Apple selling full-priced but crippled iPhone 7s

[Mascots]

All of this for band 30? They most likely incorperate this in every iPhone now... The only reason the AT&T model supported it was because AT&T was the only carrier on the planet to support it. And even if they don't - lol.

So really, the phones sold along side weren't crippled. But it did have extra...

The article that you posted states you can use the phones across any carrier and always could. You just didn't get a band used by a single carrier worldwide that offered minimal advantages

 

[MS_Hedrick]

Is this FAQ from Apple correct?

Are there differences between an iPhone for AT&T or T-Mobile and an iPhone for Sprint or Verizon Wireless?
iPhone offers the same innovative features regardless of the wireless carrier you choose. If you choose AT&T or T-Mobile as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use 3G cellular technology for voice services and either 3G or 4G LTE cellular technology for data services. iPhone can roam internationally on many GSM carriers around the world. If you buy iPhone with AT&T or T-Mobile, it will not work on Sprint or Verizon Wireless.

If you choose Sprint or Verizon Wireless as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use CDMA cellular technology for voice and data services. If you buy an unlocked iPhone with Verizon or Sprint, it will work on AT&T or T-Mobile. An iPhone activated on Sprint or Verizon Wireless also has the ability to roam internationally on GSM networks. For details on LTE network support, please see www.apple.com/iphone/LTE.


http://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-7#

 

[greytmom]

$$$ that's why.

Explain further, please. How will ATT save money by not using technology they have already put in place?

 

[protox]

Explain further, please. How will ATT save money by not using technology they have already put in place?

Who said AT&T? Apple would be saving the money not AT&T.

 

[Neebee]

Is this FAQ from Apple correct?

Are there differences between an iPhone for AT&T or T-Mobile and an iPhone for Sprint or Verizon Wireless?
iPhone offers the same innovative features regardless of the wireless carrier you choose. If you choose AT&T or T-Mobile as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use 3G cellular technology for voice services and either 3G or 4G LTE cellular technology for data services. iPhone can roam internationally on many GSM carriers around the world. If you buy iPhone with AT&T or T-Mobile, it will not work on Sprint or Verizon Wireless.

If you choose Sprint or Verizon Wireless as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use CDMA cellular technology for voice and data services. If you buy an unlocked iPhone with Verizon or Sprint, it will work on AT&T or T-Mobile. An iPhone activated on Sprint or Verizon Wireless also has the ability to roam internationally on GSM networks. For details on LTE network support, please see www.apple.com/iphone/LTE.


http://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-7#

My suggestion is buy your iPhone in Canada from Apple Canada online. It's truly unlocked and it will be cheaper than in the USA if you don't pay duty or import fees.

 

[greytmom]

Is this FAQ from Apple correct?

Are there differences between an iPhone for AT&T or T-Mobile and an iPhone for Sprint or Verizon Wireless?
iPhone offers the same innovative features regardless of the wireless carrier you choose. If you choose AT&T or T-Mobile as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use 3G cellular technology for voice services and either 3G or 4G LTE cellular technology for data services. iPhone can roam internationally on many GSM carriers around the world. If you buy iPhone with AT&T or T-Mobile, it will not work on Sprint or Verizon Wireless.

If you choose Sprint or Verizon Wireless as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use CDMA cellular technology for voice and data services. If you buy an unlocked iPhone with Verizon or Sprint, it will work on AT&T or T-Mobile. An iPhone activated on Sprint or Verizon Wireless also has the ability to roam internationally on GSM networks. For details on LTE network support, please see www.apple.com/iphone/LTE.


http://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-7#

So all I am giving up by buying the ATT version is the ability to use Sprint or Verizon? Fine with me.

 

[AppleFanatic10]

I don't know why I have to explain this. I provided a link. Go read it.

Here's the short version: You buy an "unlocked" AT&T or T-Mobile phone at $900. Can you use it with Verizon? No! "But I thought it was unlocked," you say. "Carrier-unlocked, yeah," I say. "But it's not a phone you can use on any network."

Same goes for the Verizon "unlocked" model. Want to use it with T-Mobile? "Sorry, buddy."

There's even more to this story. You can read it yourself.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-7-iphone-7-plus

Check out the "sim-free" iPhone 6s models for comparison. Those are the ones that are truly "unlocked" as some of your are understanding this term. Those are the ones that work on every network, everywhere.

If you want that capability (and why not--you're paying big bucks for an unlocked phone), you gotta wait for the SIM-FREE iPhone 7.

It's a travesty. Should be illegal what they're doing.

But I can use my Verizon iPhone SE on T-Mobile. Just pop the sim in and it sees the T-Mobile network just fine.

 

[2298754]

Explain further, please. How will ATT save money by not using technology they have already put in place?

Not AT&T saving money... Apple.

They have to pay Qualcomm royalties because Qualcomm owns patents on CDMA technology.

By getting rid of the Qualcomm modem (which supports both GSM and CDMA) in the AT&T variant and going with an Intel modem (GSM-only), they save tons of money... since the AT&T iPhone variants are usually the highest sellers.

