Why do I have to pick a carrier when purchasing the phone through Apple.com?

[metsjetsfan]

1633/1634 do have CDMA:
http://www.apple.com/iphone-6s/specs/

wow thanks then att one is the superior one then. apple shoudl have just done one phone. apple sim one phone to rule them will have to wait till 7

 

[nj1266]

You can then buy the unlocked phone WITHOUT picking a carrier.

Can you buy an unlocked phone without a carrier using the Apple Upgrade Program? I have a prepaid account with T-Mobile and I currently use a Verizon phone which works on three of the four carriers. I would rather get a phone that works on all four carriers.

 

[Shadowbech]

yes this is because they are different models. A1633 and A1638

basically att one and everything else

the att one has an additonal LTE band but no cdma

http://www.techwalls.com/iphone-6s-plus-models-differences/

Okay I need some clarification on this from the link above.

The A1688 is sold at T-Mobile (locked and contract-free), Sprint and Verizon in the US, as well as in Europe and Asia, including countries like the U.K., France, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Japan. You will also receive this model when you take advantage of Apple’s new iPhone Upgrade Program.

States that T-mobile is locked and contract free? That doesn't make any sense to me. Also if you are using iPhone UP, technically it is unlocked since you can use any carrier of your choice, so not sure why that website states that it's locked and contract free.

Or does this mean that iPhone 6S and 6S Plus purchases at T-mobile B&M that it is locked and contract free? I'm pretty sure if you purchase the T-mobile at Apple that it would be unlocked. I guess we'll find out on the 25th.

 

[xman1102]

Can you buy an unlocked phone without a carrier using the Apple Upgrade Program? I have a prepaid account with T-Mobile and I currently use a Verizon phone which works on three of the four carriers. I would rather get a phone that works on all four carriers.

This is exactly my issue. I have a Nexus that I use AT&T Next with, but I want a phone I can take to any carrier.