Unlocked iPhone 4S? Kind of
08/10/11 10:05 Filed in: IPhone
The new iPhone 4S has been announced, and it is a world phone. It’s also available in an unlocked version, which normally means it can be used on any compatible carrier.
But not so fast. Many US customers prefer Verizon for its network and Verizon phones typically don’t work overseas. Yes, there are some “world phones,” but they are limited to the usages of Verizon’s contracts. Many of us had hoped that the new iPhone would allow us to sidestep those restrictions.
Alas, that appears to not be the case.
Apple says the contract-free iPhone can be activated and used “on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice, such as AT&T in the United States.”
Verizon customers, according to the Verizon Wireless website, will need a new two-year contract. The phone will work overseas, but it will be locked to Verizon’s partners, typically Vodaphone.
Here’s what AllThingsD says: http://allthingsd.com/20111006/unlocked-iphone-4s-not-without-its-restrictions/
But not so fast. Many US customers prefer Verizon for its network and Verizon phones typically don’t work overseas. Yes, there are some “world phones,” but they are limited to the usages of Verizon’s contracts. Many of us had hoped that the new iPhone would allow us to sidestep those restrictions.
Alas, that appears to not be the case.
Apple says the contract-free iPhone can be activated and used “on the supported GSM wireless network of your choice, such as AT&T in the United States.”
Verizon customers, according to the Verizon Wireless website, will need a new two-year contract. The phone will work overseas, but it will be locked to Verizon’s partners, typically Vodaphone.
Here’s what AllThingsD says: http://allthingsd.com/20111006/unlocked-iphone-4s-not-without-its-restrictions/