Q: Apple blocked Face Time in Middle East

Now, the calls can be made (with or without VPN), and calls can be answered, but will not connect. This is inside the UAE phone to phone, and UAE to USA (with and without VPN).

us vpn will help you unblock it

check at http://www.vpntraffic.com

Using FaceTime? Don't think so as I can c 0.0 charged for FaceTime activation on my bill break up.

Using VPN yeah it's against law here.

@josh: I never tried FaceTime, but are you trying from 3G? If yes try from wireless. Coz may be like Skype to Skype calls which is allowed from wireless and is blocked from 3G.

Then apple should be sensible enough to notify the buyer prior to the purchase. They should also refrain from advertising the feature if it can't be used for god's sake! I don't know if they're being dumb or are outright cheating.

Then apple should be sensible enough to notify the buyer prior to the purchase. They should also refrain from advertising the feature if it can't be used for god's sake! I was niether notified nor informed in any way about this issue before buying the phone. If you think there is nothing unreasonable about selling a phone which doesn't have a feature it claimed to have then i strongly recommend you get yourself checked up.

Omairss wrote:

 

Then apple should be sensible enough to notify the buyer prior to the purchase. They should also refrain from advertising the feature if it can't be used for god's sake!

From the iPhone 5 Technical specs in the U.A.E. Apple Store here:

From the Apple Qatar Store.

FaceTime HD camera.

You use the front-facing camera on iPhone 5 to make FaceTime video calls. And now those calls can happen over a mobile connection if Wi-Fi isn’t available. The quality of FaceTime video calls is so surprising, it’s as if you’re in the same room with whoever’s on the other end. You can also use the front camera for taking self-portraits or recording 720p HD video.

http://www.apple.com/qa/iphone/features/

This is a user community. Do you understand that? You are NOT speaking to Apple. If you're unhappy about it, contact Apple or contact a lawyer. No one here can do anything about it.

@Junuzzz. Nope, doing it over wifi.  Speaking to more people, many others have the same issue here.  I'm now thinking that something has been changed in the system here to block it from being used. That's what it is sounding like anyway. 

Omairss wrote:

 

From the Apple Qatar Store.

FaceTime HD camera.

You use the front-facing camera on iPhone 5 to make FaceTime video calls. And now those calls can happen over a mobile connection if Wi-Fi isn’t available. The quality of FaceTime video calls is so surprising, it’s as if you’re in the same room with whoever’s on the other end. You can also use the front camera for taking self-portraits or recording 720p HD video.

 

http://www.apple.com/qa/iphone/features/

I don't see that.

I do see (emphasis mine)

1. Weight varies by configuration and manufacturing process.
2. Based on theoretical peak speeds. Actual speeds will be lower.
3. Battery life varies by use and configuration; see www.apple.com/qa/batteries and www.apple.com/qa/iphone/battery.html for more information.
4. FaceTime video calling requires a FaceTime-enabled device for the caller and recipient and a Wi-Fi connection. Availability over a mobile network depends on carrier policies; data charges may apply.
5. Some features may not be available in all countries or all areas. Mobile data charges may apply.
6. iCloud requires iOS 5 or later on iPhone 3GS or later, iPod touch (3rd generation or later), iPad or iPad mini; a Mac computer with OS X Lion or later; or a PC with Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 (Outlook 2007 or 2010 or an up-to-date browser is required for accessing email, contacts and calendars). Some features require iOS 6 and OS X Mountain Lion. Some features require a Wi-Fi connection. Some features are not available in all countries. Access to some services is limited to 10 devices.
7. App count refers to the total number of apps worldwide.

• Some features may not be available in all countries or all areas. Click here to see complete list.
• Some features, applications and services are not available in all areas. See your carrier for details. Application availability and pricing are subject to change.

im from philippines currently working in ksa. I recently purchased ip5 and ipad mini there is no facetime indicated in the box but i noticed that some of the models have facetime indicated in the box but they sell only in a higher price..

my workmate just purchased recently an ip5 16gb for 2,799 in jarir store riyadh he told me that it has a facetime feature but he did not tried it yet if it is working or not..

ohohkhimee wrote:

 

...some of the models have facetime indicated in the box but they sell only in a higher price..

Yes. When you import and sell something illegally, it usually costs more to cover the risks involved...

i bet to disagree its not illegal..he purchased from jarir which is well known bookstore in riyadh..another person i know he told me his ip5 has facetime he bought also the ip5 in the same store so therefore i conclude that this regulation thing has nothing to do with the facetime its just that some of the models are offered in with facetime and non facetime models..i just dont know if in other countries offer the same like that or just maybe middle east only which facetime model is separated..

ohohkhimee wrote:

 

i bet to disagree its not illegal..he purchased from jarir which is well known bookstore in riyadh..another person i know he told me his ip5 has facetime he bought also the ip5 in the same store so therefore i conclude that this regulation thing has nothing to do with the facetime its just that some of the models are offered in with facetime and non facetime models..i just dont know if in other countries offer the same like that or just maybe middle east only which facetime model is separated..

Grey market imports may or may not be illegal, Either way, FaceTime is not approved for release in UAE and Apple will deny support for grey market imports.

It may not be illegal but they are not an authorized Apple iPhone reseller, they are buying iPhones from other locations and selling them as grey market iPhones. Since the iPhone warranty is not international if something goes wrong with the iPhone purchased from them you will have to go to the country of origin to get it repaired.