Will purchase my 1st iPhone soon, which I know will be unlocked. I also want to switch from Verizon to AT&T at the same time. When I purchase my phone at the Apple store and they set it up for me, will they have the appropriate SIM card (AT&T) right then and there so that when I walk out of the store, I'm able to use my phone immediately? Thank you.
iPhone SE
Yes, but it will not be unlocked unless you pay the full retail price or use the financing available from Apple. If you purchase it using AT&T Next, it will be locked to AT&T.
Thanks so much for your swift response! Yes, I will purchase the phone outright. If you have the time - and I'm certain I could find this info on the AT&T site - could you briefly explain the AT&T Next program? If it's a payment plan, then of course I won't sign up for it because I'll be purchasing the phone at the get-go. Just curious. I've been w/Verizon for decades so I'm an AT&T virgin.
I've been w/Verizon for decades so I'm an AT&T virgin.
Get a Verizon phone from Apple and pay full price. The SIM slot will be unlocked. You can then purchase a SIM from AT&T and your phone will work just fine. If you ever want to go back to Verizon you will be able to do so. Purchasing an AT&T phone will limit you to GSM networks, basically excluding Verizon. Sprint is not an option as they lock the phone to them and the SIM slot is not unlocked. With a Verizon phone the SIM slot is unlocked from the start.
From what I understand, the iPhones sold for GSM networks (e.g. AT&T and T-Mobile) use an Intel chipset for the modem that does not include CDMA capabilities. Those sold for Verizon and Sprint contain a Qualcom modem that has both GSM and CDMA capabilities. Press reports indicate the Intel modems may support new technologies expected to be rolled out by AT&T and other carriers in the foreseeable future that phones with the Qualcom chips will not be able to take advantage of.
This may come into play when considering which way to go. I can't see it becoming a real issue for at least a year if not two give the speed at which AT&T and other carriers manage to implement changes, but who knows...
You're absolutely correct in that purchasing a Verizon phone will provide maximum flexibility right now. Who's to say what the future holds...
Fabulous. Thanks so much. Of course I didn't know the difference between GSM and CDMA until I started this conversation thread, and now I do.
SIM card new phone
