Will Apple cover my factory unlocked iphone 3GS anywhere in the world?

Hello,
I'm planning on buying a factory unlocked iphone 3GS directly from the Apple Store in Hong Kong.
Will Apple cover my iphone with the warranty worldwide or only in Hong Kong?
Thank you.

What I meant to say is that technically, hardware-wise, almost all iphones 3GS are the same (I believe the models in mainland China don't have GPS?).
It's no WiFi in China. GPS used to be illegal in Egypt, but they changed the law recently.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I suppose that the carrier lock is a software lock, which can be removed (we've all heard about it), but gets reversed once you update to a new OS version.
Carriers can ask Apple to unlock particular phones. The next time the iPhone is restored via iTunes, new firmware will be downloaded from Apple and will display a message saying it has been unlocked. It will stay unlocked if updated. Unofficial unlocks (which can not be done on current iPhones) will re-lock if the iPhone is updated.
I know it is the way it is, but I believe most of you would agree that if you buy a telephone, you shouldn't be forced to go with one carrier or another. That is why when I pay for an unlocked phone, I pay much more, go get the freedom (without hacks) to choose the carrier I want (where in contrast I pay much less for calls and internet than with the exclusive iphone carrier).
It would be much easier for Apple if all iPhones were unlocked, and the same in all countries, but the carriers make a fortune from their exorbitant roaming charges, so where the country's laws allow, insist that Apple not make any unlocked iPhones available in their countries.
By the way, MMS is not something most people use. There are some statistics on the internet about the ratio of SMS to MMS and it was something like 10 to 1.
All the 3G and 3GS iPhones are capable of MMS, but the carriers have to support it.

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I bought an factory unlocked iphone 3gs at the apple store today and just ordered a sim card activation kit and a 30 dollar minute card for it. the sim will work in the unlocked iphone am i correct?

i bought an factory unlocked iphone 3gs at the apple store today and just ordered a sim card activation kit and a 30 dollar minute card for it. the sim will work in the unlocked iphone am i correct? and i can use messaging on it right?

If T-Mobile in the US, while your phone will activate/work, you won't have FaceTime, MMS or 3G. T-Mobile, in the US, is not a supported iPhone carrier, thus all features of the iPhone may not be available. T-Mobile's 3G network, in the US, is not compatible with the iPhone.

Okay i just recently asked a question.about my factory unlocked iphone 3gs asking how to activate it but..

i probably shouldnt say this but,okay i just recently asked a question.about my factory unlocked iphone 3gs asking how to activate it. so i got too excited of aving it and couldnt wait for my tmobile sim card to come one more day. so i "hactivated" it (i know this voids all warrenty) and i jailbroke it just so i could use it as an ipod.it worked and i was syched.
BUTTT.... it asked me if i wanted to update the software to 5.1 and i was like " oh yes id love to" and it started downloading it and it was inrecovery mode the whole time .
when the download finished. i hit restore so i can put the software on the phone but the itunes had an error and the phone went glitchy and it does a rebooting loop. it shows the apple symbol with the slash through it for about 5 seconds and shuts off for a little bit (about another 5 seconds) and it starts up then loops the process. ive managed to turn the phone off but if i start it up it loops...what should i do? any help :/
Also it does not show up in my itunes because it is turning off to fast to detect.

Discussion of hacked phones is prohibited on these forums. Sorry, you'll need to go elsewhere to get support for a j'broke iPhone.

How do I get a factory unlocked iPhone 3GS out of (connect to iTunes) mode?

How do I get a factory unlocked iPhone 3GS out of recovery (connect to itunes) mode?
Once the iPhone 3GS is in DFU mode and plugged into iTunes, the restore and update process begins. The restores process are as followed:
Extracting software > Preparing iPhone for restore (blank screen) > Preparing iPhone software for restore > Restoring iPhone software > Verifying iPhone restore > Restoring iPhone firmware > The iPhone cannot be restored. An unknown error occurred (1).
I clicked on the more information tab and was taken to a website with some troubleshooting. I did what they suggested (based on the error #) and still no luck. I’ve tried to restore and update about 10 times now but the same message keeps coming up at the end. What should I do now?
P.S: I have the latest version of iTunes (11), my windows is up to date etc ...

CDiiva wrote:
The iPhone cannot be restored. An unknown error occurred (1).
This Error message is indicative of a Hardware issue. The device may need Service.

