This is true for the iPhone 5 and I need a confirmation from an iPhone 5s owner who has tried a GSM SIM insertion in the the Verizon iPhone 5s - and found that a GSM service is recognized by the iPhone!
Thanks!
unlocked for international carriers, but not for US carriers. AT&T and Sprint will not work on Verizon iPhone 5s
Thank you for your reply - but I'm looking for a clarification. Have you or someone you know tried inserting a Tmobile/Att SIM in the verizon 5s - and found it to NOT work? The iphone 5 actually did recognize and work with any GSM SIM, so I'm looking for a direct confirmation. I'm also not sure if the identical phone hardware (between vz and ATT/tmobile 5s) can be selectively locked for certain gsm providers (ATT/tmobile) but left unlocked for international gsm providers - so I'm curious and optimistic to know from someone's direct experience about this.
Well, earlier wven I belived and was told that the verzion iphoen 5s will work on AT&T and T-mobile, but after seeing the below video (Link below), it clearly shows a T-Mobile sim not working on the verizon Iphone 5s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJuTeqx5h7I
Thanks, this is depressing, but at least appears factual. The Verizon rep. at store started with telling me that the phone internals are different for VZ and other U.S. carriers (which I know isn't true for at least ATT & Tmobile, only the Sprint SKU is different because of the difference in Sprint's LTE bands), so it appears that this unlock prevention is software enforced.
http://www.extremetech.com/computing/166356-iphone-5s-and-5c-the-best-support-fo r-3g-and-4g-lte-networks-worldwide
What I'm surprised by is that Verizon has done this blocking even for phones bought at full price - so they have just resorted to their old ways (after their welcome departure from it with the iPhone 5), I guess. At least they are leaving it unlocked for overseas carriers and not forcing roaming charges on you - something to be thankful for.
I'm not sure the specific conditions of the phone in the video but I just upgraded to the 5s on Verizon and it has successfully accepted a T-Mobile sim. I've places several calls on the T-Mobile LTE network with no problem. Based on the video I recommend he get a true T-Mobile micro sim card. The version in the video is clearly cut from a normal sim, which can alwalys lead to problems. Verizon legally cannot lock LTE devices moving forward, based on there agreement with the FCC. Hope this helps. Also my device was purchased at a Apple store not Verizon.
Thanks, Randall - just to clarify, did you "upgrade" by paying the full price of your 5s or did you upgrade with a new contract (and so, a $199 price for the 16 GB, for instance). Its indeed promising to note that a true T-mobile nano-SIM works on the VZ 5s...
I'm still waiting on my order to ship from Verizon.
In the past couple of days, i have recived mixed opinions of the Verizon iphone 5s being factory unlcoked. I'll confirm today when i get the phone
Solster,
I upgraded to the 5s 64GB, renewing a 2 yr contract. Paid the upgrade pricing of $399. See screenshot below: Model M347LL/A is the Verizon model and is running the T-Mobile carrier bundle. One other thing to note is that I did let the phone activate while on Verizon's network, then inserted the T-Mobile sim.
Randall, your observation is confirmed in the link below.
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2013/09/24/verizon-iphone-5s-unlocked-use-att-pre-p aid/
Good news. So the Verizon version is probably the best as the Sprint version while it has more LTE bands is probably locked to Sprint as they have no such agreement with the FCC in regards to locking devices. Problem solved.
I purchased a VZW phone yesterday from Apple and then went to the AT&T store for a SIM card. The card was activated without an IMEI number and all features seemed to work except the hotspot function.
I used the online chat function this morning from my desktop machine and the rep converted my account into an "iPhone" account so that the mobile hotspot would work. In doing so, I lost the ability to send/receive SMS/MMS. According to the AT&T rep, the deivce was being treated as data only in their system. They have opened a ticket and will be escalating the issue. I am hopeful they can force a change behind the scenes. If not, I will move to a new IMEI from an Android phone to get access to the SMS/MMS functionality again.
B
Hey, I have a question for everyone. I'm planning to buy a new iPhone for my mom abroad. I read this post and thought about this. If I buy an iPhone 5s on the apple store (currently 64GB is $399) locked to Verizon, will this immediately work abroad? I mean, can I just take it abroad, open the brand new box put and GSM simcard and that's it. Or do I need to have an account with Verizon first? Basically my problem is about activation.
yes it does work. I purchased my iphone 5s from walmart for Verizon. I left verizon last month and went across the street to T-mobile. check out my video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7DxL3VsqUA
Therefore i need to have an account first with Verizon? I should activate this first with Verizon? The problem is I am not from the US. Will Apple release iPhones from Verizon even if you don't have an account with Verizon?
No you don't need an account with Verizon if you are in the US. I am not sure if you do if you are out of the country. I know you have to call them to get them to unlock them internationally
Verizon iPhone 5s: Is it SIM-unlocked for use with GSM carriers (outside the U.S.)?
