Other Question re iPhone 11, iUP, carrier, and unlocked devices

[Pipper99]

Regarding selecting a carrier during preorder:

I have an XS Max that I purchased unlocked at full price from a local Apple Store last year. Within the 14 day return period, I went to the Apple Store and had them convert my Max to the iUP (they returned the device and resold it to me on the iUP). For the upcoming launch, I've checked my upgrade eligibility on the Apple Store app (several times), and it says that I'm good to go for upgrading on the iUP. Also, I'm on the AT&T grandfathered unlimited data plan.

When I go through the iUP process during preorder, do I need to select AT&T as my carrier? If so, will my new device be locked to AT&T? Apple does not sell unlocked sim free iPhones on the iUP, but my understanding is that the TMobile devices are unlocked and that if I buy one of these models on the iUP and simply insert my current sim into the TMobile iPhone, it'll work. I think that TMobile is the only carrier where we're not required to have a current account active with them when we choose the iUP. Is this correct?

To be on the safe side, I will probably choose the AT&T device, but I'd rather have the iPhone unlocked, if possible. Maybe it doesn't even really matter (unless I decide to sell the device in the future) since I'm going to stay with my AT&T plan, but I'd appreciate any info.

 

[TonyC17]

Upgrading through the IUP is the easiest process you will ever have to do to order an iPhone. I first joined with the iPhone X. When I ordered the iPhone XS MAX, I paid off my iPhone X instead of returning it and gave it to my cousin who has Verizon while I have AT&T. Once the phone is paid off, it is essentially unlocked. The Apple Care + carried over as well.

Hope this helps!

 

[MisterSavage]

I never really have to do anything with selecting a carrier when I upgrade. It's pretty much a "yep, that's my info" when they display it and I just move on to selecting the model, color, storage size, etc. They make it really painless.

 

[Shadowbech]

=

When I go through the iUP process during preorder, do I need to select AT&T as my carrier? If so, will my new device be locked to AT&T? Apple does not sell unlocked sim free iPhones on the iUP, but my understanding is that the TMobile devices are unlocked and that if I buy one of these models on the iUP and simply insert my current sim into the TMobile iPhone, it'll work. I think that TMobile is the only carrier where we're not required to have a current account active with them when we choose the iUP. Is this correct?

To be on the safe side, I will probably choose the AT&T device, but I'd rather have the iPhone unlocked, if possible. Maybe it doesn't even really matter (unless I decide to sell the device in the future) since I'm going to stay with my AT&T plan, but I'd appreciate any info.

AFAIK, none of the iUP device are locked to their carrier, it's states on their website that even if you choose a carrier for the iUP your phone remains unlocked regardless if you activated on that carrier. You could technically get the sprint model and be on IUP and still be unlocked to be used on any carrier and will not be locked to that carrier.

 

[Jaggrey]

AFAIK, none of the iUP device are locked to their carrier, it's states on their website that even if you choose a carrier for the iUP your phone remains unlocked regardless if you activated on that carrier. You could technically get the sprint model and be on IUP and still be unlocked to be used on any carrier and will not be locked to that carrier.

That’s correct. I’m on iUP and had T-Mobile initially but switched to Verizon. Just put in my SIM card and that was it.

 

[waynester]

Upgrading through the IUP is the easiest process you will ever have to do to order an iPhone. I first joined with the iPhone X. When I ordered the iPhone XS MAX, I paid off my iPhone X instead of returning it and gave it to my cousin who has Verizon while I have AT&T. Once the phone is paid off, it is essentially unlocked. The Apple Care + carried over as well.

Hope this helps!

Tony did they do another hard credit check on the xsmax since you basically had to do another IUP since the X got paid off?

 

[lsara]

Any iUP phone is unlocked no matter what carrier is selected during purchase. If you were to go into the Apple Store and have your phone swapped at the Genius Bar it would also still be unlocked. The policy depends on how the device is purchased and paid for.

 

[TonyC17]

Tony did they do another hard credit check on the xsmax since you basically had to do another IUP since the X got paid off?

I'm not certain if they had to do a "hard check" but the process was the same where I was required to put in my estimated income.

Just did the process yesterday when upgraded to the 11 Pro Max. Still paying the same $60.33 for a brand new phone.