T-Mobile making a bid for iPhone users

[MacFrog]

Or T-Mobile could jus work with Apple to legitimately unlock phones for it's users. Carriers in Europe do it. Who cares who paid the subsidy if a ETF was paid or the contract was waited out by the consumer?

Now just get 1900 3G to the DC area so I can switch - I have a factory unlocked iPhone waiting

[Telekom]

Or T-Mobile could jus work with Apple to legitimately unlock phones for it's users. Carriers in Europe do it. Who cares who paid the subsidy if a ETF was paid or the contract was waited out by the consumer?

Now just get 1900 3G to the DC area so I can switch - I have a factory unlocked iPhone waiting

T-Mobile can't work "legitimately" with Apple to unlock another carrier's subsidized phone. You're saying that Apple unlocks competing carriers' iPhones? Show me the documentation. AT&T could ask Apple (that's all they need to do) to unlock their phones which have completed their payback of subsidy. The unlock goes through iTunes and all that's necessary is for Apple to enable the unlock. They wouldn't unlock handsets that were subsidized by another company.

[terryjohnson16]

I was under the impression, that the unlocked iPhones that Apples sells are different from the ones you buy on contract, in terms of being locked via SKU.

Are they the same, or iTunes just locks the phone?

[spdickey]

I was under the impression, that the unlocked iPhones that Apples sells are different from the ones you buy on contract, in terms of being locked via SKU.

Are they the same, or iTunes just locks the phone?

Apple provides for several markets that don't allow locked phones, France for one. So its probably a different SKU so they can keep track of locked vs. unlocked devices. Can Apple unlock a locked phone without jailbreaking? They never have revealed that, probably at AT&T's insistence. You can sure unlock most any Nokia phone with the correct code. AT&T gladly provides that after you've had the phone for a certain period of time, or you can get it from lots of sources online for a small fee. Too bad Apple really locked down the iPhones they built for AT&T.

[terryjohnson16]

Apple provides for several markets that don't allow locked phones, France for one. So its probably a different SKU so they can keep track of locked vs. unlocked devices. Can Apple unlock a locked phone without jailbreaking? They never have revealed that, probably at AT&T's insistence. You can sure unlock most any Nokia phone with the correct code. AT&T gladly provides that after you've had the phone for a certain period of time, or you can get it from lots of sources online for a small fee. Too bad Apple really locked down the iPhones they built for AT&T.

Apple sells unlocked iPhones here in the USA.

[jet1000]

Can Apple unlock a locked phone without jailbreaking? They never have revealed that, probably at AT&T's insistence.

Never revealed that? Where do you get this info?

The carriers unlock iphones in Europe with a code just like every other phone.

See:

"In the United Kingdom, carriers O2, Orange, 3, Vodafone, T-Mobile, as well as MVNO Tesco Mobile sell the device under subsidised contracts, or for use on pay as you go. They are locked to network initially, though are usually able to be unlocked either after a certain period of contract length has passed, or for a small fee. "

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iphone

Also see T-Mobile UK support forum:

"TM unlocks all its phones for £15 and takes about 10-28 days to get the unlock code letter sent out. You'd need your dad to call CS and get the unlock code ordered for the iPhone. "

http://support.t-mobile.co.uk/discus...febdb134007d7b

Too bad Apple really locked down the iPhones they built for AT&T.

What does the term "really locked down" mean. I've seen no evidence to show that there's anything but locked or unlocked. The European carriers can issue unlock codes for the iphone. I'm sure AT&T could too. But there's nothing legally requiring them to do so.

[mrcamp]

Yes. I am pretty sure AT&T can unlock the iphone just like they do any other phone. But at this point, they have chosen not to do so.

What does the term "really locked down" mean. I've seen no evidence to show that there's anything but locked or unlocked. The European carriers can issue unlock codes for the iphone. I'm sure AT&T could too. But there's nothing legally requiring them to do so.

[Telekom]

They never have revealed that, probably at AT&T's insistence. You can sure unlock most any Nokia phone with the correct code. AT&T gladly provides that after you've had the phone for a certain period of time, or you can get it from lots of sources online for a small fee. Too bad Apple really locked down the iPhones they built for AT&T.

Apple unlocks Canadian locked iPhones if you're out of your term and pay $50. As I said in an earlier message they do the unlock through an authorization in iTunes.

[Telekom]

Never revealed that? Where do you get this info?

The carriers unlock iphones in Europe with a code just like every other phone.

iPhone is not like "every other phone." You don't unlock iPhones with a code. iPhones are unlocked through Apple iTunes. There's no code involved.

[brad15]

Apple unlocks Canadian locked iPhones if you're out of your term and pay $50. As I said in an earlier message they do the unlock through an authorization in iTunes.

