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Iphone4sinwhite

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 24, 2011
307
3
If I purchase a used Sprint iPhone 5 on ebay that is pre iOS 7, when I start using the phone will I be forced to update it to iOS 7? I have a 4s now that is jail broken and I don't want to give up some of the features, mainly tetherme.
 
If I purchase a used Sprint iPhone 5 on ebay that is pre iOS 7, when I start using the phone will I be forced to update it to iOS 7? I have a 4s now that is jail broken and I don't want to give up some of the features, mainly tetherme.

No, you can choose to stay on iOS 6.

Is it on a version on or before 6.1.2?
 
If I purchase a used Sprint iPhone 5 on ebay that is pre iOS 7, when I start using the phone will I be forced to update it to iOS 7? I have a 4s now that is jail broken and I don't want to give up some of the features, mainly tetherme.
Just an off-topic question…you are a Sprint customer intending to use this new iPhone 5 on Sprint, no?
 
Hmmm, good point. They probably won't let me do that right? I'd have to buy the T-mobile/AT&T or Verizon version.
Yeah, just wanting to save you some future aggravation. If you are NOT a Sprint customer then buying a Sprint iPhone will do you no good no matter how good the price. Sprint iPhones cannot be unlocked for domestic use.

Assuming you were going to buy with the intention to unlock the iPhone.

Lots of cheaper Sprint iPhones on eBay because the average customer does not realize that Sprint iPhones cannot be unlocked for domestic use. The sellers take advantage of that lack of knoweledge to get rid of a phone that they bought with the same intention. And even if you just wanted to unlock for international use, which Sprint will do, you have to be a customer with them in good standing for 90 days.
 
Yeah, just wanting to save you some future aggravation. If you are NOT a Sprint customer then buying a Sprint iPhone will do you no good no matter how good the price. Sprint iPhones cannot be unlocked for domestic use.

Assuming you were going to buy with the intention to unlock the iPhone.

Lots of cheaper Sprint iPhones on eBay because the average customer does not realize that Sprint iPhones cannot be unlocked for domestic use. The sellers take advantage of that lack of knoweledge to get rid of a phone that they bought with the same intention. And even if you just wanted to unlock for international use, which Sprint will do, you have to be a customer with them in good standing for 90 days.

Great info! I am currently a sprint customer paying $60 for unlimited data. Can I purchase an Sprint iPhone 5 on ebay and use it on Virgin? Virgin has LTE in my area and charges $30 a month unlimited data (I don't need many minutes).
 
Great info! I am currently a sprint customer paying $60 for unlimited data. Can I purchase an Sprint iPhone 5 on ebay and use it on Virgin? Virgin has LTE in my area and charges $30 a month unlimited data (I don't need many minutes).
I doubt that. Both Virgin and Boost are MVNOs that operate on Sprint's network. But other than that one thing in common there is no cross integration.

If Virgin has iPhones (no idea if they do or not) I would just pick one up with them. BTW, Boost I also hear is going to be offering iPhones soon and Boost has that vanishing fee thing. The more you pay on time the more they reduce your bill.

OTOH, most of the MVNOs or smaller carriers I've seen offer a really limited range of iPhone devices. We considered Cricket once, but when I found out that all they offered was the 16GB iPhone I passed. Both my wife and I have 64GB iPhones and there was no way I was going with 16.
 
I doubt that. Both Virgin and Boost are MVNOs that operate on Sprint's network. But other than that one thing in common there is no cross integration.

If Virgin has iPhones (no idea if they do or not) I would just pick one up with them. BTW, Boost I also hear is going to be offering iPhones soon and Boost has that vanishing fee thing. The more you pay on time the more they reduce your bill.

OTOH, most of the MVNOs or smaller carriers I've seen offer a really limited range of iPhone devices. We considered Cricket once, but when I found out that all they offered was the 16GB iPhone I passed. Both my wife and I have 64GB iPhones and there was no way I was going with 16.

Thanks for info, I'll just wait than for Virgin to get the iPhone back in stock
 
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