How to activate factory unlocked iphone 3gs with os 4.0

i have bought a factory unlocked iphone 3gs loaded with latest os 4.0 in usa for $850 , but i am unable to activate it over itunes.
I want to activate it without at&t sim as its factory unloacked.
Can anybody give me the process or any reference links on how to activate it.
Thanks in advance,
Pavan Raj.

pavanraj wrote:
iphone 3gs loaded with latest os 4.0
If the iPhone had the 4.0 Beta loaded on it, the iPhone needs to be registered with a developer for the iPhone to even function. If it's not registered and the beta is installed then it is a brick. Regardless of if it is registered or not, as Tamara said the iPhone 4.0 Beta has no support. The Beta is a beta and is for developers who are developing apps. That way they can release apps as soon as the OS 4.0 is released sometime this summer. You should get an error message saying something along the lines of this phone is not registered with a developer, if the iPhone is not registered.
pavanraj wrote:
I want to activate it without at&t sim as its factory unloacked.
If it is unlocked by the carrier then you just need to plug it into iTunes with a SIM card from a compatible carrier. If you get a message saying that the SIM is not from an authorized carrier, well then the iPhone is not unlocked, sorry.
If the iPhone is not unlocked you are really out of luck. While there are ways to hack an iPhone to unlock it, there are no methods for the 4.0 Beta to unlock the iPhone, and even if there is a way to hack it to unlock the iPhone 3GS on the 4.0 OS, it won't come for a long time.

If my iphone 4s was unlocked by AT&T, but I need to use my warranty for a new iphone. Do I need to reunlock the new iphone? or will apple give me an unlocked iphone?

If my iphone 4s was unlocked by AT&T, but I need to use my warranty for a new iphone. Do I need to reunlock the new iphone? or will apple give me an unlocked iphone?

If your phone is officially unlocked, you will get an officially unlocked iPhone if yours is replaced under warranty. Apple maintains a data base of officially unlocked iPhones & can verify whether your phone is officially unlocked or not. To be safe, point this out to the genius bar, if you go to an Apple store or whoever you talk to, if dealing with AppleCare.

My uncle sent me a factory unlocked iphone 3gs from US and sent it to me to India. but when i inserted a sim ,it said that my simcard is not combatible. is there any chance to solve this problem. the phone was bought from a apple reseller.

it worked in US with a sprint sim card. i am very sure that it wasnt jailbroken. then how this happened. plz explain me what i should do

A: There is no such thing as an unlocked iPhone 3Gs in the United States. ALL iPhone 3Gs's sold in the US are locked to AT&T. AT&T will NOT unlock iPhones, therefore it is not legitimately unlocked.
B: Sprint is a CDMA network as others have mentioned. They do NOT use SIM cards. The iPhone 3Gs will NEVER work on Sprint. Ever. It's not physically possible.
Either your Uncle misunderstood or he was mislead. Send it back and tell him to get his money back. Buy an iPhone in India from a supported carrier.

Can a factory unlocked iphone 3gs become locked after the 5.1.1software update

can a factory unlocked iphone become locked after software update

my phone is 3gs purchased from apple online store(unlocked), i used it with vodafone in ireland for 10 months, but on my holidays i tried sim card in dubai didn't work, tried also different sim cards in sudan and again didn't work, i brought the phone back to ireland and asked apple support, advised me to restore the phone but i failed to activate the phonesaying the sim is incompatible!!!!!!!!!!!
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How to activate Factory Unlocked iPhone 3GS

Hello Folks,
My friend got me an iPhone 3GS from Hong Kong (Model MC131ZP/A); and I am in India. This is the chain of events and the final problem.
1. When I first opened the iPhone I could see the home screen and use my SIM in India. Though there was no app for Camera or Compass etc on the home screen.
2. First time iPhone connected to iTunes and it told me that the OS must be updated. I went ahead.
3. I updated the OS to 3.1.2 (05.11.07).
4. After that it is not able to recognize the same SIM telling me that Invalid SIM.
5. I check the Serial Number of my phone on Apple Support site and it says that iPhone is not even activated.
6. I have tried contacting Apple support via mails etc. but no response at all.
I am not able to understand how it worked in the first place. Did the seller in HK unlock it using some kind of software? He should not if it is an Factory Unlocked phone. Are all the MC131ZP factory unlocked?
Can someone please help me on how to activate the phone or what is going wrong here?
Thanks in advance.

