Tell me about using an iPhone without a SIM card, please.
December 14, 2016 5:34 AM Subscribe
I’m considering buying an iPhone 7+, without a contract, to use as a glorified iPod Touch, and I’m looking for feedback about the pros and cons of doing so. I’ve seen many comments online about people turning “old” iPhones into wifi-only devices, but not much about using a new iPhone without a contract.
I know some will think this is crazy. The unlocked iPhone will cost three times what a new iPod Touch would cost. I’ve come into a little bit of a windfall, thanks to relatives, and I’m looking to splurge a bit on myself.
I don’t really need a telephone, and have never carried a cell phone of any kind, so I don’t/won’t miss not being able to make phone calls. I’ve been carrying an iPod Touch (of various generations) for the last 5 years or so, and I have a pocket wifi device with an inexpensive data contract. I believe the wifi-only iPhone will suffice. Certainly a fully functioning smart phone with a SIM and service contract would be ideal, but I sincerely find that I need to make a phone call about once every 2 months or so, and a contract for that just seems like a waste of money (surely, it could be argued that the iPhone as iPod Touch is a waste of money, but…)
I’m interested to know what the ramifications of using an iPhone only with wifi might be. I found a speed test suggesting that the iPhone 7+ is more than ten times as fast as my current iPod Touch 5G; will I really see that kind of a difference (even over wifi)? On the iPod Touch, I notice about a 10 second "freeze” when switching between most apps; will this be shortened? The camera(s) in the iPhone 7+ are better than double the specs of the iPod Touch 5G; will I really see a difference in the pics I am able to take? Apple Pay is finally available here in Japan; any reason I wouldn’t be able to use that without a SIM card? I’ve seen some threads online that suggest the Apple Pencil might work with the iPhone 7; can anyone confirm or deny this possibility? Any other things I should be aware of before moving forward?
I will certainly be talking to an Apple Store employee some time soon (and well before making a final decision/purchase), but would like to hear as many opinions/ideas as possible.
I don’t really use the iPod Touch as an iPod (music listening device), so I’m not altogether put out by the lack of a headphone jack.
I also realize that an Android device might be available with similar specs at a lower cost. Let’s assume I’m not interested, thanks.
I know some will think this is crazy. The unlocked iPhone will cost three times what a new iPod Touch would cost. I’ve come into a little bit of a windfall, thanks to relatives, and I’m looking to splurge a bit on myself.
I don’t really need a telephone, and have never carried a cell phone of any kind, so I don’t/won’t miss not being able to make phone calls. I’ve been carrying an iPod Touch (of various generations) for the last 5 years or so, and I have a pocket wifi device with an inexpensive data contract. I believe the wifi-only iPhone will suffice. Certainly a fully functioning smart phone with a SIM and service contract would be ideal, but I sincerely find that I need to make a phone call about once every 2 months or so, and a contract for that just seems like a waste of money (surely, it could be argued that the iPhone as iPod Touch is a waste of money, but…)
I’m interested to know what the ramifications of using an iPhone only with wifi might be. I found a speed test suggesting that the iPhone 7+ is more than ten times as fast as my current iPod Touch 5G; will I really see that kind of a difference (even over wifi)? On the iPod Touch, I notice about a 10 second "freeze” when switching between most apps; will this be shortened? The camera(s) in the iPhone 7+ are better than double the specs of the iPod Touch 5G; will I really see a difference in the pics I am able to take? Apple Pay is finally available here in Japan; any reason I wouldn’t be able to use that without a SIM card? I’ve seen some threads online that suggest the Apple Pencil might work with the iPhone 7; can anyone confirm or deny this possibility? Any other things I should be aware of before moving forward?
I will certainly be talking to an Apple Store employee some time soon (and well before making a final decision/purchase), but would like to hear as many opinions/ideas as possible.
I don’t really use the iPod Touch as an iPod (music listening device), so I’m not altogether put out by the lack of a headphone jack.
I also realize that an Android device might be available with similar specs at a lower cost. Let’s assume I’m not interested, thanks.
I'm pretty sure you can activate an iPhone without a sim card if you use iTunes.
posted by bergnotburg at 6:03 AM on December 14, 2016
posted by bergnotburg at 6:03 AM on December 14, 2016
I'm pretty sure you can activate an iPhone without a sim card if you use iTunes.
I think that used to be the case a few versions of iOS and iTunes ago, but I've been testing apps on iPhones 6 & 7 for the last six months and I always had to get a loaner sim to activate the devices. iTunes didn't let me do it.
posted by chillmost at 6:30 AM on December 14, 2016
I think that used to be the case a few versions of iOS and iTunes ago, but I've been testing apps on iPhones 6 & 7 for the last six months and I always had to get a loaner sim to activate the devices. iTunes didn't let me do it.
posted by chillmost at 6:30 AM on December 14, 2016
It's not clear if you're buying an iPhone 7 in Japan or buying it in the US and bringing it to Japan, but just to note:
Only the Japan iPhone 7 is enabled for Suica payments, including Japan Rail. I say "enabled" since it appears the USA iPhone 7 has the same NFC chip that maybe could be enabled for Suica at a later date, but Apple is currently only supporting it in the Japan iPhone 7.
