iPhone 4 Not Unlocked From Bell?

**azanoncello** · 07-30-2010, 07:52 AM

I've been hearing some people say that the iPhone 4 will only be unlocked if you buy it from an Apple store without a contract.
http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/iphone-...y-should-know/

So all Bell phones are locked?

**cmetom** · 07-30-2010, 08:15 AM

I don't think anyone knows for sure at this point, but the highly-likely-correct assumption is that:
- iPhone 4 from carrier = locked to that carrier

Known fact:
- iPhone 4 from Apple online = unlocked

Possibly true:
- iPhone 4 from Apple store = unlocked

**pure_energy1** · 07-30-2010, 09:39 AM

curious about this as well...

**FALCO** · 07-30-2010, 09:46 AM

Just came back from the Apple store with an unlocked Iphone... The sales guy had to make sure and even double checked that the unit I was buying was the unlocked one, therefore it safe to assume that Carriers' Iphones will be locked regardless of where purchased.

**partyfavor** · 07-30-2010, 09:52 AM

yes carrier purchased iphones are locked.
apple (full price) comes unlocked

**cmstlist** · 07-30-2010, 11:40 AM

My understanding is that all iPhones in the Apple Store are non-carrier-specific, but depending on whether you buy it with or without contract, either it will or won't lock to the first SIM you put in to activate. I don't know if this is two different hardware versions, or if Apple just flips a switch to make it give you one or the other.

**azanoncello** · 07-30-2010, 12:57 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/30/b...er-its-locked/

So when you buy it, it comes unlocked however once you activate it locks it to the carrier.

So if you buy strait from apple you get it permanently unlocked though?

**John Tarnowski** · 07-30-2010, 01:30 PM

I do not have the link but, a few months back, I read a story about how european iPhones handled locks. I would assume this is the same system for the world.

Apple has a master database of all iPhone serial numbers. The difference between a locked/unlocked phone is determined by this database. If the phone is locked, the database lists the phone as locked. The guy, in the story, requested to have his iPhone unlocked. The local laws required the carrier to unlock, upon request, after a certain time frame. The store rep went into the back and about 15 minutes later came back stating that the phone was now unlocked. He had updated the database listing through the carriers system that was linked to apples system.

This is how I understand the system.

All new iPhones, in box, are exactly the same until activated.
If the phone is listed as locked, when activated, the phone is carrier locked.
If the phone is listed as unlocked, when activated, the phone will be unlocked.

It is technically possible for the Canadian carriers to unlock their iPhones. I just do not see it happening until federal regulation requires it.

**mkool** · 07-30-2010, 09:51 PM

I think, www.apple.ca sells u a unlocked iphone for u but once u choose and activates sim card, will lock u in to carriers..in order to unlock again u have to pay to carrier for $75. that what I've heard...so sellin unlocked iphone from apple online is a kind of marketing to attract potential buyer to buy their product.

**MStar** · 07-30-2010, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by mkool

I think, www.apple.ca sells u a unlocked iphone for u but once u choose and activates sim card, will lock u in to carriers..in order to unlock again u have to pay to carrier for $75. that what I've heard...so sellin unlocked iphone from apple online is a kind of marketing to attract potential buyer to buy their product.

Everything you've said here is wrong.

**mkool** · 07-31-2010, 12:09 AM

oh well...I guess...my local one of bell rep is a stupid one....he told me so like that...u mean... if I buy it from apple online/store, unlocked forever..but carriers' one is locked, once activated, right? So I can change carrier anytime right? without penalty ?

**cmstlist** · 07-31-2010, 12:13 AM

Correct, starting with this year's models, when you buy full price from Apple Canada you will get a phone that will never lock to any carrier.

**bb147** · 07-31-2010, 09:39 AM

Basically..

Buy iPhone from Carrier (Doesn't matter Price) - Locked
Buy iPhone from Apple Store (Subsidized, even 1 cent) - Locked

Buy iPhone from Apple Store (Full Unsubsidized Price) - Unlocked
Buy iPhone from Apple Online - Unlocked

That's pretty much it, doesn't matter what state they are shipped in, just what happens after you take it out of the box and plug it in.

**jlee** · 07-31-2010, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by mkool

oh well...I guess...my local one of bell rep is a stupid one....he told me so like that...u mean... if I buy it from apple online/store, unlocked forever..but carriers' one is locked, once activated, right? So I can change carrier anytime right? without penalty ?

http://store.apple.com/ca/browse/hom...ly/iphone#faqs

Why does the price of iPhone from the Apple Online Store differ from its price from a carrier?
Carriers typically sell the iPhone with a contract that subsidizes the initial purchase price of the phone. By purchasing your iPhone without a contract, you can use any SIM or micro-SIM card from a compatible carrier, including your current one.