I'm beginning to comprise and categorize my list of things to do before moving next year. One list is electronics and under that category is my iPhone and trying to figure out if it will work in the UK. From what I've read (some on this forum and also on UK-Yankee), is that it is possible to use your iPhone in the UK if it is unlocked. This can be done two ways. Unlock it yourself, or purchase an unlocked one from Apple. A few months ago I called my local Apple store and was told that "buying" an unlocked phone is the way to go.

I just got off the phone with technical support at Apple and the tech could not answer the following question: if I purchase an unlocked phone or unlock my phone myself, will I still be able to use my purchased apps in the UK? He did not know the answer to that question. He placed me on hold, came back, apologized and then we got disconnected (I think he hung up ).

Anyway does anyone know the answer to the aforementioned question, if I purchase an unlocked phone or unlock my phone myself, will I still be able to use my purchased apps in the UK?

My son took an unlocked iPhone to the UK has had been able to use his apps with no problem. He has to login to his US iTunes account though to update them as opposed to the UK one.

YAY! Thanks so much Sue. Now I know what to do (checking iPhone off my to do list. Regarding iTunes does that mean I have to set up a new account once in the UK, and as you said your son does use the US iTunes to update apps etc?

I'm also going to assume that setting up a UK account is relatively easy as your son did it using the same name etc.

That should be no problem Brigette...

All it means is that you're going to have a UK iTunes account to buy Apps & still be able to use your already purchased Apps you bought on any other country account. I have iTunes accounts for Canada, USA & now UK & purchase Apps with all 3. And I live in Canada at the moment. You just need an email, address & method of payment (unless you just get Free apps) for whatever country you sign up with & I used a different email for each account. When it prompts you to update your apps, it'll automatically ask you to sign in under whatever email account/country it's for.

I currently have a 3GS iPhone & am going to buy a 4GS from the apple store prior to moving to the UK.

So cool! Thanks for the info. I currently have a 4G (iOS) and an iPad2 (which I am told should not be a problem).

My dingy laptop which I use to charge my iphone, and update my ipad2 with unfortunately will not make the move with me. I have yet to authorize iCloud and wondered if you use it at the moment (iCloud, that is). If I chose not to authorize, does that mean I would still need my laptop as a kind of homebase (itunes etc)

I do use iCloud.

I also had a "dingy" laptop when I initiated it & it simply synced iTunes & my phone wirelessly. I have since bought a Macbook Pro a month ago & with my iPhone, it all syncs so nicely - my calendar, iTunes, iPhotos... iCloud is simply a backup convenience. I don't have an iPad, but my friend who does says that he gets texts on his iPhone AND iPad, which would personally drive me crazy I guess.

I think you could function fine with just the iPhone & iPad, considering you get your music or any media online, you could manage it between the two devices. I only got a Macbook pro because I was due for a new laptop & is cheaper to buy it here in Canada with apple care etc, then buying it in the UK!

hmmmm... can you deactivate some of the features of iCloud like the pictures etc. Not sure why, but I can't get it out of my head that it is a bit intrusive. If there is a way to deactivate pics, then I might go ahead and use it.

So I don't need a laptop? OK!

I'll have to check the Settings about turning the photos off in iCloud, so they don't sync, I'll have a look.

I'm assuming that it would be cheaper in the US as well, although I live in Canada & when I compared prices/converted funds to buy a MacBookPro & Apple Care, it was definitely cheaper to get it here. If anything goes wrong, it is still covered to have it looked at in the UK, even though I bought it here. I'll be doing the same buying a 4GS iPhone outright here & Apple care at the Apple store before my move the UK.

An acquaintance was visiting Canada & brought back two iPad 2s to the UK, because it ends up being less here than over there. You could have a look at the online apple store UK site & compare prices with the US site. My brother did the same, buying a laptop here & bringing it back. As did my mother's friend. And of course as with all electronics, you need to be sure it's compatible to be used in the UK. But with Apple, that's a non issue...

Just had a look - it's very easy to manipulate what you want or do not want to sync using iCloud. Simply go to the "iCloud" in Settings, which opens up to switching your options within iCloud ON or OFF, as with Photos, you'd turn the Photostream glider to OFF if you choose not to sync your photos with iCloud. Easy!

You ROCK! Thanks for the info:sunglasses:

One last question. I keep reading about a SIM card. Am I suppose to buy this separate with the unlocked phone? does it come with the unlocked phone? Or is it much ado about nothing? A little confused

the actual sim card should be "free", with whichever mobile company you sign up with in the UK,which will give you your phone number, so for example, when I buy the 4GS iPhone in Canada before moving to the UK, I won't get a sim card with it because I don't want a plan in Canada anymore. When I go to the UK I'll sign up with a mobile company using a pay as you go & get a sim card from them...

I see Thanks so much for your help

My son has a pay-as-you-go SIM

For example:

http://www.three.co.uk/Pay_As_You_Go

http://www.o2.co.uk/tariffs/simplicity

http://www.virginmobile.com/vm/simCardOnly.do

etc, etc

Sue, you are the best! Thanks for the links.