pavanraj wrote:
iphone 3gs loaded with latest os 4.0
If the iPhone had the 4.0 Beta loaded on it, the iPhone needs to be registered with a developer for the iPhone to even function. If it's not registered and the beta is installed then it is a brick. Regardless of if it is registered or not, as Tamara said the iPhone 4.0 Beta has no support. The Beta is a beta and is for developers who are developing apps. That way they can release apps as soon as the OS 4.0 is released sometime this summer. You should get an error message saying something along the lines of this phone is not registered with a developer, if the iPhone is not registered.
pavanraj wrote:
I want to activate it without at&t sim as its factory unloacked.
If it is unlocked by the carrier then you just need to plug it into iTunes with a SIM card from a compatible carrier. If you get a message saying that the SIM is not from an authorized carrier, well then the iPhone is not unlocked, sorry.
If the iPhone is not unlocked you are really out of luck. While there are ways to hack an iPhone to unlock it, there are no methods for the 4.0 Beta to unlock the iPhone, and even if there is a way to hack it to unlock the iPhone 3GS on the 4.0 OS, it won't come for a long time.

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Apple does not have a trade-in or upgrade program. If you want a new iPhone, from Apple, you'll have to purchase such and either sell your 4S or give it away.
Apple has contracted with a third-party to run a recycle program, but you'll get far more money selling the phone yourself on eBay or similar:
http://www.apple.com/recycling/

If I upgrade a factory unlocked iphone do I lose the unlock?

I got a factory unlocked iphone with a 4.3.3 firmware. If I wanna upgrade to 5.0.1 will I lose the unlock (carrier)?

No problem, if either jk_baller23 or myself helped in any way please consider crediting either (or both) of our responses. Thanks

Factory Unlocked iPhone 3Gs upgraded to 4.2.1 no longer working with SIMs

I think this is an ios 4.2.1 glitch.
I purchased a facotry unlocked iPhone when I was in Jordan because I travel a great deal for work and needed a phone that I could use with many SIM cards. When I set it up the first time, and several times after that when I upgraded the ios iTunes would connect to Apple and welcome me to my apple unlocked phone. For more than a year I have been able to use it will all of my SIM cards.
The last time I upgraded to ios 4.2.1 iTunes did not connect to Apple to confirm my unlocked phone. Additionally my phone will only become activated when I install my Iraqna SIM chip. It won't work with any other SIM.
I have a No Service message on my phone and while it lists all of the SIM information - when I go to General - About - Network I get a message saying 'phone not allowed' for every SIM except my Iraqna.
I tried to restore my phone to the previous ios but couldn't because of the upgraded firmware.
I tried to restore my phone and set it up and a new phone.
I am traveling at the moment and cannot afford to use my hotel phone to be put on hold while waiting to speak to a service representative. I depend on my phone and have been resisting buying a cheap Nokia or an expensive Smartphone to replace my very loved iPhone 3gs.
I also really don't want to have to illegally break into my factory unlocked phone just so that I can use it as a phone.
Please Help.

Hi sn4p2k.
I take it that you have not heard of this problem and therefore don't have an answer.
I am not living in America at the moment.
Apple most definitely provides factory unlocked phones outside of America. I paid $1000 for this one from an Apple authorized reseller in Amman and it worked perfectly with Apple and iTunes through several ios upgrades for more than a year.
My phone is not tied to a carrier - that is what factory unlocked means.
I upgraded my ios and now I can't use my phone.
If anyone out there has had this problem and has a suggestion or a solution I would be very grateful if you could tell me what it is.
Thank you.

Activation and WI-FI Problems for new Factory Unlocked iphone 3GS

I live in Tanzania and just purchased an unlocked 3GS iphone directly from Apple. I have put in my SIM and it doesn't seem to work...the phone wants me to first to activate it, which requires a WI-FI network. I have tried to log into my home WI-FI network, however, unsuccessfully. I was prompted for a password to access my network, which I provided, however, then I need to provide a username and password to my internet provider...something the iphone doesn't allow me to do. So, two questions:
1) Can I by-pass activation and just use the iphone as the mobile phone I need it to be and;
2) If not, how can I complete my WI-FI log in if not provided the opportunity to do so?

You should be able to activate the phone through iTunes, have you tried that?

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There is an unlocked version of iPhone 5 out. It's just not for sale in the US.

I can't seem to pair my new apple wireless keyboard to my iphone 3gs despite following the instructions in the manual. My keyboard is a new model so it should be compatible.I have read several discussion pieces but no real answers. thanks Frank

this is a question?

Hello Mik:
You cannot register a KB. Apple does not keep a database of peripheral devices.
I would question the store about the unwrapped batteries.... I would suspect that the device was returned by someone else.
Barry

Will Apple cover my factory unlocked iphone 3GS anywhere in the world?

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