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What's the difference between international and middle east versions of iPhones?

hello ,

I want to know the difference between the international version and the middle east version for I phones ,

and am i going to face any problem if i got IPhone international version while i live in Egypt ?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Apr 11, 2021 12:49 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 11, 2021 7:21 PM

There is no such thing as an "international version" of the iPhone. iPhones are country or region specific. Some countries, notably those in the Middle East, have restrictions on FaceTime. Some (China) have restrictions on FaceTime audio, but allow FaceTime video calls.

Countries like Japan and South Korea have restrictions on the ability to silence the sound of the camera shutter.


No matter where it's from, the warranty is only valid in the country where the device was originally sold. You may not be able to get it serviced at all outside of the country of original sale.


Models sold in different regions my not support the LTE bands used in your country.


The Middle East has been flooded with gray market phones from outside of the region largely in an attempt to circumvent the laws regarding FaceTime. There are also quite a few stolen devices to be found on the market there.


The bottom line is you should buy a phone directly from Apple or from an authorized retailer in the country where you live and intend to use the device.


Anyone selling an "international" version of the iPhone in the Middle East is most likely in violation of the laws of your country.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 11, 2021 7:21 PM in response to shorouk160

There is no such thing as an "international version" of the iPhone. iPhones are country or region specific. Some countries, notably those in the Middle East, have restrictions on FaceTime. Some (China) have restrictions on FaceTime audio, but allow FaceTime video calls.

Countries like Japan and South Korea have restrictions on the ability to silence the sound of the camera shutter.


No matter where it's from, the warranty is only valid in the country where the device was originally sold. You may not be able to get it serviced at all outside of the country of original sale.


Models sold in different regions my not support the LTE bands used in your country.


The Middle East has been flooded with gray market phones from outside of the region largely in an attempt to circumvent the laws regarding FaceTime. There are also quite a few stolen devices to be found on the market there.


The bottom line is you should buy a phone directly from Apple or from an authorized retailer in the country where you live and intend to use the device.


Anyone selling an "international" version of the iPhone in the Middle East is most likely in violation of the laws of your country.

Apr 11, 2021 7:06 PM in response to shorouk160

Hello, shorouk160.


Thank you for posting in Apple Support Communities. We understand that you’re looking at different iPhone models for use in Egypt, and you’re curious about whether it will work. We may be able to help. 


An iPhone can be purchased for use in the 1) United States; 2) Canada and Japan; 3) China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao; and 4) several other countries. If by “international” model you mean the iPhone that is supported in many other countries, you should be able to use it in Egypt if your carrier is supported. 


These articles will show you more:


Identify your iPhone model - Apple Support

iPhone - Supported 5G and LTE networks - Apple


For example, the iPhone 12 Pro Max (Model A2411) can be used in Egypt as well as many other countries, including several in the Middle East. You can see a complete list in the second article. 


To answer your original question, different countries will have different cellular technologies. You’ll need an iPhone model that is compatible with the technology for one of our partner carriers listed in your country here:


Wireless carrier support and features for iPhone - Apple Support


Warmest Regards.

What's the difference between international and middle east versions of iPhones?

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