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Is there an iPhone 6 model that works with both Verizon and ATT?

What is the iPhone 6 model number that works with both Verizon and ATT? Is there a contract free model available for sale or pre-order? What is the model number? If there are no contract free models available and I end up getting the ATT subsidized iPhone 6, will it work with Verizon after 24 months when it goes off contract and I get it unlocked? And the converse: If I get the Verizon subsidized iPhone 6, will it work with ATT after 24 months when it goes off contract and I get it unlocked?

Posted on Sep 11, 2014 2:35 PM

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18 replies

Sep 11, 2014 2:56 PM in response to Bob NYC

The 5S and 5C do either CDMA or GSM. I would presume that will be true of the new models. So it would then be possible to use the phone on either type of network with the proper SIM and having it fully unlocked from the previous carrier. But understand I am making an assumption only based on the 5S and 5C. Now some carriers can lock you to their service but not unlock you. I discovered this with Virgin Mobile, for example. I purchased an unlocked 5C that is now permanently locked to Virgin Mobile. It apparently cannot be unlocked for use on a different carrier.


Even though a phone can be unlocked does not mean the carrier is either willing or able to unlock it.

Sep 19, 2014 12:08 PM in response to Bob NYC

Hi Bob,


The short answer is yes. I think the Verizon phone is the one you want.


The actual hardware for the AT&T and Verizon iPhones are identical. If you look at the specs for both phones you will see a whole list of wireless standards (GSM, CDMA, LTE) and frequencies (or "bands"). The iPhone 6 is packed with support for enough standards and bands to work on both networks, but (and this is a big but) the CDMA capability will only be turned on if you activate the phone with Verizon. It will also be locked to Verizon (and no matter what you won't be able to unlock it from Verizon). The good news is that AT&T doesn't use CDMA, it uses GSM. The even better news is that Verizon does not lock the GSM or LTE service (this is what the SIM card is for) and you can actually use a Verizon iPhone on the AT&T network out of the box.


So in summary:

Buy Verizon iPhone 6 --> CDMA locked to Verizon --> Any SIM card will work on day one.

Buy AT&T iPhone 6 --> CDMA disabled --> 2 years on AT&T --> AT&T unlocks phone, can use any SIM card you want -X-> still won't work on Verizon CDMA


Some of the details about what the bands and standards are for are here:

http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/189786-iphone-6-and-iphone-6-plus-complete-gl obal-cell-coverage-with-best-in-class-lte-and-wireless-connectivity


Maybe in a several years Verizon will dump CDMA and rely more on its LTE network (kind of like what happened a few years back when everyone went digital and dumped analog) and you can go from AT&T to Verizon. But I don't think that will happen for quite a while (certainly not in the next two years).


Best of luck!

Sep 19, 2014 1:20 PM in response to DaveM2bits

I was REPLYING to Bob NYC. I do believe it says that on my response. All the forums are reporting that the TMobile device with no contract IS UNLOCKED and will accept ATT sim cards. This was exactly the same procedure as the IPHONE 5S last year. Please consult the other forums. I don't think Tmobile and Verizon are compatible Im not sure..ive only ever been on ATT

Is there an iPhone 6 model that works with both Verizon and ATT?

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