If you tried to pre-order an iPhone 4S this morning, you might have noticed that Apple listed an unlocked iPhone 4S on their site, due to arrive in November. The unlocked 4S isn’t exactly what it seems, however. Here’s what you need to know.
From Apple:
The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a contract commitment. You can activate and use it on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice, such as AT&T in the United States.* The unlocked iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S will not work with CDMA-based carriers such as Verizon Wireless or Sprint. If you don’t want a multiyear service contract or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the unlocked iPhone is the best choice. It arrives without a micro-SIM card, so you’ll need an active micro-SIM card from any supported GSM carrier worldwide. To start using it, simply insert the micro-SIM card into the slot on your iPhone and turn it on by pressing and holding the On/Off button for a few seconds. Then follow the onscreen instructions to set up your iPhone.
Pricing
Unlocked models of the iPhone 4S are very expensive, starting at $649 for a 16GB model. The price increases by $100 for each storage increase ($749/32GB, $849/64GB). Unless you really need an unlocked phone, or don’t qualify for any discounts from your cell carrier, it may be in your best interest to buy a subsidized iPhone 4S from your carrier.
GSM only (Won’t work on Sprint or Verizon)
While the GSM iPhone 4S is unlocked for use on any GSM-based network, it can’t be used on CDMA networks such as Verizon and Sprint, so make sure your carrier is capable of supporting the 4S before you take the plunge and purchase an unlocked model. It’s unclear whether or not the iPhone 4S will be able to roam on CDMA networks when traveling abroad.
Not all cell providers are fully compatible
Even though the iPhone 4S will work on any GSM network, it may not be fully compatible with networks that aren’t officially partnered with Apple. For instance, T-Mobile’s network doesn’t include support for Visual Voicemail, and the iPhone 4S can only operate at 2G Edge speeds on their network because they use a different cellular frequency.
No commitment
One of the benefits of purchasing an unlocked iPhone at full price is that you aren’t tied town to any specific carrier, and you don’t have to sign a contract. This is most useful for those that live outside of the United States where there are several supported GSM networks to choose from.
