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Will the Iphone 5 be available unlocked at launch?

J

jskee

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 25, 2011
14
0
Hi

Do you guys think the unlocked version of the iphone 5 in USA will be available at launch. Because I am about to go to the USA in late august and I need a phone. So one option is for me to buy a 4s when I go to hong kong next week and stick with it. Or to use a dumb phone and wait for the unlocked iphone 5. Which do you guys suggest is better. I know the unlocked 4s only came out 1 month after its launch.
 
jskee said:
Hi

Do you guys think the unlocked version of the iphone 5 in USA will be available at launch. Because I am about to go to the USA in late august and I need a phone. So one option is for me to buy a 4s when I go to hong kong next week and stick with it. Or to use a dumb phone and wait for the unlocked iphone 5. Which do you guys suggest is better. I know the unlocked 4s only came out 1 month after its launch.
Click to expand...

Very likely.
 
iPhone 5 in Hong Kong will come out months after it's initial release in USA (it happened with the 4 and 4S).

It's possible to get an iPhone 5 in Hong Kong, but it'll be 1.5x more expensive and probably the UK edition (unlocked).

I just came back from the phone mall in Hong Kong (3 floors, every store selling phones and phone accessories). There are many second hand iPhone 4s that are going for decent prices. You could get a 4S first, and then wait for the unlocked 5 to come out in your native land.
 
NbinHD said:
It's been reported by several organizations that Apple is going tO release the iPhone on the 12 of September, and release to purchase on the 21 of September.
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Too bad you have absolutely no credibility on your sources.
 
RocketRed said:
iPhone 5 in Hong Kong will come out months after it's initial release in USA (it happened with the 4 and 4S).

It's possible to get an iPhone 5 in Hong Kong, but it'll be 1.5x more expensive and probably the UK edition (unlocked).

I just came back from the phone mall in Hong Kong (3 floors, every store selling phones and phone accessories). There are many second hand iPhone 4s that are going for decent prices. You could get a 4S first, and then wait for the unlocked 5 to come out in your native land.
Click to expand...


Just wondering, do you happen to know if I were to buy a unlocked Iphone 4s in Hong Kong next week. Would the warranty be valid in Boston, USA?
 
jskee said:
Just wondering, do you happen to know if I were to buy a unlocked Iphone 4s in Hong Kong next week. Would the warranty be valid in Boston, USA?
Click to expand...

You can buy it in many places. the iPhone is the most popular phone in Hong Kong right now, followed by the Samsung Galaxy Note.

Every iPhone released in Hong Kong has been factory unlocked, as there is a law that requires all phones to be unlocked.

Warranty will NOT be valid anywhere in the world, except Hong Kong, assuming you buy it directly from the Hong Kong Apple Store (at IFC mall).

There are many smaller shops that sell new and 2nd hand iPhone's, especially in the phone mall located in Mong Kok. However I do not recommend it as you risk the chance of being ripped off or scammed. Nothing personal, but unless you are fluent in speaking and listening to Cantonese, they (small shop dealers) will try to rip you off or make you pay more for less.

If you want legit places to purchase iPhone 4s (Brand New), go to the Apple Store at IFC Mall, Fortress (a chain of shops that sell electronic stuff) or Broadway (same as Fortress). These shops are reputable.

*Edit* I believe you can also purchase it, brand new and unlocked, from Hong Kong phone network stores too, such as China Telecom, Three, Peoples...etc.

Personally, I would recommend Apple Store, Fortress and Broadway. They (should) have english speaking staff and are usually polite to foreigners.
 
Last edited:
For the sake of warranty, I would wait to buy it when it is available here. When it is announced, I am sure an Apple employee will be able to tell you when it will become available, and you can base your decision off of that information.
 
jskee said:
Hi

Do you guys think the unlocked version of the iphone 5 in USA will be available at launch. Because I am about to go to the USA in late august and I need a phone. So one option is for me to buy a 4s when I go to hong kong next week and stick with it. Or to use a dumb phone and wait for the unlocked iphone 5. Which do you guys suggest is better. I know the unlocked 4s only came out 1 month after its launch.
Click to expand...

Maybe. Try @ Cupertino?:D
 
NbinHD said:
No, Apple has not confirmed it. But with several sources, who have been known to have the correct information in the past, stating that it will most likely be announced on the 12th of September, it seems likely it will happen. I never said defiantly did I? I said most likely. Derp to yourself mate.
Click to expand...

Nowhere in any of your posts, did you say "most likely".

I believe in the facts, not rumors. I sure hope you never become a journalist.
 
ixodes said:
No. Unlocked units will come later. The demand is too strong to bother offering unlocked models.
Click to expand...

You do know every single country except for the US has always had unlocked models available at launch.

----------
RocketRed said:
It's been confirmed by Apple? Derp.
Click to expand...

It doesn't have to be confirmed by apple for us to know that is the date. If you've been following apple rumors for long you should know once 10+ sites confirm the same thing there's a 99% chance it's true.

----------
RocketRed said:
Nowhere in any of your posts, did you say "most likely".
t.
Click to expand...

I suggest you reread this thread.
 
NbinHD said:
Excuse me, read my original reply mate.
Click to expand...

Your original reply... The one that has already been quoted accurately in this thread, you went and edited, and are now telling him to read again?

Sorry, but you lose all credibility when it blatantly says right below your post that you edited it at the same time your "re-read my post" comment went up.
 
Last edited:
cyks said:
Your original reply... The one that has already been quoted accurately in this thread, you went and edited, and are now telling him to ready again?

Sorry, but you lose all credibility when it blatantly says right below your post that you edited it at the same time your "re-read my post" comment went up.
Click to expand...

What so I'm not aloud to edit a post because I incorrectly spelled something? The original post of mine said most likely.
 
Highly unlikely an unlocked version will be available at launch in the US. That first month or so has historically been reserved for carrier contract sales. I see no reason this will change.
 
In Canada, during the iPhone 4 launch, they actually gave preference to unlocked phones on the first couple days as the contract renewals were just so slow and tying up all the geniuses. I was in and out on the first day (around 19:30) in about 20 mins bypassing the line!
 
ixodes said:
No. Unlocked units will come later. The demand is too strong to bother offering unlocked models.
Click to expand...
Maybe Apple should just stop producing "locked" models in the first place (like they have in most parts of the world). Locking phones is so old fashioned.
 
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