Apple Store for Education (U.S.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Which U.S. mobile phone carriers provide iPhone service?

    AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless are the wireless carriers for iPhone in the United States. iPhone 3GS is available only on the AT&T network.

    View the AT&T coverage map

    View the Sprint coverage map

    View the Verizon Wireless coverage map

  • Are there differences between an iPhone for AT&T and an iPhone for Sprint or Verizon Wireless?

    iPhone offers the same innovative features regardless of the wireless carrier you choose: FaceTime video calling, Retina display, an amazing camera for photos and HD video, the App Store, iCloud, and more. If you choose AT&T as your wireless carrier, your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S will use only GSM cellular technology for voice and data services, and it can roam internationally on 200 GSM carriers around the world. If you choose Sprint or Verizon Wireless as your wireless carrier, your iPhone 4 will use only CDMA cellular technology for voice and data services. An iPhone 4S activated on Sprint or Verizon Wireless will use CDMA technology too, but it also has the ability to roam internationally on GSM networks using the provided GSM micro-SIM. Contact your wireless carrier for more information regarding international roaming policies and rates.

  • Do existing iPhone 4 accessories work with the new iPhone 4S?

    Yes, all iPhone 4 accessories work with iPhone 4S.

  • If I lose my iPhone, can I buy a replacement iPhone?

    Yes. You can purchase a replacement iPhone from the Apple Online Store, an Apple Retail Store, or your carrier’s store. Your price will depend on whether you qualify for a carrier subsidy. You can also purchase an unlocked iPhone from the Apple Online Store or Apple Retail Store and obtain a micro-SIM card directly from your supported GSM carrier.

  • When I buy from the Apple Online Store, does my iPhone come ready to use?

    Yes, if you have selected a mobile phone carrier. When your iPhone arrives, all you have to do is turn it on and follow the onscreen instructions to set it up. There’s no need to call the carrier or visit a store to complete the activation. If you have selected an unlocked GSM phone, you will need to acquire a micro-SIM from the supported GSM carrier of your choice and activate it in order to use your iPhone.

  • If I already have a contract, how can I find out the price I’ll pay for a new iPhone?

    The fastest way to find out about the price you’ll pay for a new iPhone is to use your carrier’s eligibility checker. Your carrier will let you know whether you qualify for the lowest price or for an early upgrade or full upgrade price.

  • If I’m approved, do I have to buy my iPhone now?

    When you’re approved through the Apple Online Store, you can put an iPhone in your shopping cart and keep it there for up to 30 days for AT&T and Sprint and up to 7 days for Verizon. You can also visit an Apple Retail Store to buy your iPhone after you’ve been approved. You can restart the iPhone eligibility process at any time.

  • Can I transfer my current phone number?

    Yes. When you purchase your iPhone, you’ll be instructed on how to transfer your current number. You can keep using your existing phone until your new iPhone arrives and you set it up. Then you can start making calls on the new iPhone using your current phone number. If you are switching carriers, termination fees may apply. Please contact your current carrier for details.

  • Can I use my current rate plan with an iPhone?

    You may be able to keep your current voice plan, but you are also required to have a data plan.

    View rate plans

  • Can I use an iPhone when traveling internationally?

    iPhone 4S is a world phone, so you can use it almost anywhere. Whether you are a GSM or CDMA network customer, you can roam on GSM networks in 200 countries around the world. iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS for AT&T also can roam on other GSM networks around the world. iPhone 4 for Sprint will work in approximately 35 countries and iPhone 4 for Verizon Wireless will work in approximately 40 countries that use CDMA technology. Contact your wireless carrier for more information regarding international roaming policies and rates.

What’s included

  • iPhone, Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic, Dock Connector to USB Cable, USB Power Adapter
  • Documentation
  • One-year limited hardware warranty
  • 90 days complimentary telephone support
New

AppleCare+ for iPhone

Every iPhone comes with one year of hardware repair coverage and 90 days of telephone technical support. AppleCare+ for iPhone extends this coverage to two years and adds accidental damage protection for your iPhone.
Learn more

Send us your used iPhone

We’ll give you an Apple Gift Card for its value, which you can use at the Apple Online Store or Apple Retail Store.
Learn more

The Apple Store App

The easiest way to buy a new iPhone 4S —
right from your current iPhone.
Download it now

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  1. Requires new two-year wireless service contract; sold separately to qualified customers. Credit check required; must be 18 or older. Wireless service is provided by and is the sole responsibility of your wireless service provider. Wireless service and some wireless features are not available in all areas. Some features may require added fees. When available, transferring your mobile number to a different service provider will terminate your service with your existing provider; termination fees and other charges may apply. The iPhone model you purchase is subject to your wireless service provider’s policies, which may include restrictions on switching service providers and roaming, even after conclusion of any required minimum service contract. Contact your wireless service provider for more details. Availability of cellular capabilities depends on the wireless network. Service may not be available in all areas or at the signal strength, rates, speeds, or bandwidth as demonstrated. Customers who want to upgrade from another phone or replace a previous-generation iPhone should check with their wireless service provider for pricing options or visit www.apple.com/iphone/buy. For those who are not qualified customers, are not eligible for an early upgrade, are purchasing an unlocked iPhone (for supported GSM wireless service provider networks only), or wish to buy an iPhone as a gift, see your carrier, an Apple Retail Store Specialist, the Apple Online Store, or an Apple Authorized Reseller for pricing. In CA and RI, sales tax is collected on the unbundled price of iPhone. Wi-Fi Internet access required for some features; wireless broadband recommended; fees may apply. Use constitutes acceptance of Apple’s software license agreement, warranty, and third-party terms located in the iPhone box. Warranty information is also available at www.apple.com/legal/warranty/iphone. Unauthorized modification of your iPhone software violates the software license agreement. Inability to use an iPhone due to unauthorized modifications is not covered under your warranty.
  2. 1GB = 1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity less.
  3. Service coverage is available only for the iPhone and its original included accessories that are defective in materials or workmanship or for battery depletion of 50 percent or more from original specification. The replacement equipment that Apple provides as part of the repair or replacement service may be new or equivalent to new in both performance and reliability. See terms at www.apple.com/legal/applecare/ for full details.
  4. AppleCare+ for iPhone provides coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling, each incident is subject to a $49 service fee.
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