iPhone X Are all Xs models in the US “world” phones?

[gadgetfreak98]

I’m currently on At&T but always another terrible cell from flipping to Verizon. Want to make sure I maintain max flexibility. Both model numbers I can find seem to list the same bands including CDMA. Just want to nail my preorder strategy.

Thanks

 

[jpn]

apple's updated LTE site lists 2 models for Xs:

• Phone Xs
• Model A1920 (GSM)
• Model A1920 (CDMA

https://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-xs

 

[gsusser]

Do you know the sim-free model number?

 

[gadgetfreak98]

All Max carrier models seem to be A1921?

 

[Shadowbech]

Do you know the sim-free model number?

IT's still A1920 (XS) and A1921(XS Max).

 

[JPack]

apple's updated LTE site lists 2 models for Xs:

• Phone Xs
• Model A1920 (GSM)
• Model A1920 (CDMA

https://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-xs

Seems like penny pinching from Apple.

I'm guessing the CDMA license on the U.S. version isn't enabled on GSM phones to save costs. The rest of the world uses one model localized for the region.

 

[ctbaz]

Seems like penny pinching from Apple.

I'm guessing the CDMA license on the U.S. version isn't enabled on GSM phones to save costs. The rest of the world uses one model localized for the region.

Says they are the same model?! SO mostly a FW configuration difference?

 

[gsusser]

So, dumb question. If there's only one model, then there's no difference in configuration between CDMA, GSM or sim-free? If that's the case, why does the Apple site indicate that they will offer a sim-free model? My head is spinning

 

[JPack]

Says they are the same model?! SO mostly a FW configuration difference?

Based on public statements from Qualcomm, they are not supplying modems to Apple this year. So all the 2018 iPhones use Intel modems. We know the Intel XMM 7560 supports CDMA.

I can't think of another reason other than licensing or software that Apple would have separate GSM and CDMA models this year.

 

[penajmz]

apple's updated LTE site lists 2 models for Xs:

• Phone Xs
• Model A1920 (GSM)
• Model A1920 (CDMA

https://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-xs

So confusing because they are the same models...

 

[JPack]

So, dumb question. If there's only one model, then there's no difference in configuration between CDMA, GSM or sim-free? If that's the case, why does the Apple site indicate that they will offer a sim-free model? My head is spinning

There's clearly a difference in the U.S. for GSM and CDMA models, due to the different model numbers.

As for why, I don't think there's an answer yet.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

There's clearly a difference in the U.S. for GSM and CDMA models, due to the different model numbers.

As for why, I don't think there's an answer yet.

But the model numbers are the same?

Xs is A1920 and Xs Max is A1921.

 

[archer75]

There's clearly a difference in the U.S. for GSM and CDMA models, due to the different model numbers.

As for why, I don't think there's an answer yet.

Aren't the two different model numbers for the Xs and the Xs Max? And not GSM/CDMA?

 

[airjay75]

I don’t know why they’re listing the same model with different parenthetical on that page, but it seems pretty clear to me that there is only one model of the Xs and the Xs Max, and, as long as they are unlocked, they can be used on any of the carriers listed on that page. Of course, when you switch carriers, it’s still up to them to let you BYOD.

 

[penajmz]

So confused. If they’re the same, why is Apple separating them? There’s literally no difference....

 

[Lobwedgephil]

There is one model Xs and one model Xs Max in the US.

 

[JPack]

Aren't the two different model numbers for the Xs and the Xs Max? And not GSM/CDMA?

You're right, I didn't read the model # correctly. I'm wondering why Apple did that.

 

[TedJustAdmitit]

I also want to switch to Verizon, but since the Upgrade Program doesn't allow you to switch, I have to use At&t, but it hasn't had a CDMA antenna before, but on the site it says it does now. Just very confusing why they are separating the same model numbers, yet they have the same bands.

 

[oneMadRssn]

I'm guessing the CDMA license on the U.S. version isn't enabled on GSM phones to save costs. The rest of the world uses one model localized for the region.

Either it's a typo (sloppy c&p) and the model numbers in the parenthesis should be the same, or you're right.

Last I read Intel doesn't make (also due to licensing) a CDMA-compatible chip. Does this mean all iPhones are once again Qualcomm-powered?

 

[marianoam]

Models 1920 and 1921 lack band 28 so, technically, they're not "world phones". Maybe the sim-free model has a new version number not listed yet... Historically, Apple has made available a "world model" with all the existing bands, I don't see why this time should be different...

 

[JPack]

Either it's a typo (sloppy c&p) and the model numbers in the parenthesis should be the same, or you're right.

Last I read Intel doesn't make (also due to licensing) a CDMA-compatible chip. Does this mean all iPhones are once again Qualcomm-powered?

Starting with the XMM 7560, Intel modems are CDMA capable.

 

[jpn]

Hi.
In the past ( meaning probably holds true for these models as well ), even though it appears to be the case simply by looking at the frequencies ( which are the same ) and that fact that both models can access CDMA networks, the primary difference in these two models has been which type of network ( CDMA or GSM) the model will default to, and therefore how / if the mobile number associated with that phone has a SIM in it or not and where that registration is kept.

 

[GeekishlyGreek]

So, dumb question. If there's only one model, then there's no difference in configuration between CDMA, GSM or sim-free? If that's the case, why does the Apple site indicate that they will offer a sim-free model? My head is spinning

Interesting that this discussion is referring to "SIM-Free" in the context of it being GSM vs CDMA. Usually whenever a phone company tells me it's "Sim Free", they are referring simply to the phones ability to use a sim card from any company. (for example, in Europe where I am, if Vodafone sells a phone on contract, they often lock it so that only vodafone sims will work on it). However, you can usually pay to unlock them later if you want to use a sim from another company. (also, when they unlock it, they just change a setting, they don't actually change the hardware). So the sim locks are purely software based. Not sure if this info is relevant to anyone on here, as maybe 'sim-free' means something different in the usa. But that's what it means this side of the pond.

 

[Kuntiz]

in the previous years we had to buy fully paid at&t models to be able to use in Europe

is that still the case or are all the full paid models ( sim-free, at&t full paid etc. ) available to use in Europe