iphone 13 global model- not working in US

My daughter bought the iPhone 13 in a European airport in emergent situation after her iPhone was stolen just prior to her flight home and it does not work in the United States. Apparently the phone she bought was a "Global Model" A2633 that works in 189 countries EXCEPT the U.S.


My question is why is this information not readily available on the package? This seems very deceptive. My daughter purchased this iPhone 13 for 999 euro ($1135 American) that is useless in the U.S. Apple will not exchange it because it was purchased from a 3rd party, a media store in the airport as opposed to the Apple store because she did not have the time nor the means to get to the Apple store in that country before her flight home during COVID.


Has anyone run into this and had success working with Apple to remediate the situation? I'm very disappointed that this company did not properly label its product. How would an average consumer know that there are 5 different models of iPhone 13 sold that work in various countries? I'm also surprised and disappointed that this so-called reputable company would not even offer an exchange for a 3 day old, latest model cell phone!


Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

iPhone 13

Posted on Jan 13, 2022 4:41 PM

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4 replies

Jan 13, 2022 4:47 PM in response to CE-RN

Confirm that the iPhone isn’t carrier-locked.


Purchases at many carrier stores and resellers are carrier locked.


Full-price purchases at the Apple Store aren’t carrier locked in most (all?) places.


This carrier lock show as a SIM not supported message with a reference to the carrier, among other details, if the iPhone is carrier locked.


Only the carrier holding the lock can or will release it, and at their option.

Jan 13, 2022 4:51 PM in response to MrHoffman

Thank you, she did think of this and asked it it was unlocked before she purchased it. Apple confirmed that the phone is unlocked and not linked to any carrier.


In tiny, tiny print, the box does state "model A2633." But only "model A2482" works in the US. It is unfortunate that this is not something that was known prior to purchase by my daughter or the clerk at the store. I just cannot believe that Apple won't do anything to help us!!!

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iphone 13 global model- not working in US

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