Very sorry to hear anyone going through this kind of trouble, but at least for US users and most readers of HN, they should be getting up-to-date iPhones on the

Very sorry to hear anyone going through this kind of trouble, but at least for US users and most readers of HN, they should be getting up-to-date iPhones on the Verizon network. The costs are minimal and it helps to avoid hassles. I've had iPhone 5, 5s, 6+, 6s+, 7+, ever since iPhone had LTE on Verizon. Each phone version is an improvement on previous models and the Verizon models are now much improved over the ATT/T-mobile, using the Qualcomm baseband modem over the Intel version. But Verizon has more spectrum in NYC at least and they have been investing in their network whereas AT&T has not been so much. There are yearly upgrade programs offered by Apple and Verizon and perhaps others. That said, I've had to bring iPhones into the store and they were replaced 3 times. The store is 10 mins from home and work and the service is excellent. The only time there are problems with getting phone support generally is after they release the new iPhones in late Sept. I've also had great service on Mac laptops since 2011. If for some reason, you must use Android, then by all means.... But if for some reason, you do not absolutely have to use Android, then iPhone on the Verizon network is the way to go. As for shopping, at least in my local store, it is very easy to just purchase something. If you want, you can also purchase things for in-store pickup. In NYC where I live there is an Apple Store open 24/367 which shows Apple's dedication to service.