But something you might not know for iPhones purchased in Japan - apparently they force you to have the camera flash sound enabled and you can't turn it off (as dictated by law to prevent up skirt photos.) I've heard anecdotal evidence you can't turn it off should you return to the US, either, it's in the firmware and not based upon GPS.
posted by bluecore at 6:48 AM on December 14, 2016
Only the Japan iPhone 7 is enabled for Suica payments, including Japan Rail. I say "enabled" since it appears the USA iPhone 7 has the same NFC chip that maybe could be enabled for Suica at a later date, but Apple is currently only supporting it in the Japan iPhone 7.
But something you might not know for iPhones purchased in Japan - apparently they force you to have the camera flash sound enabled and you can't turn it off (as dictated by law to prevent up skirt photos.) I've heard anecdotal evidence you can't turn it off should you return to the US, either, it's in the firmware and not based upon GPS.
posted by bluecore at 6:48 AM on December 14, 2016
Is there a reason not to have a prepaid sim in there that you never use?
posted by advicepig at 6:49 AM on December 14, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by advicepig at 6:49 AM on December 14, 2016 [3 favorites]
Is there a reason not to have a prepaid sim in there that you never use?
Yeah, I'm not sure why the alternatives you're considering are "contract with data plan" and "no SIM at all" - I've never had a contract on any of my iPhones, and have always used prepaid sims. This was all in the US and Western Europe though, there may be a good reason why it's not an option in Japan.
posted by mskyle at 6:53 AM on December 14, 2016
Yeah, I'm not sure why the alternatives you're considering are "contract with data plan" and "no SIM at all" - I've never had a contract on any of my iPhones, and have always used prepaid sims. This was all in the US and Western Europe though, there may be a good reason why it's not an option in Japan.
posted by mskyle at 6:53 AM on December 14, 2016
Apple Pay should work without a SIM. If you're not connected to your access point, you won't get a receipt until you're connected again, but the payment part shouldn't require any kind of cellular connection.
I notice about a 10 second "freeze” when switching between most apps; will this be shortened?
Yes, not only is the processor significantly faster, but the iPhone has four times as much RAM as your iPod. FWIW, my only iOS device is a iPad Mini 2, which is roughly a year newer than your device (but importantly has twice the RAM) and I don't experience 10 second delays switching between apps. As long as you don't mind spending the money on a luxury product, I think you'll be much happier. The only thing I'd suggest that you consider is look into whether your provider for the portable hotspot you're using supports the iPhone such that you could use it as your hotspot and not have to carry two devices.
posted by Candleman at 7:14 AM on December 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
I notice about a 10 second "freeze” when switching between most apps; will this be shortened?
Yes, not only is the processor significantly faster, but the iPhone has four times as much RAM as your iPod. FWIW, my only iOS device is a iPad Mini 2, which is roughly a year newer than your device (but importantly has twice the RAM) and I don't experience 10 second delays switching between apps. As long as you don't mind spending the money on a luxury product, I think you'll be much happier. The only thing I'd suggest that you consider is look into whether your provider for the portable hotspot you're using supports the iPhone such that you could use it as your hotspot and not have to carry two devices.
posted by Candleman at 7:14 AM on December 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
In my experience you will get repeated popups asking you to insert a SIM card.
posted by ellieBOA at 10:15 AM on December 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by ellieBOA at 10:15 AM on December 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
I agree that a prepaid/pay as you go SIM card with no cash on it could work well here. Just to make sure you don't accidentally use the SIM, you could keep the phone in airplane mode with Wifi turned on.
posted by ukdanae at 10:24 AM on December 14, 2016
posted by ukdanae at 10:24 AM on December 14, 2016
The iPhone 7 will definitely be faster and better than your iPod touch.
Like ellieBOA, I also get repeated pop-ups asking for a SIM card with the SIMless old iPhone I have. If you plan on doing this, it will likely be worth having a 0 dollar pre-paid SIM in the phone.
If your WiFi hotspot has a SIM, you can investigate connecting that SIM in your phone directly so you don't need to carry 2 devices. I have used a data-only SIM in a phone with no issues. You can then use the phone as the WiFi hotspot if you need Internet access on other devices.
posted by ajackson at 2:46 PM on December 14, 2016
Like ellieBOA, I also get repeated pop-ups asking for a SIM card with the SIMless old iPhone I have. If you plan on doing this, it will likely be worth having a 0 dollar pre-paid SIM in the phone.
If your WiFi hotspot has a SIM, you can investigate connecting that SIM in your phone directly so you don't need to carry 2 devices. I have used a data-only SIM in a phone with no issues. You can then use the phone as the WiFi hotspot if you need Internet access on other devices.
posted by ajackson at 2:46 PM on December 14, 2016
Response by poster: Sorry, let me clarify...
