IPhone 5s GSM T-mobile. Model A1533. Is it unlocked?

I purchased iPhone5s from Apple online store a month ago or so. I wanted the unlocked phone, so I chose the T-mobile option. (It was before they added the Sim-free option). When I got the confirmation email it said "iPhone 5s 16GB Gold (GSM),T-Mobile". No mention of "unlocked" or "locked" next to it, while friends of mine who purchased it the same way and a bit earlier than me has "unlocked" written next to "iPhone 5s 16GB Gold (GSM),T-Mobile - Unlocked".
I checked the model of the phone it is A1533. I read that this means unlocked. I also read that there are 3 types of model A1533 (GSM, CDMA & something else I can't remember) But because it wasn't mentioned in the confirmation email, I am worried that it is locked :/
So before opening the box, I wanna know if anyone can help me and tell me whether this is unlocked or not? because if it isn't, then is it possible to exchange it from any apple store with an unlocked one?

If you bought it a month or so ago, it's too late to return it now. The only thing you could do would be to sell it and buy a new one.
However, IF you purchased the T-Mobile 5s from Apple and NOT from T-Mobile, then it should be unlocked.

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T-Mobile Model A1533 (GSM) iPhone 5S is it unlocked? Will work with AT&T?

I wanted a non-subsidized phone to use on AT&T so I ordered the iPhone 5s from T-mobile with no contract. Howveer unlike ordering the 5c it doesn't call it sim-free. It does state When you travel internationally, you can use a nano-SIM card for iPhone 5s from a local GSM carrier. Which makes me think it has to be unlocked and I could use my AT&T sim in it as it has all the supported bands. Has anyone tried this yet?

I stand corrected. They are guilty of not providing enough information. Yes, the menu tree to purchasing each phone leads to a locked, contracts device. In order to protect its fourth carrier. Apple deliberately left out the fact that the unlocked TMobile version will be compatible with both domestic GSM carriers and carriers from abroad.
Agree that there will be an "official" unlocked, non carrier labeled version, but because Apple never succumbs to carrier branding in the first place, I find it all the more confusing. In the end, they are trying to protect their carriers by steering initial iPhone allocation to those customers with domestic contracts or will be signing new contracts! regardless of whether the hardware is actually the same or not.

Is Iphone 6 GSM T-Mobile (contract free) will work in Egypt ?

I want to buy IPhone 6 or 6 plus not sure yet, is GSM T-Mobile (contract free) will work in Egypt ?

It will work as unlocked as long as you buy it from the Apple Store. You will not have warranty or out of warranty service in Egypt, even if you are willing to pay for it. So should the phone develop a problem, you will have to take the phone to the US for service. LTE/4G is not guaranteed to work.
So, my advice is for you to buy the phone in Egypt. You will save yourself from future headaches.

IPhone 6 Plus T-Mobile version is not internationally unlocked!

I bought an iPhone 6 Plus from the Apple Store in Dec. 2014.
I've done the research that people are saying T-mobile version from Apple Store is unlocked.
However, when I bring it to Taiwan and plug in a local SIM card it asks for an unlock PIN.
Then, I called Apple. The Apple technician told me it's found "domestically" unlocked.
So I can use it with ATT, Spring, etc in the U.S.. And if I want it to be "internationally" unlocked,
I have to contact T-mobile because the lock can only be taken by the carrier.
Therefore, I contacted with T-mobile. They said they require an active T-mobile number that associates with that iPhone to unlock it!
I said I'm outside of the U.S. and I want to use the phone now. And you know what, they ask me to call Apple for it! !@$!@$
Now I'm stuck, any suggestion?

Only T-Mobile can unlock it, so you'll likely need to do what they ask to unlock it.
People don't know carriers/cellular providers are arse****, but they are.
this is an extract from the iPhone page, it shows that your iPhone 6+ is a different model and that it only works without being fully unlocked in the US Only
About the Unlocked iPhone
The unlocked iPhone includes all the features of iPhone but without a wireless contract commitment or a carrier installment plan. You can activate and use the unlocked iPhone on the supported wireless network of your choice, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint in the United States.
If you don’t want a multiyear service contract, or if you prefer to use a local carrier when traveling abroad, the unlocked iPhone is the best choice. If you choose T-Mobile, your iPhone comes with a T-Mobile SIM card already installed. You will need to contact T-Mobile or visit an Apple Retail Store to activate your iPhone.
Otherwise, the unlocked iPhone does not come with a nano-SIM card for iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, or iPhone 5c so you’ll need to get one from any supported carrier worldwide. To start using your iPhone, simply insert the SIM card into the slot and turn on iPhone by pressing and holding the On/Off button for a few seconds. Then follow the onscreen instructions to set up your iPhone.
Purchasing an unlocked iPhone means you will not qualify for the lower iPhone price associated with a contract or a carrier installment plan. The unlocked iPhone 6 model is A1586. The unlocked iPhone 6 Plus model is A1524. The T-Mobile iPhone 6 model is A1549. The T-Mobile iPhone 6 Plus model is A1522. For details on LTE network support, please see www.apple.com/iphone/LTE.
To help decide whether the unlocked option is right for you, compare wireless service plans. Or call our iPhone Specialists at 1-800-MY-APPLE.

