AT&T and T-Mobile iPhone 7 Won't Fully Work on Verizon or Sprint

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Posted September 12, 2016 at 3:36pm by Shalom Levytam

AT&T and T-Mobile models of the iPhone 7 won't fully work on Verizon or Sprint as they do not support the old CDMA standard used by those networks.

Apple highlighted the difference on the technical specification page for the iPhone 7.

Models A1778 and A1784 do not support CDMA networks, such as those used by Verizon and Sprint.

The reason these models don't support CDMA is likely Apple's decision to diversify suppliers using Intel for the modem in the AT&T and T-Mobile models and Qualcomm for the modem in the other models.

Re/code confirms this is likely the case, "Sources familiar with the situation as well as outsiders agree that the modem diversification effort is the likely reason for the separate phone versions. Apple and Intel declined to comment on the matter, and a Qualcomm representative was not immediately available for comment."

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AT&T and T-Mobile iPhone 7 Won't Fully Work on Verizon or Sprint

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datumax - September 13, 2016 at 4:37am

You're not. I preordered two CDMA phones so I could get the Qualcomm chip: -a 256GB 7 (for the 128GB price) in Black from Sprint (shippin 9/16) -a 128GB Jet Black 7+ from Verizon ("arriving November") After I run some tests I'll probably only keep the +. FYI Sprint said I'd have to keep the device active for 50 days at Sprint before they'll unlock it.

Jayduuuh - September 13, 2016 at 4:28am

This is pretty useful information to know ahead of the launch. Now I know I have to get the unlocked "verizon" version. I'm currently using AT&T and going to switch to verizon within a month. Without knowing this, I could end up paying $850 brand new phone that cannot support my future carrier network... and the Apple, I really dont know what the hell is the deal with this thing. 2 separate version for "unlocked" iphones. what year is this??? 2009?

iPhone Guy9000 - September 13, 2016 at 4:10am

The iPhone 7 also won't support 256 QAM and 4x4 MIMO on T-Mobile. Apple has always been one year behind the competition when it comes to radios. This is why you buy a Nexus or Pixel over a ridiculously overpriced iPhone.

joshWUa - September 12, 2016 at 8:04pm

I remember this happened also with the iPhone 5 where I used a Verizon iPhone but couldn't get 4G/LTE just edge.

Amer Kechli - September 12, 2016 at 6:16pm

Article failed to mention that these ATT and T mobile phones should work fine on Verizon and Sprint over LTE. only the old CDMA signal will not work but nowadays we use LTE almost all the time.

Nitro Junkie - September 12, 2016 at 7:53pm

Ya you can use LTE for calling but that uses data unlike cdma or GSM. The article failed to mention that the Verizon and sprint versions would work on all networks like the iPhone's previously did. Hit read more and look at the specs on apples page or read appleinsiders article which tells the whole story.

gamerscul9870 - September 12, 2016 at 6:10pm

What cheap? Just keep the old (or current to be exact) device without a problem.

Hackfest - September 12, 2016 at 5:46pm

Glad I have a 6S - it runs everything...

NOnono - September 13, 2016 at 4:13am

No. It doesn't. Wireless technology has advanced significantly since the 6S. Apple is almost always a year behind and by using Intel radios they may be ever further.

Jacebargo - September 12, 2016 at 5:15pm

Thanks I guess I can assume they are unlocked and would work with my SIM card ...

gamerscul9870 - September 12, 2016 at 6:09pm

Sorry, but even an unlocked iPhone won't work that way. I read that from an article!

Jacebargo - September 12, 2016 at 6:19pm

It won't ? What is the reason the T-Mobile iPhone 7 won't work on At&T ?

Nitro Junkie - September 12, 2016 at 7:45pm

If you buy an unlocked iPhone 7 they would probably give you a Verizon or sprint model which work on all networks. Something the article failed to mention but was mention in the appleinsider article.

Nitro Junkie - September 12, 2016 at 7:56pm

It's also on apples iPhone specs page and shows the Verizon and sprint models will work on everything. Like I said these are the ones they probably sell as unlocked.

RWR - September 12, 2016 at 4:42pm

We will see when the phone comes out. Maybe it will work, only seeing is believing.

Nitro Junkie - September 12, 2016 at 7:43pm

What the article failed to mention was that the Verizon and sprint versions of the phone will work on all networks like they previously did.

Jacebargo - September 12, 2016 at 7:51pm

Interesting .. I wonder if I'm the only one who preordered a different carrier iPhone 7 just because of availability... there was not a single jet black att iPhone 7 available 30 seconds after launch.. but there was T-Mobile ones available. Wonder what the genius will say when I go in to pick it up on the 16th.

Jacebargo - September 12, 2016 at 3:59pm

I preordered the tmobile iPhone 7 for pick up on the 16th because that I as all that she as available my question is will they allow me to activate that phone on my att service .. any ideas?

tmel4198 - September 12, 2016 at 4:01pm

Well yeah it will work! They are GSM and not CDMA