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Sim-free iPhone 6 work with Major US Carriers?

At http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/, Apple doesn't list AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon as a compatible network with the sim-free iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. I've read different answers on other forums. Anyone know the definitive answer? Thank you!

Posted on Jan 11, 2015 9:52 PM

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13 replies

Jan 11, 2015 10:36 PM in response to teefoonee

Well firstly, no the phone will not work with Verizon sim free or not sim free, because Verizon is a CDMA carrier and not a GSM carrier and so if you want to use Verizon, then you'll need to go to Verizon or an Apple store and specifically buy a Verizon phone and set up a contact with them, so this phone definitely will not work with Verizon.


It should however work with T-Mobile and possibly AT&T, as they are both GSM carriers, but definitely not Verizon as they are CDMA which is different.

Jan 11, 2015 10:40 PM in response to teefoonee

In the article that you have linked to here, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are all listed, so I'm not sure I see the problem?


Just ensure that you buy the correct model of phone for the carrier that you want to use and you should be okay, so if you want to use Verizon, it means buying the CDMA version of the phone from either Apple or direct from Verizon and taking out a contract with them.

Jan 11, 2015 10:43 PM in response to Ethmoid

The sim-free iPhone 6 (Model A1586) and 6 Plus (Model A1524) have the following tech specs listed by Apple. CDMA is included..?


  • CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
  • UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
  • TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)
  • GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
  • FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29)
  • TD-LTE (Bands 38, 39, 40, 41)

Jan 11, 2015 10:44 PM in response to Ethmoid

If you look for the ones listed under the models A1586 and A1524 (the sim-free models), these are the only US carriers listed:


  • Appalachian Wireless
  • Bluegrass Cellular
  • Boost
  • C Spire
  • Cellcom
  • Chariton Valley
  • Chat Mobility
  • Defense Mobile
  • MobileNation
  • Nex-Tech
  • NorthwestCell
  • nTelos
  • Pioneer Cellular
  • Sprint
  • STRATA Networks
  • Syringa
  • Thumb Cellular
  • United Wireless
  • US Cellular

Jan 11, 2015 10:57 PM in response to teefoonee

No, CDMA is not included. CDMA network is a different network to the GSM network and if you want to use a CDMA carrier - either Verizon or Sprint, then you will need to purchase a CDMA phone specifically to use with them from either Verizon, Sprint or Apple directly.


Other than that, if the carrier that you specifically want to use with the phone is not listed, then is it not designed to work with that carrier, so don't buy the phone.


If you want to use an iPhone 6 with AT&T or T-Mobile then buy the A1549 GSM model or Verizon, then you'll need to CDMA model or with the 6+ the A1522 GSM model for T-Mobile etc or the CDMA model for Verizon.

Jan 11, 2015 11:17 PM in response to teefoonee

That version of the iPhone sold by T-Mobile will work with a T-Mobile or AT&T sim card because they are both GSM carriers. However, I am surprised that Verizon will work on the phone because Verizon is a CDMA carrier and you normally need to purchase the CDMA version of the phone specifically to use with Verizon from either the Apple store or from Verizon.


Your question has already been answered.


The phone will work with T-Mobile and AT&T, but you would need to get a phone specifically form Verizon or Apple to use on their CDMA network - other phone is GSM only.

Jan 11, 2015 11:41 PM in response to Ethmoid

...Can anyone other than "Ethmoid" offer an answer to my original question?


Many websites have reported the following: "Unlocked iPhones can be activated for use any carrier, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon or T-Mobile." Copied from: http://9to5mac.com/2015/01/06/apple-now-selling-sim-free-unlocked-iphone-6-and-6 -plus-in-the-us-from-649/


However, Apple doesn't list AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile on the LTE link provided in my original post. My unlocked T-Mobile does work with GSM & CDMA carriers (tested with Verizon and T-Mobile). Wondering if the sim-free unlocked one will as well, since all the LTE bands are the same, but just not listed as just mentioned.

Jan 12, 2015 4:47 PM in response to teefoonee

IIf you click on the "Learn more about the unlocked iPhone," on the order page at Apple, it shows this in a pop-up:


About the Unlocked iPhone

The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a wireless contract commitment or a carrier installment plan. You can activate and use the unlocked iPhone on the supported wireless network of your choice, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint in the United States.

If you don’t want a multiyear service contract, or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the unlocked iPhone is the best choice. If you choose T-Mobile, your iPhone comes with a T-Mobile SIM card already installed. You will need to contact T-Mobile or visit an Apple Retail Store to activate your iPhone.

Otherwise, the unlocked iPhone does not come with a nano-SIM card for iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, or iPhone 5c so you’ll need to get one from any supported carrier worldwide. To start using your iPhone, simply insert the SIM card into the slot and turn on iPhone by pressing and holding the On/Off button for a few seconds. Then follow the onscreen instructions to set up your iPhone.

Purchasing an unlocked iPhone means you will not qualify for the lower iPhone price associated with a contract or a carrier installment plan. The unlocked iPhone 6 model is A1586. The unlocked iPhone 6 Plus model is A1524. The T-Mobile iPhone 6 model is A1549. The T-Mobile iPhone 6 Plus model is A1522. For details on LTE network support, please see www.apple.com/iphone/LTE.

To help decide whether the unlocked option is right for you, compare wireless service plans. Or call our iPhone Specialists at 1-800-MY-APPLE.

This clearly states that the unlocked iPhone is compatible with all four major U.S. Networks. I added the bolding.

Jan 29, 2015 5:09 PM in response to frommilton

Like many here, I've been wondering what iPhone 6 Plus to buy that is not only unlocked but that will work on Verizon (or perhaps even T-Mobil or AT&T). The model numbers, and what they support, seem to be confusing. I used Verizon's online chat function and was told that I can indeed get a prepaid plan for $50/mo., which includes all monthly fees, taxes, unlimited talk, text and 1 GB data/monthly (I rarely use data but could need it). I was told to purchase model A1524 from Apple (or Verizon) and buy their start up kit.


This model, the SIM-Free A1524, also supports GSM for my intended needs overseas (primarily SEA). In addition, it also supports four more TD-LTE bands (A1522 does not), including 38, 39, 40 & 41. To my knowledge the SIM-Free phone was only introduced about three weeks ago, so there isn't much experience with the model amongst users yet. I've googled, looking for verification that T-Mobile's and AT&T's SIMs would also work in this phone but found nothing yet. Regards to all.

Jan 29, 2015 5:56 PM in response to teefoonee

teefoonee,


I saw the same and Verizon wasn't on the list. But when I talked to Verizon via online chat today, the woman specifically said; "The iPhone A1524". Note the A1524 has CDMA. I've heard some say it was Sprint's variety of CDMA but Verizon told me the A1524. How much clearer than that message can it be? Further, she told me I could buy the handset from Apple or Verizon - same price. Well, that's not true. My wife's stepson works for Apple, so he can get me 15% off the retail. Regards

Sim-free iPhone 6 work with Major US Carriers?

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