iPhone 4S Features: T-Mobile Users Can Power Unlocked iPhone 4S's
There has been much debate over whether Apple enthusiasts will be able to find a carrier for the iPhone 4S, unlocked and contract free.
Conflicting reports have made it unclear whether the major U.S. networks will be powering the iPhone 4S unlocked.
However, sources have confirmed that a small number of Apple Stores are selling the 4S unlocked and that it can be powered on the T-Mobile network.
9to5Mac reports that developer Steven Troughton-Smith has bought an iPhone 4S and has been successful at having it unlocked.
Troughton-Smith activated his contract free phone by plugging the device into iTunes and received the following confirmation message:
"Congratulations, your iPhone has been unlocked. To set up and sync this iPhone, click Continue."
Troughton-Smith’s unlocked iPhone 4S is powered through T-Mobile’s EDGE network via an O2 SIM-card on roaming, according to 9to5Mac.
A removable AT&T SIM card was also included with the iPhone 4S.
The unlocked iPhone 4S can be purchased at Apple Stores.
The 16GB iPhone 4S unlocked sells for $649, while the 32GB unlocked sells for $749 and the 64GB unlocked sells for $849.
The 16GB, 32GB and 64GB sell for $199, $299 and $399 respectively on the Sprint, Verizon and AT&T networks, with a two-year contract.
T-Mobile does not officially vend or power iPhones, however T-Mobile Chief Marketing Officer Cole Brodman has stated that the network powers “over one million unlocked iPhones.”
Sprint has detailed that the network shipped its iPhone 4S unlocked during the Oct. 14 release.
However, the devices will soon be locked and after 60 days, only customers in good standing with Sprint will be able to request the network unlock their iPhone 4S for international use.
Verizon has not yet divulged whether it will be powering the iPhone 4S unlocked on its network.
AT&T's GSM network allows for international use without being unlocked.