 

[ErnstStavroBlohard]

Wow, the LTE bands arrangement this year is way worse than last year.

At least VZW's 6s is a true world phone.

Not anymore for America's biggest and best carrier.

 

[greytmom]

Who said AT&T? Apple would be saving the money not AT&T.

Last version, Verizon phones didn't support CDMA and ATT phones did. Apparently this year, the shoe is on the other foot. How is this a savings for Apple? (Serious question)

NM, someone else gave a full explanation.

 

[2298754]

My suggestion is buy your iPhone in Canada from Apple Canada online. It's truly unlocked and it will be cheaper than in the USA if you don't pay duty or import fees.

Awful idea.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-7-iphone-7-plus

The Canadian model is identical to the AT&T one... so no CDMA radio, if you ever want to try Verizon.

Not to mention, the warranty implications of buying from another country.

 

[greytmom]

Not AT&T saving money... Apple.

They have to pay Qualcomm royalties because Qualcomm owns patents on CDMA technology.

By getting rid of the Qualcomm modem (which supports both GSM and CDMA) in the AT&T variant and going with an Intel modem (GSM-only), they save tons of money... since the AT&T iPhone variants are usually the highest sellers.

Ah! Thank you for an answer that makes sense!

 

[mjcxp]

Last version, Verizon phones didn't support CDMA and ATT phones did. Apparently this year, the shoe is on the other foot. How is this a savings for Apple? (Serious question)

Verizon models last year did not support Band 30 for the iPhone 6S.

 

[se1000]

Last version, Verizon phones didn't support CDMA and ATT phones did. Apparently this year, the shoe is on the other foot. How is this a savings for Apple? (Serious question)

NM, someone else gave a full explanation.

WHAT?????

 

[2298754]

Last version, Verizon phones didn't support CDMA and ATT phones did. Apparently this year, the shoe is on the other foot. How is this a savings for Apple? (Serious question)

You're getting all of it confused. Verizon uses CDMA.

Last year the only difference between the AT&T and the other models was B30. They all had CDMA and GSM. All use Qualcomm modems.

This year, they are dumping the Qualcomm modem in the AT&T/T-Mobile model because they can save a lot of money.

So now, the true-world phone is the Verizon edition... it even works perfectly on AT&T and T-Mobile.

 

[greytmom]

You're getting all of it confused. Verizon uses CDMA.

Last year the only difference between the AT&T and the other models was B30. They all had CDMA and GSM. All use Qualcomm modems.

This year, they are dumping the Qualcomm modem in the AT&T/T-Mobile model because they can save a lot of money.

So now, the true-world phone is the Verizon edition... it even works perfectly on AT&T and T-Mobile.

Got it... yes, the years and the explanations have blended together. Getting old ain't for sissies.

I do remember using my ATT (unlocked) iPhone in UK and Ireland a few years ago with no problem. Just popped in a local sim and good to go.

 

[FeliApple]

You're getting all of it confused. Verizon uses CDMA.

Last year the only difference between the AT&T and the other models was B30. They all had CDMA and GSM. All use Qualcomm modems.

This year, they are dumping the Qualcomm modem in the AT&T/T-Mobile model because they can save a lot of money.

So now, the true-world phone is the Verizon edition... it even works perfectly on AT&T and T-Mobile.

So. I can use the phone in Argentina, even if I get it through verizon? (Unlocked, of course) Here we use GSM ONLY as per my research. If it is CDMA it will be useless.

 

[2298754]

So. I can use the phone in Argentina, even if I get it through verizon? (Unlocked, of course) Here we use GSM ONLY as per my research. If it is CDMA it will be useless.

Yes, just pop your SIM in. It supports all GSM networks!

 

[gabo864]

Yes but now that won't be the case anymore if you were to buy the AT&T version. They reverted back to before the iPhone 6 ways.

Where did you read this?

 

[greytmom]

So now I see what our illustrious OP was getting so distraught over. Still, the ATT phone will work in other countries, although maybe not as many? Hmm. Anyone have a world coverage chart?

 

[moosquared]

So.. As someone who'll be travelling to the US in a couple of weeks time, I should just pre-order the full priced Verizon iPhone 7?
Because I'll be able to use it worldwide with either GSM or CDMA connection. Right?

 

[FeliApple]

Yes, just pop your SIM in. It supports all GSM networks!

Will it work not only in Argentina but in any country in the world, regardless of what SIM I put in? Sorry for bothering but I need to be sure that it will work and I won't be getting a Verizon US-only phone.

 

[chabig]

Considering that the new iPhone isn't even on sale yet, who is to say that they won't offer the SIM-free model on day 1?

 

[greytmom]

So.. As someone who'll be travelling to the US in a couple of weeks time, I should just pre-order the full priced Verizon iPhone 7?
Because I'll be able to use it worldwide with either GSM or CDMA connection. Right?

Well, that's what was griping the OP. I think you have to have a Verizon account to buy it.

 

[protox]

Where did you read this?

Apple website in the FAQ section.