Something like this would be totally acceptable here, it's pretty much pay $50 once and you keep the phone you love on a better network that's cheaper each month, it's a win-win for everyone

[spdickey]

Never revealed that? Where do you get this info?

Please let us know where AT&T has published info on how to unlock a iPhone, inquiring minds want to know. Bet you can't however. All the info I get get on unlocking a US GSM iPhone is via jail-breaking. For example, here's one company that will jailbreak and unlock your iPhone for a fee http://www.unlock-apple-iphone.com/

The carriers unlock iphones in Europe with a code just like every other phone.

See:

"In the United Kingdom, carriers O2, Orange, 3, Vodafone, T-Mobile, as well as MVNO Tesco Mobile sell the device under subsidised contracts, or for use on pay as you go. They are locked to network initially, though are usually able to be unlocked either after a certain period of contract length has passed, or for a small fee. "

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iphone

Also see T-Mobile UK support forum:

"TM unlocks all its phones for £15 and takes about 10-28 days to get the unlock code letter sent out. You'd need your dad to call CS and get the unlock code ordered for the iPhone. "

http://support.t-mobile.co.uk/discus...febdb134007d7b

Incorrect information about other devices that is not relevant that is not on point about Apple in the USA. iPhones cannot be simply unlocked with a code.

What does the term "really locked down" mean. I've seen no evidence to show that there's anything but locked or unlocked. The European carriers can issue unlock codes for the iphone. I'm sure AT&T could too. But there's nothing legally requiring them to do so.

It means its locked and can't be easily unlocked. There is lots of evidence that iPhones can be unlocked, but its difficult.

And its false that European carriers issue codes to unlock iPhones. Simply can't be done via a code.

When AT&T or Apple sells and iPhone for the US market, its locked, period. We're discussing unlocking existing phones here, I know one can purchase an unlocked iPhone (not jailbroken) from France for example. And yes you point out that in the USA, carriers are not required to unlock their phones. But many do, however, including AT&T, but not for the iPhone. And as others have shown here, iPhones can be unlocked via iTunes by a willing carrier.

[jet1000]

Please let us know where AT&T has published info on how to unlock a iPhone, inquiring minds want to know.

I never said that AT&T had. Let's review your original quote:

Can Apple unlock a locked phone without jailbreaking? They never have revealed that,

And the answer is of course Apple has revealed they can unlock a locked phone without jailbreaking. They do it in Europe and they do it in Canada. The phones are locked and then they become unlocked and no jailbreaking by Apple is required. Your statement that they have never revealed their ability to do that is incorrect.

All the info I get get on unlocking a US GSM iPhone is via jail-breaking. For example, here's one company that will jailbreak and unlock your iPhone for a fee http://www.unlock-apple-iphone.com/

No, there is a company that will rip you off for a fee. I just checked their website and they claim that they can unlock the iPhone4s and there is no software based unlock available for the iphone4s at this time.

But it's good to note that you're recommending such reputable companies. A quick google search shows that they have a long history of scamming:

http://blog.iphoneunlockuk.com/scam-websites.html
http://www.complaintsboard.com/compl...m-c387874.html
http://wikiwarnings.com/2011/07/13/u...le-iphone-com/

Everyone who does jailbreaking & unlocking, knows that accurate information comes through the Dev Team Blog:

http://blog.iphone-dev.org/

As danny-boi posted earlier, supposedly a gevey SIM for the iphone4S (on certain basebands) will be released shortly. No jailbreaking is required. You have to cut your SIM to fit into the Gevey tray.

I have yet to see a report from someone that actually purchased it and tested it for the 4S. Though authentic Gevey's has been used on the 4 successfully:

http://applenberry.com/store/gevey-sim/gevey-ultra-s

When AT&T or Apple sells and iPhone for the US market, its locked, period.

More false information. Apple sells iPhones in the US that are fully unlocked starting at $649:

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...about_unlocked

And Apple has been selling unlocked iPhones in the US since June 2011:

http://www.techsliver.com/apple-star...united-states/

You may want to follow the iPhone hacking forum on HoFo to keep up with the latest info:

http://www.howardforums.com/forumdis...-and-Unlocking

[spdickey]

I never said that AT&T had. Let's review your original quote:

And the answer is of course Apple has revealed they can unlock a locked phone without jailbreaking. They do it in Europe and they do it in Canada. The phones are locked and then they become unlocked and no jailbreaking by Apple is required. Your statement that they have never revealed their ability to do that is incorrect.

No, there is a company that will rip you off for a fee. I just checked their website and they claim that they can unlock the iPhone4s and there is no software based unlock available for the iphone4s at this time.