IPhone 5s (GSM) T-Mobile, is it unlocked to any GSM network?

I have read alot in the forum about the iphone 5s t-mobile contract free version, and I understood that it's not labeled unlocked for business reasons. But I want to make sure that if I bought it, I will still be able to use it with another GSM network (I live in lebanon).

Then why does the iphone 5c and all the previous iphones have 2 options: t-mobile unlocked or sim-free in the apple store, unlike the iphone 5s which only has one option? (thanks in advance, but I dont want to buy the phone and hit the wall, just like what happened to me with the iphone 4)

What's the type of iPhone 6 16GB Gold (GSM) T-Mobile? A1586?

what's the type of iPhone 6 16GB Gold (GSM) T-Mobile? A1586?
thanks.

it looks like the same model sold in Chile as the T-Mobile US iPhone 6
Only buy from an Apple retail Store NOT T-Mobile
There will not however be any warranty in Chile ,since the warranty is not International and I doubt the Chilean Carriers who provide iPhone support in your Country will be minded to assist with a US sourced iPhone

Is the "iPhone 6 16GB Silver (GSM) T-Mobile" that is sold in US compatible with Chile's micro-sim system? I mean, if I buy a iPhone 6 16GB Silver (GSM) T-Mobile in US, can I use it in Chile? Thanks in advance.

I would like to know if I buy a "iPhone 6 16GB Silver (GSM) T-Mobile" in US, I can use it in Chile with a Chile local micro-sim...

it looks like the same model sold in Chile as the T-Mobile US iPhone 6
Only buy from an Apple retail Store NOT T-Mobile
There will not however be any warranty in Chile ,since the warranty is not International and I doubt the Chilean Carriers who provide iPhone support in your Country will be minded to assist with a US sourced iPhone

I would like to know if iphone 5 GSM model A1429 unlocked is available in stores in the US in order to buy and use in Europe

I would like to know if iphone 5 GSM model A1429 is unlocked and is available in stores in the US in order to buy and use in Europe. Please let me know.
Thanks
ST

Not officially for sale in the US, at the present time, although Apple's flagship store on 5th Ave, in New York City, gets supplies from time-to-time. However, no GSM US model iPhone 5 will support LTE anywhere other than North America. It will not support LTE in Europe. If you want LTE support in Europe, you need to purchase your phone in Europe.

Can I use the iPhone 5s unlocked model A1533 for LG U in South Korea

Can I use the iPhone 5s unlocked model A1533 for LG U in South Korea

you might go here http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/iphone/index-iphone-specs.html to see if the specs for the US phone are compatible with that required in KR

HT4061 Hi have a iphone 4 gsm model. Can not activate because I do not know carrier. The phone is in setup so I can not get serial numbers or imei number. Sim carrier is blank. Can anyone assist

Hi have a iphone 4 gsm model. Can not activate because I do not know carrier. The phone is in setup so I can not get serial numbers or imei number. Sim carrier is blank. Can anyone assist

You need a Sim inside the iPhone to activate it. If the iPhone is locked to a carrier, you need a Sim from that carrier. The person who sold you the iPhone should be able to give you that information, but if it is not available, you need to get it from Apple Care. Call them.

Will the iphone 5s t-mobile model work on telcel lte band?

Hi I live in mexico and i am going to buy a new iphone 5s, my question is, the t-mobile model will work with telcel lte bands?

it says that only iphone 5 supports my carrier, then i cant use it?

HT3939 if I purchased iPhone 5 GSM A1429, then I tried to use CDMA SIM card inside the same phone, does it'll work and provide me signals ???

Hi All,
Regarding iPhone 5, at the latest model, if I bought an unlocked one from UK Apple Store, iPhone 5 GSM A1429, then I tried to use CDMA SIM card inside the same phone, does it'll work and provide me signals or not. ??
Thanks for your answering.

The answer is complicated. None of the major carriers offer PAYG service in the US, but if you buy a contract-free phone for full price you can get a plan that can be canceled at any time from any of the major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile). There are smaller resellers that offer PAYG service (StraightTalk, for example), but they are hard to deal with.
The most liberal is the GSM carrier T-Mobile. They have "unbundled" the phone from the service, so if you bring your own phone or pay full price for a phone the monthly cost will be lower.
The other 3 will charge you the same monthly cost whether you pay full price for the phone or get a subsidized phone.
Verizon iPhone 5 series phones are unlocked out of the box for international use (thanks to a condition the FCC imposed on Verizon when they were allowed to buy a substantial chunk of spectrum). They are the only phones sold in the US that will work on LTE bands in the UK and Europe.
Sprint is not a good choice, because they give you a hard time if you want to unlock your phone.
AT&T phones are locked, but they will unlock the phone if you pay full price or pay off your early termination fee. However, they will only work on GSM in the UK, not on LTE (4G).

