AT&T and "retail price" upgrades

[Tegeril]

So I'm not eligible for an early upgrade with AT&T (whatever, I sold my iPhone 4 last month for over $400, so I'm not complaining - using a Nexus S in the interim). The alignment of celestial bodies, my low monthly bill, and my purchase of an iPhone 4 on contract have conspired against me.

If I go into an Apple Store and buy an iPhone 4S with AT&T at full price, I should not be extending my contract, correct?

 

[aphex]

So I'm not eligible for an early upgrade with AT&T (whatever, I sold my iPhone 4 last month for over $400, so I'm not complaining - using a Nexus S in the interim). The alignment of celestial bodies, my low monthly bill, and my purchase of an iPhone 4 on contract have conspired against me.

If I go into an Apple Store and buy an iPhone 4S with AT&T at full price, I should not be extending my contract, correct?

Correct, full price means no contract.

 

[ViRGE]

Correct, full price means no contract.

Is AT&T actually taking on iPhone users without a contract though? Just because they're not subsidizing it doesn't mean they're willing to offer service without a contract.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Pretty sure you'd be renewing your contract and paying full price.

 

[Tweak155]

Is AT&T actually taking on iPhone users without a contract though? Just because they're not subsidizing it doesn't mean they're willing to offer service without a contract.

What if you bought a used iPhone somewhere? They won't let you activate it? Seems unreasonable.

 

[ViRGE]

What if you bought a used iPhone somewhere? They won't let you activate it? Seems unreasonable.

I'm sorry, have you ever dealt with AT&T before? They are unreasonable, and they don't have to be reasonable; they're the phone company.

 

[Tegeril]

Exactly why I asked this. I'm pretty sure when the 3GS came out, similar questions popped up and people were actually expected to sign a new 2 year contract without getting any subsidization. I know some people argued their way out of it, but the process is extremely streamlined now…and it did take some time before Apple was selling iPhone 4 "off contract".

I guess I'll find out soon if my iPhone 4 contract gets extended when I pay full price for the 4S =\

 

[manly]

Exactly why I asked this. I'm pretty sure when the 3GS came out, similar questions popped up and people were actually expected to sign a new 2 year contract without getting any subsidization. I know some people argued their way out of it, but the process is extremely streamlined now…and it did take some time before Apple was selling iPhone 4 "off contract".

I guess I'll find out soon if my iPhone 4 contract gets extended when I pay full price for the 4S =\

wait, this is a different question than whether AT&T is dumb enough not to activate a new line for an iPhone they didn't subsidize.*

If you're already on contract, why wouldn't just swapping in the SIM card work? It doesn't extend whatever remains on your current commitment either.

* Now that iPhone 4S is a "world" phone, carrier-hopping should be more prevalent down the road. Isn't there an official FCC regulation on unlocking of phones? Can AT&T still tell us they won't unlock iPhones older than 2 years?

 

[alent1234]

Is AT&T actually taking on iPhone users without a contract though? Just because they're not subsidizing it doesn't mean they're willing to offer service without a contract.

they will offer service but no discount

 

[gevorg]

I have a family plan, so I upgrade every year at discount and pass down my current iPhone to family members. Decided to hold on iPhone 4S until I see the next Google Nexus phone. It might take iPhone 5 to beat it.

 

[alfa147x]

Is AT&T actually taking on iPhone users without a contract though? Just because they're not subsidizing it doesn't mean they're willing to offer service without a contract.

I have a iPhone 4 that I bought. I'm not on a contract atm. Using AT&T with my unlimited data plan

 

[amdhunter]

I am hoping just to transfer sim cards since my current iPhone is provided from work.
Anyone know what the pricing will look like?

 

[manly]

i am hoping just to transfer sim cards since my current iphone is provided from work.
Anyone know what the pricing will look like?

$649, $749, $849

 

[amdhunter]

No unlocked versions for sale right now. Every other country has unlocked versions available today. Also, can't find a way to just outright buy the damned thing.

**** you Apple.

 

[Tegeril]

Hah, interesting. So AT&T's "full retail" wording is still a discounted rate. But comes with another contract. Hmmmmmm

 

[Tegeril]

No unlocked versions for sale right now. Every other country has unlocked versions available today. Also, can't find a way to just outright buy the damned thing.

**** you Apple.

Coming in November, unlocked.

 

[manly]

No unlocked versions for sale right now. Every other country has unlocked versions available today. Also, can't find a way to just outright buy the damned thing.

**** you Apple.

Email Tim Cook to complain? I mean, have a Canuck help you buy one.

Hah, interesting. So AT&T's "full retail" wording is still a discounted rate. But comes with another contract. Hmmmmmm

now you've got me confused! **** AT&T ?

It's also weird how Apple says if you buy the unsubsidized iPhone, you cannot activate it on CDMA.

 

[gevorg]

GSM ONLY

http://www.slashgear.com/iphone-4s-unlocked-option-november-in-us-07186043/

 

[Stuka87]

I have two contract free iPhones (wifes and mine). AT&T does not care if you have a contract or not.

However, lets say you turn data off one of them, to use it as a normal phone with Wifi, every so often they do a scan of all devices connecting. If they get back 'iPhone' they force it up to a full blown data plan.