Buying iPhone 7 in Japan

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Buying iPhone 7 in Japan

Hi,

I am travelling to Japan this November and I would like to purchase an iPhone 7 there. I took a look here and discovered that the model available in Japan (A1779) is CDMA which mean I would not be able to use it aboard unless it is unlocked.

However, in the product page if found this : ''Yes. iPhone is enabled to work on networks using GSM around the world. Because the iPhone sold by apple.com is unlocked, you can purchase a SIM card and service from a local carrier at your destination.''

I am little confused and don't really know what to do or think. I found herethat some Japanese carriers can unlock the phone, but there is a need if Apple says the product is sim free? I can't contact apple chat or call them directly so I decided to look forward for some help or solution here.

Best Regards.

Posted on Sep 9, 2016 4:26 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 21, 2016 6:22 AM in response to lopo5

So, did you buy the iPhone? Is it working Abroad?

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Answer 2

Oct 21, 2016 6:36 AM in response to lopo5

My understanding is that iPhones sold by carriers in Japan are sold carrier locked and in almost all cases, those carriers will never authorize an unlock. So only Apple sells carrier unlocked devices it seems.

As indicated on the tech specs page of the Apple Japan web site (http://www.apple.com/jp/iphone-7/specs/) the two models sold in Japan do indeed support GSM networks:

UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA（850、900、1,700/2,100、1,900、2,100MHz）

GSM/EDGE（850、900、1,800、1,900MHz）

Of course, as with all Apple iPhone's, the warranty for a device purchased in Japan includes the caveat that service may be restricted to Japan only. If your device ever requires replacement, you will almost certainly not be able to do so, under warranty, anywhere but Japan.

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