If i buy Unlocked Iphone 5s from Virgin Mobile can i use it with other operator?(In Europe)

If i buy Unlocked Iphone 5s from Virgin Mobile can i use it with other operator?(In Europe)

You need to clarify where you are as Virgin Mobile are a Global Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) brand however the terms and offers differ in each country.
If you are in the USA the brand is actually franchised and operated by Sprint .
Operating on Sprint CDMA and LTE frequency bands.
The CDMA radio will be provioned to work off of the Sprint towers - This IS locked down and can't be used on any other network -for instance Verizon.
The phones GSM Sim card holder and radios should be unlocked but we won't know for sure until the handsets are available to test.
The models in question are the A1453 - 5S ad A1456- 5C- these support the most channel frequencies of any iPhone , however NOT the all important European LTE band 7 (2600mhz)
So it is highly likely that the Virgin USA model will have unlocked SIM and GSM support will work on all European 3G and most earlier 2 and 2.5G networks however may have patchy to no European LTE support.
Note that comment reqarding 2G (GPRS) and 2.5 G (Often called Edge) - A number of European countries and mobile operators are re-provisionng (reusing) frequencies in the 800mhz spectrum to 800DD (digital) for future LTE and where this takes place normal subscibers without LTE contracts will loose service in some areas.
This is already taking place in the UK - Beware.
Virgin Mobile UK are not currently an Apple iPhone dealership.
And other countries with the band including Canada, France and India I have information about.

No joy for moving Verizon iPhone 4S to T-Mobile

My questions on this topic have been answered but I wanted to post back for the benefit of anyone trying to follow.
It has long been known that you could not use a Verizon (CDMA) iPhone 4S on a domestic GSM network such as T-Mobile. The hardware is capable (more or less) but the phone is software locked against using GSM domestically. But I had hoped the recent CTIA agreement amongst the carriers might have changed this situation and allowed me to use my wife's old Verizon iPhone 4S on my T-Mobile account. At one point both carriers told me that it should work and was not difficult.
That was bad information. It is NOT POSSIBLE. Although Verizon was helpful in getting my iPhone 4S enabled for international GSM usage, this was not sufficient. My new T-Mobile SIM is rejected as "Invalid", just as it always has been. I spent time on the phone with all 3 entities this morning and eventually both Apple and T-Mobile confirmed that the transfer of an iPhone 4S from Verizon to T-Mobile cannot be done. (T-Mobile's "BYOD" page certainly does not divulge this.)
This was a huge waste of time. I wouldn't have started down this path if the simple facts were available and the various reps didn't incorrectly keep encouraging me that it would succeed. Your mileage may vary, but trust my experience: I spent hours only in the end to confirm the old information that the change is simply not possible.
There might be some for-fee vendor that can make it work and I would love to hear about anyone that had success that way. For now it makes more sense to give up and move on, and sell or trade the phone to someone that can use it.

Since the prohibition for use on a domestic carrier is flashed in the phone itself there is no way to work around this. None.
If you had called AppleCare in the first place or gone by the advice here you would have saved yourself a lot of time. Apple has no stake in who you use your iPhone with. T-Mobile wants your business.
Sell your iPhone but before you do put it in DFU mode (Google it) and Restore it as a new iPhone. After that turn off Find My iPhone in iCloud then log out from there and Settings > iTunes and App Store and turn off iMessage and FaceTime.
If you buy a used iPhone 5 you will need to ensure it is an AWS capable phone to use it with T-Mobile. The model numbers are the same so the only way you can test this is to make sure you bought a late model iPhone 5 Model A1429 or to try it with your T-Mobile nanoSIM. If you go with a 5c or 5s unlocked or T-Mobile iPhone you will have no such issue.

I want to buy an iphone 5s (GSM, SIM-Free). While I travelling to India, can I use the iphone with a local-SIM in INDIA.

I want to buy an iphone 5s (GSM, SIM-Free).
While I travelling to India, can I use the iphone with a local-SIM in INDIA.

I am looking into buying an iphone 5s (GSM, SIM-Free) from apple store in US.
While in India, I am looking to use it with a local-SIM (Local carrier) in INDIA (Eg: Airtel, Vodaphone etc). Will it work ?
While browsing iphone products in the Apple store, I did not find any iphone referring to "Unlocked" but ended up with SIM-free as the only option (http://store.apple.com/us/buy-iphone/iphone5s/64gb-gold-unlocked?aid=www-k2-ipho ne%205s%20-%20index-n@p&cp=k2-iphone%205…).
I also found the following information from the apple store - When you travel internationally, you can use a nano-SIM card for iPhone 5s from a local GSM carrier. The unlocked iPhone 5s model is A1533 (GSM).
If Apple is the only source of unlocked iphones, could someone provide the link to the store.

IPhone 5s GSM T-mobile. Model A1533. Is it unlocked?

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