what is the best way to get unlocked iPhone 6 in usa?

[Cartaphilus]

I was told definitively by AT&T that the iP6 series phones being sold in Apple stores as ATT phones are contract free, but NOT unlocked. ATT requires that the phone be activated on its system for 60 days before ATT will unlock it. I pointed out to the ATT supervisor I asked to escalate my inquiry to that the ATT website only said that the "account" had to be active for 60 days, not any particular device. The supervisor confirmed the policy, while agreeing that the website needed to be clarified.

Every Apple employee at the Apple Store I went to told me that the ATT phones were contract free, but locked to ATT, and that I would have to speak to ATT about their unlocking policy. I was also told that the T-Mobile phones that are advertised as contract free are required to be activated on T-Mobile (I didn't ask how long because I wasn't interested in dealing with T-Mobile).

I very much wanted to take a 6 with me on an extended stay in France, but I was unwilling to bet a nearly kilobuck investment on the statements of posters that may have been true at one time, and may still be true, but which I couldn't get confirmed by either the carrier or Apple. Those less risk adverse than I might be able to accomplish what I could not.

 

[royik]

I was told definitively by AT&T that the iP6 series phones being sold in Apple stores as ATT phones are contract free, but NOT unlocked. ATT requires that the phone be activated on its system for 60 days before ATT will unlock it. I pointed out to the ATT supervisor I asked to escalate my inquiry to that the ATT website only said that the "account" had to be active for 60 days, not any particular device. The supervisor confirmed the policy, while agreeing that the website needed to be clarified.

Every Apple employee at the Apple Store I went to told me that the ATT phones were contract free, but locked to ATT, and that I would have to speak to ATT about their unlocking policy. I was also told that the T-Mobile phones that are advertised as contract free are required to be activated on T-Mobile (I didn't ask how long because I wasn't interested in dealing with T-Mobile).

I very much wanted to take a 6 with me on an extended stay in France, but I was unwilling to bet a nearly kilobuck investment on the statements of posters that may have been true at one time, and may still be true, but which I couldn't get confirmed by either the carrier or Apple. Those less risk adverse than I might be able to accomplish what I could not.

Indeed. very confusing and risky...
I will report after i'll know more.
If someone else can explain more, it would help

 

[Catul]

Wow guys, this has been posted multiple times on the forum. You can buy ANY iPhone 6 "device only" from the Apple store (in person, not online - only the T-Mobile is available at full price online).

Don't buy the Sprint one; but every other iPhone 6 bought device-only at full price at an Apple Store is indeed unlocked. You can just pay cash, take the sealed box out with you, put in any SIM card and have a fully-working iPhone.

Don't listen to what the reps tell you (especially phone reps, I've received so much conflicting information it's ridiculous). Again, multiple reports from many people on this forum confirm this. I myself bought a Verizon iPhone 6 at full price from the Apple store yesterday, popped in an old T-Mobile SIM card and it works just fine. I plan to give this to a friend who wants to use this outside the US, will work with any GSM carrier worldwide (that supports the iPhone 6 frequencies, of course).

 

[techiegirl]

Wow guys, this has been posted multiple times on the forum. You can buy ANY iPhone 6 "device only" from the Apple store (in person, not online - only the T-Mobile is available at full price online).

Don't buy the Sprint one; but every other iPhone 6 bought device-only at full price at an Apple Store is indeed unlocked. You can just pay cash, take the sealed box out with you, put in any SIM card and have a fully-working iPhone.

This.

I never had to give them my phone number and it's not tied to any cellular account.

 

[royik]

Wow guys, this has been posted multiple times on the forum. You can buy ANY iPhone 6 "device only" from the Apple store (in person, not online - only the T-Mobile is available at full price online).

Don't buy the Sprint one; but every other iPhone 6 bought device-only at full price at an Apple Store is indeed unlocked. You can just pay cash, take the sealed box out with you, put in any SIM card and have a fully-working iPhone.

Don't listen to what the reps tell you (especially phone reps, I've received so much conflicting information it's ridiculous). Again, multiple reports from many people on this forum confirm this. I myself bought a Verizon iPhone 6 at full price from the Apple store yesterday, popped in an old T-Mobile SIM card and it works just fine. I plan to give this to a friend who wants to use this outside the US, will work with any GSM carrier worldwide (that supports the iPhone 6 frequencies, of course).

Thanks. It was very helpful!! Now I'm relax...

 

[Catul]

This.

I never had to give them my phone number and it's not tied to any cellular account.

Exactly - it's too easy! The only problem, of course, is that you can't make an online purchase or reservation for a "device-only" Verizon or AT&T model, so you have to get in line at the store and hope they have the one you want in stock.

Given that you can buy any of the three carriers, and if you're not too particular about the color/size combo, you should have no problem finding availability at the local store. Good luck!

 

[wesselya]

I live here but I have been selling phones in Israel for years.

Get Verizon end of story. " Ze Ahi Batooh"

If you can find them in stock good luck. Tell them to check radio shack as well if needed. They usually have phones in stock too.

Shoot me a wahtAPP " Seva Efes Shtaiim Seva Hamesh Hamesh efes shmone shmone arba"

USA 001

 

[mobutt]

You had a contract... I don't have one so it may be a problem, isn't it?

Nah they didn't ask for any information. My friend actually asked them if he could use the ATT phone on T-Mobile and although the first employee said no the second one said yeah, they're unlocked if you're paying full price. I've been buying them full price for the past 3-4 years and they've always been unlocked, before the official unlocked versions are released.

 

[zzoomp09]

If you call Apple, it'll just confuse you, so don't.

Any AT&T, Verizon or TMobile bought full price at an Apple Store, it will be unlocked.

I bought a full price Verizon iPhone6, and now using it for TMobile.

 

[royik]

I live here but I have been selling phones in Israel for years.

Get Verizon end of story. " Ze Ahi Batooh"

If you can find them in stock good luck. Tell them to check radio shack as well if needed. They usually have phones in stock too.

Shoot me a wahtAPP " Seva Efes Shtaiim Seva Hamesh Hamesh efes shmone shmone arba"

USA 001

Thanks, Wesselya! Good to hear from someone who is understand Hebrew
I tried to add your phone, but it is not recohnized. Should I add + or something?
Maybe try to add my number, it is: 972 hamesh arba arba sheva seva shesh efes efes.
Radio shack are selling iPhone device only without contract?