There’s no iPhone version called the “International Version”. Instead, Apple supplies each country or region with a specific model.
A country’s iPhone model will be compatible with the networks provided by the carriers found in that country. Apple divides its global supply of the iPhone 12 into four main regions, as further explained below.
Click here to check the iPhone 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus & 14 prices and availability.
Here’s an amazing deal on the 13 Pro Max 128 GB Alpine Green.
Here’s an epic deal on the iPhone 13 Pro Max 128 GB Sierra Blue.
Difference between the UAE iPhone version and other country versions
Also read:
iPhone versions explained; UAE, US, China, Japan
iPhone with facetime vs iPhone without facetime
4 best Smartphones under $700 (AED 2500)
iPhone warranty explained
Before we get to the differences, there are a few things that must be taken into account. iPhone regions, iPhone model numbers, iPhone part numbers, and iPhone country restrictions.
It’s worth noting that Apple modifies the regions each year by changing what countries are included in each region. So different generations of iPhones for example the iPhone X, Xs, Xr, 11, etc may not have identical regions. Click any link below to skip to the differences
Click here for the bestselling iPhone 13 prices in the UAE.
Click here for iPhone 12 UAE best deals.
Click here for iPhone 12 USA best deals.
iPhone regions
Region 1 is the United States. Region 2 contains four countries; Canada, Guam, Japan, Puerto Rico, and USVI. Region 3 comprises China’s mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
Region 4 is the largest group and includes all other countries in the world that are not in the three other regions. So, India, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, etc.
iPhone model numbers
The iPhone regions can be identified through their model numbers. Here is a quick example with the iPhone 12 Pro for reference. The 12 Pro with model number A2341 is for the United States region.
Apple supplies model A2406 of iPhone 12 Pro to region 2 (Canada, Guam, Japan, Puerto Rico, and USVI). China Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao get iPhone 12 Pro model A2408. All other countries not included in the first 3 regions get iPhone 12 Pro model A2407.
This iPhone 14 Pro Max Magsafe Clear Case has good ratings and a mind-blowing deal!
This is the best-selling Clear Case for iPhone 14 Pro!
Here are the best-selling iPhone 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 & 13 mini Cases.
iPhone Part numbers
Part numbers are a more precise way of identifying an iPhone. My current iPhone is the iPhone 11, 128GB green. Its part number is MWM62AE/A, and its model number is A2221. This is the model number for Region 4 phones.
The same iPhone 11 specs for the United Kingdom also has model number A2221 but part number MWM62B/A.
They have the same model number because the UK and UAE fall in the same region in Apple’s supply chain. So, the best way to identify an iPhone’s market of origin is through its part number.
Check out these amazing AirPods deals Apple AirPods 2nd gen, AirPods 3rd gen, the latest AirPods Pro 2nd Gen & AirPods Max.
How to check iPhone model numbers and Part numbers
There are two main ways to check the model and part numbers. In iOS, go to Settings, then General, and select About. You can toggle between the model number and part number by tapping on the fourth row, containing the term “Model Number”.
Alternatively, you can check it on the iPhone’s box. The model and part numbers are usually written at the bottom part on the back of the iPhone’s box, right around where the serial numbers are located.
Here are the best-selling iPhone 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 & 13 mini Cases.
Difference between the USA and UAE iPhone versions
There are three main differences between the UAE version iPhone and the US version iPhone. I’ll use the iPhone 11 128GB Green for this explanation. The UAE version has the model number A2221 and the part number is MWM62AE/A.
The US version has part number MWLK2LL/A and model number Model A2111. Another difference is their supported LTE bandwidths.
Click here to check the iPhone 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus & 14 prices and availability.
Here’s an amazing deal on the 13 Pro Max 128 GB Alpine Green.
Here’s an epic deal on the iPhone 13 Pro Max 128 GB Sierra Blue.