But it's good to note that you're recommending such reputable companies. A quick google search shows that they have a long history of scamming:

http://blog.iphoneunlockuk.com/scam-websites.html
http://www.complaintsboard.com/compl...m-c387874.html
http://wikiwarnings.com/2011/07/13/u...le-iphone-com/

Everyone who does jailbreaking & unlocking, knows that accurate information comes through the Dev Team Blog:

http://blog.iphone-dev.org/

As danny-boi posted earlier, supposedly a gevey SIM for the iphone4S (on certain basebands) will be released shortly. No jailbreaking is required. You have to cut your SIM to fit into the Gevey tray.

I have yet to see a report from someone that actually purchased it and tested it for the 4S. Though authentic Gevey's has been used on the 4 successfully:

http://applenberry.com/store/gevey-sim/gevey-ultra-s



More false information. Apple sells iPhones in the US that are fully unlocked starting at $649:

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...about_unlocked

And Apple has been selling unlocked iPhones in the US since June 2011:

http://www.techsliver.com/apple-star...united-states/

You may want to follow the iPhone hacking forum on HoFo to keep up with the latest info:

http://www.howardforums.com/forumdis...-and-Unlocking

I have never recommended a company for jailbreaking a iPhone in order to get it unlocked. You misquoted me, sir. I simply pointed out just one of thousands of places one can go to for a factory unauthorized jailbreak and unlock. Something I have done myself, using iDev methods, but it can really screw up the phone.

I have no experience with the unlock SIMs, but you can also find someone who has at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWRyx...eature=related

And we can agree that AT&T doesn't supply unlocking services for the iPhone. It does for other models with some restrictions as to contract and length of time you've had service with them. And where do you find the information that Apple is unlocking iPhones for USA consumers? They do it overseas, with the cooperation of the foreign carriers. Something that AT&T seems to be reluctant to do so.

Instructions for an official factory authorized unlock via iTunes can be found here http://gigaom.com/apple/apples-offic...one-3g-unlock/ it does require cooperation from the carrier that sold the phone. Does your beloved AT&T offer this cooperation, even after the contract period is completed or an ETF is paid? Please point us to a source where they do so, since its apparently very hidden from view if it exists at all.

My original point is I would hope T-Mobile, when its able to support 3G on current iPhones will find a way to get this legal, factory authorized unlock method without jailbreak available to consumers. It can be done technically via iTunes, but apparently it takes AT&T's and/or Apple's permission to do so. Let's pray that one or the other will see the light and let consumers switch carriers.

[jet1000]

I have never recommended a company for jailbreaking a iPhone in order to get it unlocked. You misquoted me

Let's not misquote you then. Here is your quote:

For example, here's one company that will jailbreak and unlock your iPhone for a fee http://www.unlock-apple-iphone.com/

See the word "will" in the quote. The facts are that I gave sources that they in fact will NOT do what they state they will. As an example, there is known no software lock that will unlock the iPhone4S even though I went to their site yesterday and they claim they could. It's a scam. If they do anything, they'll send you some software that they downloaded from the dev team site and when you try to get your money back you can't reach them.

I simply pointed out just one of thousands of places one can go to for a factory unauthorized jailbreak and unlock.

More misinformation. There are many of these scam sites. You said you can go to these sites to jailbreak and unlock the iphone yet you admit that you have not used one and instead have used "iDev methods". So how would you know that there are thousands of legitimate places one can go? The answer is you don't.

Occasionally people will post a thread in the Hofo iOS unlocking subforum asking if a certain site is valid. Here's one example. Please read the responses from veteran HoFo'ers and see if they are any different from what I'm telling you:

http://www.howardforums.com/showthre...bsite-reliable

There are other threads in the same forum by people who have been scammed by these sites that you advocate.

If you want to believe that there are thousands of websites out there that will unlock the latest iPhones for a fee, go ahead and believe it. But don't post that info here in the T-Mobile subforum. Someone might see your posts and actually think they can use these sites to unlock legitimately. Why don't you post this statement about the thousands of sites in the unlocking forum where it belongs and we'll see what others there say about it?

And where do you find the information that Apple is unlocking iPhones for USA consumers?

I never said they unlock iPhones for USA consumers. I said they sell GSM unlocked iPhones to US consumers and I documented that information.

Does your beloved AT&T offer this cooperation, even after the contract period is completed or an ETF is paid?

No. In fact, I have already stated that AT&T does not offer this. They have determined there is no reason to offer the unlock service

My original point is I would hope T-Mobile, when its able to support 3G on current iPhones will find a way to get this legal, factory authorized unlock method without jailbreak available to consumers. It can be done technically via iTunes, but apparently it takes AT&T's and/or Apple's permission to do so.

Well if that was your original point, you left out the part about "legal, factory authorized". To quote your OP:

Hopefully T-Mob will offer unlocking services for those AT&T iPhones out of contract.

