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People would need to buy iPhones from Apple and then replace the SIM cards themselves. I mean, why isn't this already a thing? This isn't difficult at all. I d

People would need to buy iPhones from Apple and then replace the SIM cards themselves. I mean, why isn't this already a thing? This isn't difficult at all. I don't buy my phone from my carrier. When I get a new phone, I simply take the old sim out and put it in the new one. The last time I had to do more was when the phones changed from a standard SIM to a mini SIM - the old one wouldn't physically fit. That was some years ago, though. I'd think the bigger issue might be with the US phone networks: Do they still force you to use your phone with the carrier even though this isn't necessary at all? And if so, why haven't folks protested since it is obviously a way to trap people into one carrier. Also, since folks in non-US countries can just buy a phone and put a sim card in, Apple won't have any issues adjusting whatsoever.

chrisjc 5y ago
It is already a thing, just not prevalent. Although I believe for the moment, you still have to choose your radio-specific variant as the transition to 4G and 5G isn't 100% complete yet; CDMA vs GSM. (I hope I'm wrong about this by now). Sometimes it's (or was) based on spectrum. Another issue is probably the "incentives" provided through the network providers and their partners, especially when an iPhone is traded in. Often times it results in significant "savings" for the consumer. (I imagine Apple could implement something similar, if not superior if they wanted) Finally it's physical presence. Apple has done a fantastic job of creating a physical place to serve your needs, and of course you can always buy online, but there are those that prefer or require going to a place to take care of their phone needs. I also shudder to imagine what the Apple stores would look like if they had to deal with and resolve the kinds of network issues (not to mention some of the characters that need the help) I've seen the superabundance of network provider mall/strip-mall stores deal with. Hopefully all of these are just remnants of a time we'd all like to put behind us.
lotsofpulp 5y ago
> I mean, why isn't this already a thing? This isn't difficult at all. I don't buy my phone from my carrier. There is no need to buy a phone from the mobile network in the US. People have been able to pop a SIM into a phone and call the mobile network and have them add the IMEI for many years.
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chrisjc 5y ago

It is already a thing, just not prevalent. Although I believe for the moment, you still have to choose your radio-specific variant as the transition to 4G and 5G isn't 100% complete yet; CDMA vs GSM. (I hope I'm wrong about this by now). Sometimes it's (or was) based on spectrum. Another issue is probably the "incentives" provided through the network providers and their partners, especially when an iPhone is traded in. Often times it results in significant "savings" for the consumer. (I imagine Apple could implement something similar, if not superior if they wanted) Finally it's physical presence. Apple has done a fantastic job of creating a physical place to serve your needs, and of course you can always buy online, but there are those that prefer or require going to a place to take care of their phone needs. I also shudder to imagine what the Apple stores would look like if they had to deal with and resolve the kinds of network issues (not to mention some of the characters that need the help) I've seen the superabundance of network provider mall/strip-mall stores deal with. Hopefully all of these are just remnants of a time we'd all like to put behind us.

lotsofpulp 5y ago

> I mean, why isn't this already a thing? This isn't difficult at all. I don't buy my phone from my carrier. There is no need to buy a phone from the mobile network in the US. People have been able to pop a SIM into a phone and call the mobile network and have them add the IMEI for many years.

deleted 5y ago
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