Update; iOS 15 disables Japan iPhone Shutter Sound
| USA iPhone 11 LTE Bandwidths | UAE iPhone 11 LTE Bandwidths |
| 1 (2100 MHz) | 1 (2100 MHz) |
| 2 (1900 MHz) | 2 (1900 MHz) |
| 3 (1800 MHz) | 3 (1800 MHz) |
| 4 (AWS) | 4 (AWS) |
| 5 (850 MHz) | 5 (850 MHz) |
| 7 (2600 MHz) | 7 (2600 MHz) |
| 8 (900 MHz) | 8 (900 MHz) |
| 11 (1500 MHz) | |
| 12 (700 MHz) | 12 (700 MHz) |
| 13 (700c MHz) | 13 (700c MHz) |
| 14 (700 PS) | |
| 17 (700b MHz) | 17 (700b MHz) |
| 18 (800 MHz) | 18 (800 MHz) |
| 19 (800 MHz) | 19 (800 MHz) |
| 20 (800 DD) | 20 (800 DD) |
| 21 (1500 MHz) | |
| 25 (1900 MHz) | 25 (1900 MHz) |
| 26 (800 MHz) | 26 (800 MHz) |
| 28 (700 APT MHz) | |
| 29 (700 de MHz) | 29 (700 de MHz) |
| 30 (2300 MHz) | 30 (2300 MHz) |
| 32 (1500 L-band) | |
| 34 (TD 2000) | 34 (TD 2000) |
| 38 (TD 2600) | 38 (TD 2600) |
| 39 (TD 1900) | 39 (TD 1900) |
| 40 (TD 2300) | 40 (TD 2300) |
| 41 (TD 2500) | 41 (TD 2500) |
| 42 (TD 3500) | 42 (TD 3500) |
| 46 (TD Unlicensed) | 46 (TD Unlicensed) |
| 48 (TD 3600) | 48 (TD 3600) |
| 66 (AWS-3) | 66 (AWS-3) |
| 71 (600 MHz) |
The orange cells indicate what bandwidths are missing when comparing the UAE version to the USA version. Each model would be more suitable for the bandwidths used in their specific regions. If a phone does not support a specific bandwidth, it will try to connect to the next compatible one or drop to 3G.
The third difference is that iPhones meant for the UAE, don’t have facetime preinstalled. But recently, it is possible to get facetime working on UAE versions using this hack. All versions of the iPhone 11 can connect to both GSM and CDMA networks.
Here are reliable fast 20W chargers for your iPhone by Apple, UGREEN, and Belkin.
What’s the difference between the UAE and Japan iPhone versions?
The UAE iPhone doesn’t have facetime while the Japanese version has facetime. In the Japanese iPhone, there is no option in the settings to turn off the camera shutter sound. But in the UAE iPhone version, the camera shutter sound can be turned off.
The UAE and Japan iPhone 11 versions have the same model number A2221 and support the same bandwidths. But their part numbers are different. For UAE iPhone 11 128GB green it is MWM62AE/A. The same specs for the Japan version bear the part number MWM62J/A.
Click here for the bestselling iPhone 13 prices in the UAE.
Click here for iPhone 12 UAE best deals.
Click here for iPhone 12 USA best deals.
| iPhone 11 UAE LTE Bandwidths | iPhone 11 Japan LTE Bandwidths |
| Model A2221 GSM + CDMA | Model A2221 GSM + CDMA |
| 1 (2100 MHz) | 1 (2100 MHz) |
| 2 (1900 MHz) | 2 (1900 MHz) |
| 3 (1800 MHz) | 3 (1800 MHz) |
| 4 (AWS) | 4 (AWS) |
| 5 (850 MHz) | 5 (850 MHz) |
| 7 (2600 MHz) | 7 (2600 MHz) |
| 8 (900 MHz) | 8 (900 MHz) |
| 11 (1500 MHz) | 11 (1500 MHz) |
| 12 (700 MHz) | 12 (700 MHz) |
| 13 (700c MHz) | 13 (700c MHz) |
| 17 (700b MHz) | 17 (700b MHz) |
| 18 (800 MHz) | 18 (800 MHz) |
| 19 (800 MHz) | 19 (800 MHz) |
| 20 (800 DD) | 20 (800 DD) |
| 21 (1500 MHz) | 21 (1500 MHz) |
| 25 (1900 MHz) | 25 (1900 MHz) |
| 26 (800 MHz) | 26 (800 MHz) |
| 28 (700 APT MHz) | 28 (700 APT MHz) |
| 29 (700 de MHz) | 29 (700 de MHz) |
| 30 (2300 MHz) | 30 (2300 MHz) |
| 32 (1500 L-band) | 32 (1500 L-band) |
| 34 (TD 2000) | 34 (TD 2000) |
| 38 (TD 2600) | 38 (TD 2600) |
| 39 (TD 1900) | 39 (TD 1900) |
| 40 (TD 2300) | 40 (TD 2300) |
| 41 (TD 2500) | 41 (TD 2500) |
| 42 (TD 3500) | 42 (TD 3500) |
| 46 (TD Unlicensed) | 46 (TD Unlicensed) |
| 48 (TD 3600) | 48 (TD 3600) |
| 66 (AWS-3) | 66 (AWS-3) |
What’s the difference between the UAE and Hong Kong iPhone versions?
The UAE iPhone 11 128GB green has a different model (A2221) and part number (MWM62AE/A) than the same phone for Hong Kong. The Hong Kong model number is A2223 and its part number is MWNE2ZA/A.
The two models also differ in terms of bandwidth support, because the Hong Kong iPhone 11 supports exactly the same bandwidth as the USA iPhone 11, as shown in the table below.
