Carriers and Costs
What Carriers Is the iPhone 4S On?
In the U.S., the iPhone 4S[1] works on AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon.
Is the iPhone 4S Compatible with All Carriers?
Essentially, but not officially. The iPhone 4S is what’s called a world phone. This means that it has both GSM and CDMA chips, which allows it to move from one country to another and work with the cell phone networks in each. Officially, the iPhone 4S doesn’t work with T-Mobile, but jailbreakers[2] have been using the iPhone on T-Mobile for years so, if you’re willing to take that risk, you’ll have your choice of carriers.
What Is the Length of the Contract?
As with all iPhone contracts, to get the subsidized price, you’re agreeing to a two-year contract with AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon.
I’m a New Customer/Upgrade-Eligible with AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon. What Will I Pay?
US9 for the 16 GB model, 9 for the 32 GB, and 9 for the 64 GB model.
Upgrades and Switching
I’m a Current iPhone Customer. Am I Eligible for A Discounted Upgrade?
Probably yes. The details of this haven’t been released yet, but in the past, carriers have generally allowed their current customers to upgrade to new models at the discounted price. To do this, you’ll sign a new two-year agreement replacing your current one (i.e., two years from the date of signing the new one, not extending the old one).
I’m a Current Non-iPhone, AT&T/SprintVerizon Customer and Am Not Eligible for an Upgrade. What Do I Pay?
The full price of the iPhone 4S hasn’t been revealed yet, but expect to pay 0-0 more than the subsidized price.
Do Contracts Reset for Current iPhone Owners?
If you upgrade, yes. If you upgrade, you’ll have a new two-year agreement.
I’m a current AT&T or Verizon Customer. What Does It Cost to Switch to Another Carrier?
This is a somewhat complex question, since a number of factors play into it. If you’re under contract with your current carrier, expect to pay an early termination fee (ETF) plus the subsidized cost of the new iPhone. If you’re paying month to month, you’re free to leave at any time and will pay the new-customer price for the iPhone 4S. For a fuller look at the costs of switching, read this article[3].
What Are the ETFs for Each Carrier?
- AT&T: 5
- Sprint: 0
- Verizon: 0
Data Plans
What Do iPhone 4S Data Plans Cost?
AT&T and Verizon’s plans run between and /month, for varying amounts of minutes and data. See a full breakdown of them here[4]. Sprint has not yet announced its iPhone 4S rates; when it does, that article will be updated.
What Is Cost of Exceeding Your Data Plan?
Generally speaking, for 1 GB of additional data, though again, Sprint’s rates are not yet known.
Is Tethering Available?
- AT&T: Yes, additional 2 GB for /month
- Sprint: Yes, additional 5 GB for /month
- Verizon: Yes, additional 2 GB for /month
Availability
When Can I Buy It in the U.S.?
Oct 14. Pre-orders begin Oct. 7.
Hardware
How Does the iPhone 4S Compare to the iPhone 4?
Check out this comparison chart of all previous iPhone models[5] to see the evolution of the iPhone line and where the iPhone 4S is improved.
Software
What is Siri?
Siri[6] is a voice recognition and processing program that allows users to speak to the iPhone 4S to ask questions or make commands. As of Oct. 2011, Siri only works with the built-in, Apple-developed apps that come with the iOS. Examples of Siri functionality include getting a weather forecast for your location, hearing a text message read to you and responding to it by voice, dictating emails, setting alarms and reminders. Siri does not work on iPhones earlier than the 4S.
What is AirPlay Mirroring?
This feature allows users to display whatever’s on their iPhone screen on an AirPlay[7]-compatible device, such as a computer or Apple TV[8] connected to an HDTV. This allows them to play games or movies on the device from their iPhone 4S at up to 720p HD over Wi-Fi.
Got a tech support question? Ask it in the discussion forums[9].
Want tips like this delivered to your inbox every week? Subscribe to the free weekly iPhone/iPod email newsletter.[10]
References
- ^ iPhone 4S (ipod.about.com)
- ^ jailbreakers (ipod.about.com)
- ^ read this article (ipod.about.com)
- ^ See a full breakdown of them here (ipod.about.com)
- ^ this comparison chart of all previous iPhone models (ipod.about.com)
- ^ Siri (ipod.about.com)
- ^ AirPlay (ipod.about.com)
- ^ Apple TV (ipod.about.com)
- ^ Ask it in the discussion forums (forums.about.com)
- ^ Subscribe to the free weekly iPhone/iPod email newsletter. (ipod.about.com)