I have found many descriptions online explaining that I will need "any old" SIM in the phone in order to activate it, and since my wife doesn't carry a smartphone either, I'm expecting that I will buy a cheap prepaid SIM card here in Japan in order to do so, and leave it in even after expiration to avoid the "no SIM card" error messages. I'm planning to buy the phone here in Japan and use it here; I'm aware of the camera click regulation as it's the same on my iPod Touch.
I'm still just learning about the issue, but prepaid SIM cards are certainly available in Japan. The majority seem to be data-only cards (not an issue for me), but the reason I'm considering (was considering?) using the phone without a SIM card is purely that I'm a cheapskate. I guess that could have been a part of my original question: if anyone has any advice about prepaid SIM cards, I'd be happy to hear it.
"The only thing I'd suggest that you consider is look into whether your provider for the portable hotspot you're using supports the iPhone such that you could use it as your hotspot and not have to carry two devices." This is very interesting; I'd never considered the possibility (and, yes, my wifi device does appear to have a SIM -- but not sure yet that it's the right size). That would certainly make life easier. The plan I have is super no-frills, so I imagine that option might not be available, but I'll definitely look into it (and/or consider changing to a plan that does allow this option). Thanks very much for this idea (and the point about RAM/speed)!
"it will likely be worth having a 0 dollar pre-paid SIM in the phone" What does this mean? Is this an expired card, or does one actually purchase a 0 dollar SIM card someplace?
"Is there a reason not to have a prepaid sim in there that you never use?" I'm interested in the phrasing of this. Are you encouraging me to buy a prepaid card but never use it for a specific reason (save it for emergencies?)? Is there a reason to buy-but-never-use, as opposed to buy-and-use-till-expired-but-leave-in-place?
Thanks to all for your thoughts!
posted by segatakai at 5:16 PM on December 14, 2016
I have found many descriptions online explaining that I will need "any old" SIM in the phone in order to activate it, and since my wife doesn't carry a smartphone either, I'm expecting that I will buy a cheap prepaid SIM card here in Japan in order to do so, and leave it in even after expiration to avoid the "no SIM card" error messages. I'm planning to buy the phone here in Japan and use it here; I'm aware of the camera click regulation as it's the same on my iPod Touch.
I'm still just learning about the issue, but prepaid SIM cards are certainly available in Japan. The majority seem to be data-only cards (not an issue for me), but the reason I'm considering (was considering?) using the phone without a SIM card is purely that I'm a cheapskate. I guess that could have been a part of my original question: if anyone has any advice about prepaid SIM cards, I'd be happy to hear it.
"The only thing I'd suggest that you consider is look into whether your provider for the portable hotspot you're using supports the iPhone such that you could use it as your hotspot and not have to carry two devices." This is very interesting; I'd never considered the possibility (and, yes, my wifi device does appear to have a SIM -- but not sure yet that it's the right size). That would certainly make life easier. The plan I have is super no-frills, so I imagine that option might not be available, but I'll definitely look into it (and/or consider changing to a plan that does allow this option). Thanks very much for this idea (and the point about RAM/speed)!
"it will likely be worth having a 0 dollar pre-paid SIM in the phone" What does this mean? Is this an expired card, or does one actually purchase a 0 dollar SIM card someplace?
"Is there a reason not to have a prepaid sim in there that you never use?" I'm interested in the phrasing of this. Are you encouraging me to buy a prepaid card but never use it for a specific reason (save it for emergencies?)? Is there a reason to buy-but-never-use, as opposed to buy-and-use-till-expired-but-leave-in-place?
Thanks to all for your thoughts!
posted by segatakai at 5:16 PM on December 14, 2016
. I guess that could have been a part of my original question: if anyone has any advice about prepaid SIM cards, I'd be happy to hear it.
Here's a chart of the prepaid data SIMs available in Japan.
posted by bluecore at 5:46 PM on December 14, 2016
Here's a chart of the prepaid data SIMs available in Japan.
posted by bluecore at 5:46 PM on December 14, 2016
I was the one who wrote "Is there a reason not to have a prepaid sim in there that you never use?" and I wouldn't read any more into it than, "have a prepaid sim in there to avoid the stupid error messages."
posted by advicepig at 11:31 AM on December 15, 2016
posted by advicepig at 11:31 AM on December 15, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
I'm not sure how ubiquitous free open wifi is in Japan, but if that doesn't limit your connectivity, go for it.
If wifi isn't everywhere in Japan, then you will be carrying around a device that you can't connect with. If you don't plan on carrying it around, and if you absolutely don't need Apple Pay, which seems to work without a sim card, at least in the US, maybe an iPad or iPad Mini would suit you as well.
The missing headphone jack does bother me, but I listen to a lot of music and always have to go find the adaptor wherever I left it.
I upgraded to an iPhone 7 from the iPhone 4. I recommend getting a good case for it. It's slippery because the finish is so smooth and before I had my case, it accidentally flew out of my hands a few times. Thankfully, it landed on soft surfaces.
posted by chillmost at 5:58 AM on December 14, 2016