But now you're admitting, "apparently it takes AT&T's and/or Apple's permission to do so". So T-Mobile really has nothing to offer as a service. If AT&T wants to allow its iPhones to be unlocked then that's AT&T's decision and they can let Apple know on a case by case basis as carriers around the world do. If AT&T doesn't choose to, then T-Mobile has no say in the matter and they have no service to sell.

If T-mobile wants the iPhone, then they just need to stop worrying about unlocked devices and just pay up Apple to be an official carrier like Sprint and C Spire did. Apple is not the kind of company to turn down billions of dollars in sales. They'll do whatever T-Mobile wants if T-Mobile stops being so cheap.

[spdickey]

Let's not misquote you then. Here is your quote:
See the word "will" in the quote. The facts are that I gave sources that they in fact will NOT do what they state they will. As an example, there is known no software lock that will unlock the iPhone4S even though I went to their site yesterday and they claim they could. It's a scam. If they do anything, they'll send you some software that they downloaded from the dev team site and when you try to get your money back you can't reach them.

More misinformation. There are many of these scam sites. You said you can go to these sites to jailbreak and unlock the iphone yet you admit that you have not used one and instead have used "iDev methods". So how would you know that there are thousands of legitimate places one can go? The answer is you don't.

Occasionally people will post a thread in the Hofo iOS unlocking subforum asking if a certain site is valid. Here's one example. Please read the responses from veteran HoFo'ers and see if they are any different from what I'm telling you:

http://www.howardforums.com/showthre...bsite-reliable

There are other threads in the same forum by people who have been scammed by these sites that you advocate.

If you want to believe that there are thousands of websites out there that will unlock the latest iPhones for a fee, go ahead and believe it. But don't post that info here in the T-Mobile subforum. Someone might see your posts and actually think they can use these sites to unlock legitimately. Why don't you post this statement about the thousands of sites in the unlocking forum where it belongs and we'll see what others there say about it?

I never said they unlock iPhones for USA consumers. I said they sell GSM unlocked iPhones to US consumers and I documented that information.

No. In fact, I have already stated that AT&T does not offer this. They have determined there is no reason to offer the unlock service

Well if that was your original point, you left out the part about "legal, factory authorized". To quote your OP:

But now you're admitting, "apparently it takes AT&T's and/or Apple's permission to do so". So T-Mobile really has nothing to offer as a service. If AT&T wants to allow its iPhones to be unlocked then that's AT&T's decision and they can let Apple know on a case by case basis as carriers around the world do. If AT&T doesn't choose to, then T-Mobile has no say in the matter and they have no service to sell.

If T-mobile wants the iPhone, then they just need to stop worrying about unlocked devices and just pay up Apple to be an official carrier like Sprint and C Spire did. Apple is not the kind of company to turn down billions of dollars in sales. They'll do whatever T-Mobile wants if T-Mobile stops being so cheap.

Sir, you said I and I quote you "[b]ut it's good to note that you're recommending such reputable companies." You go on in your last post to say "these sites that you advocate." Please stop misquoting me, I never recommended nor advocated anyone. I simply pointed out a company that said they will. Its up to the buyer to beware if its a fraud. You have repeated this false and demeaning statement more than several times now. I and I'm sure others are aware of your defaming tactics. Just stop it. I know of thousands of sites who claim iPhone unlocks, and recommend none of them except http://blog.iphone-dev.org/

We agree, AT&T won't let Apple won't unlock USA iPhones, and that's a shame, lets move on. You're comments about out-of-country phones is irrelevant to this discussion, other than to prove it can be done by a carrier but it is not available by the only GSM carrier in the USA who offers carrier locked iPhones. We've seen it can be done, if AT&T is willing, which apparently it is not for their own greedy reasons.

So who's fault is it that those iPhones can't be unlocked, its your beloved AT&T. Of course they have no business reason to do so, since they love their customers so much they shouldn't have to worry about losing them. Or do they love us so much they shackle their devices to their network, even after the original subsidy has been repaid? Perhaps a business reason is that once a contract is completed a customer is free to use their phone elsewhere, I for one would welcome that and perhaps sign on to AT&T because of their policy of unshackling the phone.

T-Mobile could offer the service IF AT&T notifies Apple that a consumer can unlock the phone. Shame on AT&T for not doing that, even if a customer is out of contract due to the time or an EFT was paid. Let's hope that AT&T in the future will allow its iPhones to be used on T-Mobile once their out-of-contract. Then T-Mobile can assist a consumer with the factory authorized iTunes unlock once AT&T releases the phone and then getting the phone working on T-Mobile's new 3G frequencies coming in the future. That's exactly what I mean with T-Mobile offering unlocking services, and I never assumed they would offer something illegal.