entered into. However, Verizon doesn't have to sell you a phone device-only. Apple doesn't have to, either, but they will, at least in the store.

How about AT&T phones bought at Radio Shack, which they also sell full price (no activation)? Are those good to go?

Some apple stores simply aren't even allowing customers to buy device only. They said they have to open and activate it.

 

[KPOM]

How about AT&T phones bought at Radio Shack, which they also sell full price (no activation)? Are those good to go?

Some apple stores simply aren't even allowing customers to buy device only. They said they have to open and activate it.

Even if it is locked, since you paid full price, it is AT&T's policy to unlock it at your request. T-Mobile is different (they require you to have service for a period of time).

I don't think there is an official Apple Store policy (maybe their needs to be). Some associates may not know how to process a device only sale, or some stores may limit it if they think people are reselling. Last year I bought one device-only from Grand Central. Yesterday I did from Chicago.

That said, I do recall for a period of time last year and the year before, Apple put in place a reservation system, and limited device-only sales. But that was temporary.

 

[Coleman2010]

How about AT&T phones bought at Radio Shack, which they also sell full price (no activation)? Are those good to go?

Some apple stores simply aren't even allowing customers to buy device only. They said they have to open and activate it.

Full price from RadioShack, Target, WalMart or AT&T are sold locked to AT&Ts network. You have to call AT&T customer server and tell them you bought an iPhone full price and do not have an AT&T contract and you would like it unlocked. It may take a couple weeks for them to do the unlock and they make you jump through hoops sending faxes of your receipt and IMEI number to do it.

 

[spinedoc77]

Thanks guys, looks like Verizon it is. It's always nice to have options, and I'm sure it helps resale value.

 

[1twojay]

Full price from RadioShack, Target, WalMart or AT&T are sold locked to AT&Ts network. You have to call AT&T customer server and tell them you bought an iPhone full price and do not have an AT&T contract and you would like it unlocked. It may take a couple weeks for them to do the unlock and they make you jump through hoops sending faxes of your receipt and IMEI number to do it.

Can anyone confirm this? I bought one full price from Radio Shack to bring back home overseas to use. But if its locked then im screwed. Thanks

 

[Coleman2010]

Can anyone confirm this? I bought one full price from Radio Shack to bring back home overseas to use. But if its locked then im screwed. Thanks

Buy an unlock from ebay or from http://www. swiftunlocks .com. If it's an AT&T version swiftunlocks charge $5.

 

[1twojay]

Buy an unlock from ebay or from http://www. swiftunlocks .com. If it's an AT&T version swiftunlocks charge $5.

Thanks, will give that a try if it is indeed locked.