Will o2 ever unlock the iPhone 6S?

[iphone4sir]

So, previously O2 after say a period of 3-6 months used to allow you to unlock an iPhone to use a different sim ,say when you're abroad and don't want to pay their Dick Turpin style international rates.

I've since queried this and they've now said as I'm on 'refresh' I'd have to pay the balance of the phone upfront to have it unlocked.

Is this now the status quo or is there a period - which they won't divulge for fear of breaking the official secrets act that will pass and they will unlock it?

The wooly T&Cs won't say anything about a period of time.  I've been with 02 15 years and I fear it's time to hang up on them once and for all.

[iphone4sir]

Good luck, I got mine on launch day and asked as recently as today and they refused.

[Cleoriff]

No idea why it should be so long this time? As said it is usually 6 months after launch/purchase.....

[Cleoriff]

From experience on here of the last 3 iPhone launches...they were unlocked between 5-6 months after launch date. I fail to see why this is taking so long.......One reason to buy unlocked direct from Apple...(yes yes...I know about Refresh and Open and Priority...) Even with that.... a locked phone would be a deal breaker for me...

[MI5]

No official word to pass on unfortunately bit this is typical of o2 anyway.

[adamtemp64]

asked on twitter

[Martin-O2]

Hi guys, 

I've merged the 2 threads on this subject to one so apologies if it's a little confusing to read the first few posts. 

Martin 

[Bambino]

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@PhoneDoc wrote:

I imagine not releasing the date is another measure to prevent the phenomenom of box breaking - which network locking is designed to prevent in the first instance. It shouldn't be too much longer though

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Sorry @PhoneDoc but I'm not familiar with that phrase. Can you explain it please?

[adamtemp64]

Box Breaking old link http://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk/2011/05/12/box-breakers-taking-in-60k-a-fortnight/

[PhoneDoc]

It essentially refers to customers who purchase devices from networks with no intention of using the device themselves, but rather to sell it on for profit.

[Bambino]

Thanks for the link @adamtemp64. Obviously it's not so prevalent with Blackberry any more, but I still don't understand why it makes any difference, particularly if most of the phones are sold abroad?