T-Mobile Unlocked iPhone 6

[holliscx]

Does anyone know the official scoop on the "unlocked and contract-free" T-Mobile iPhone 6?

If you read different support forums you get conflicting info and different model numbers. See the chat below with what looks like Apple Support in this thread:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6526187

I don't understand why this phone is associated with T-Mobile, but I'd like to buy an unlocked phone and bring it over to use in Spain. I've been told by a local carrier that the phone simply has to be unlocked.

Will the T-Mobile phone work or is another unlocked phone due to be released?

Screen Shot 2014-11-21 at 1.02.14 PM.png

[Lionel]

Look at this for network compatibility

https://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/

I was told in an Apple store in palo alto that you need to buy the Sprint phone for best use in EU.

[holliscx]

According to the chart if I read correctly - Yoigo is my carrier in Spain and the chart says Model A1586 - but I don't see a model number listed for the T-Mobile unlocked version in question.

[Lionel]

According to the chart if I read correctly - Yoigo is my carrier in Spain and the chart says Model A1586 - but I don't see a model number listed for the T-Mobile unlocked version in question.

Yeah, I have the same question as I have my wife+son+daughter asking me to bring 3 iPhone6 in December from the US. The T-Mobile one seems listed under US and not Europe. I am not clear on this either. Online I can only order the T-Online un locked.

[Britishbane]

Newegg is selling unlocked 6's. Not sure if they're the model you're looking for.

[holliscx]

What I read is that the 1586 is the true unlocked version which isn't released, but it's tough to get a definitive answer.

[Saab2000]

I don't think the true unlocked version of the iPhone 6 is yet available. The 5S is the best one for international use from what I can tell on Apple's website.

I've thought about getting one but I don't go to Europe enough at the moment. I've got a buddy with a T-Mobile iPhone 6 and I just asked him via text about his experiences. He travels all over the world and switched for this flexibility.

I don't think you can get a 6 yet that is unlocked. Maybe I'll try an unlocked 5S someday and get a Sim overseas. But WiFi and FaceTime voice I'm covered for 99% of what I need.....

[j44ke]

Look at this for network compatibility

https://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/

I was told in an Apple store in palo alto that you need to buy the Sprint phone for best use in EU.

This is correct. The difference is the LTE band. The Sprint phone has the same LTE band compatibility as Yoigo uses. See Lionel's link. You can use the other iPhone model in Europe, just that you won't necessarily be connecting to the fastest LTE service provided by your carrier. You'll notice that with the iPhone 5c/s, the compatibility is even more fractured than with the iPhone 6/6+.

[holliscx]

This is correct. The difference is the LTE band. The Sprint phone has the same LTE band compatibility as Yoigo uses. See Lionel's link. You can use the other iPhone model in Europe, just that you won't necessarily be connecting to the fastest LTE service provided by your carrier. You'll notice that with the iPhone 5c/s, the compatibility is even more fractured than with the iPhone 6/6+.

What is the model of the Sprint phone?

I read the chart as Model A1586 (GSM) for Spain right?

But that's the model that's not out yet? What are the model #s of the T-Mobile and Sprint phones just curious?

[Lionel]

From what I understood from the store the Sprint phone is out and is unlocked.

[Brandon White]

The T-Mobile version needs further unlocking. In-law relatives have taken T-Mobile phones back to Brazil and they pay someone a few bucks per phone to unlock them for their networks. I think you can also purchase the "service" on eBay. I don't know about Sprint. I thought Sprint ran on an entirely different network? Or did they switch a few years ago maybe?

[holliscx]

Judging by this for the 5s I want to wait for the same for the 6

iPhone 5s - Buy iPhone 5s in 16GB or 32GB - Apple Store (U.S.)

I just don't get why it isn't released already the wait is ridiculous

I suspect the T-Mobile version could probably work but I don't want to assume the risk when that model is not the intended unlocked version

[dolophonic]

Apparently the T mobile i phone 6 is unlocked , its up to you what sim card you use... if you install the t mobile sim then i think its a little tricky.

[holliscx]

That took awhile but it looks like the SIM-free true unlocked iPhone 6 is now available

iPhone 6 - Buy iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus - Apple Store (U.S.)

[Saab2000]

That took awhile but it looks like the SIM-free true unlocked iPhone 6 is now available

iPhone 6 - Buy iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus - Apple Store (U.S.)

Make sure you read the fine print and find out which networks will work with this phone. Report back. I've considered an unlocked phone for Euro trips, though I also have to admit I'm mostly happy to put the phone down for a few days when I'm there.