Check out these amazing AirPods deals Apple AirPods 2nd gen, AirPods 3rd gen, the latest AirPods Pro 2nd Gen & AirPods Max.
| HK iPhone 11 LTE Bandwidths | UAE iPhone 11 LTE Bandwidths |
| 1 (2100 MHz) | 1 (2100 MHz) |
| 2 (1900 MHz) | 2 (1900 MHz) |
| 3 (1800 MHz) | 3 (1800 MHz) |
| 4 (AWS) | 4 (AWS) |
| 5 (850 MHz) | 5 (850 MHz) |
| 7 (2600 MHz) | 7 (2600 MHz) |
| 8 (900 MHz) | 8 (900 MHz) |
| 11 (1500 MHz) | |
| 12 (700 MHz) | 12 (700 MHz) |
| 13 (700c MHz) | 13 (700c MHz) |
| 14 (700 PS) | |
| 17 (700b MHz) | 17 (700b MHz) |
| 18 (800 MHz) | 18 (800 MHz) |
| 19 (800 MHz) | 19 (800 MHz) |
| 20 (800 DD) | 20 (800 DD) |
| 21 (1500 MHz) | |
| 25 (1900 MHz) | 25 (1900 MHz) |
| 26 (800 MHz) | 26 (800 MHz) |
| 28 (700 APT MHz) | |
| 29 (700 de MHz) | 29 (700 de MHz) |
| 30 (2300 MHz) | 30 (2300 MHz) |
| 32 (1500 L-band) | |
| 34 (TD 2000) | 34 (TD 2000) |
| 38 (TD 2600) | 38 (TD 2600) |
| 39 (TD 1900) | 39 (TD 1900) |
| 40 (TD 2300) | 40 (TD 2300) |
| 41 (TD 2500) | 41 (TD 2500) |
| 42 (TD 3500) | 42 (TD 3500) |
| 46 (TD Unlicensed) | 46 (TD Unlicensed) |
| 48 (TD 3600) | 48 (TD 3600) |
| 66 (AWS-3) | 66 (AWS-3) |
| 71 (600 MHz) |
Why do sellers call some iPhones “International Version”?
In each country, carriers and authorized resellers of iPhone would typically only sell the version which Apple supplies to that specific country.
For example. I bought the iPhone 11 128GB Green from an authorized reseller in the UAE. It’s the UAE version with model number A2221 and Part number MWM62AE/A.
Click here to check the iPhone 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus & 14 prices and availability.
Here’s an amazing deal on the 13 Pro Max 128 GB Alpine Green.
Here’s an epic deal on the iPhone 13 Pro Max 128 GB Sierra Blue.
Unlike authorized resellers, third-party sellers are not bound by any agreement with Apple, to sell only the UAE version.
Also, the local iPhone distributors can only supply their phones to authorized resellers which is a very difficult status to obtain. Therefore, they get their supplies from various countries around the world.
The most common sources are Japan, China, the United States, and Canada. Because of the large variation in the origin of their products, these sellers may not be able to accurately label each of their products when they post them online. So, to make everything simple they prefer to use the generalized term “International Version”.
Why are “International versions” cheaper than UAE iPhone versions?
Apple’s local suppliers tend to have a monopoly of their markets and can easily dictate the selling price of iPhones in their various countries.
In order to compete with the already established authorized resellers and carriers, third-party sellers feel the need to have a better selling price.
Here are the best-selling iPhone 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 & 13 mini Cases.
So, what they do is they scan other markets around the world where they can get a cheaper supply of iPhones, and then buy from there.
When they import those iPhones to the UAE, they can have a large profit margin enabling them to sell at lower prices than the authorized resellers.
But if you plan on buying iPhones in the UAE from third-party sellers, there is a chance that you might get a refurbished unit, a used iPhone without a full 1-year warranty, an opened box unit, or worse a Phone without a warranty.
Let’s be clear, I’m not trying to say that you cannot buy a brand-new, sealed, and never-used authentic iPhone from a third-party seller. What I’m saying is to do a little background search and check the seller’s rating.
Sites like Amazon, Noon, or Sharaf Dg, usually have a section where buyers rate their experience with a seller’s products. Also make sure to unpack the phone, and check its warranty duration.
You can also check if it’s a brand new or refurbished unit through the phone settings (we’ll soon add a detailed post and video on how to check that so subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates).
Click here to check the iPhone 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus & 14 prices and availability.
Here’s an amazing deal on the 13 Pro Max 128 GB Alpine Green.
Here’s an epic deal on the iPhone 13 Pro Max 128 GB Sierra Blue.
Can you use “International iPhone versions” in the USA or UAE?
Yes, you can use imported iPhone versions in the USA or UAE, as long as they are factory unlocked.
Depending on their country or region of origin, they may not be compatible with certain bandwidths in either the USA or the UAE. In that case, they would simply try to connect to the nearest compatible bandwidth or revert either from 5G to LTE, or LTE to 3G.
About 3 years ago, most iPhones could only support either GSM or CDMA networks. At that time, most international Phones used GSM technology. But in the USA, certain carriers only ran on GSM like T-Mobile and AT&T.
Others such as Sprint, Verizon, and US Cellular, only used CDMA. So, in those days, it was important to determine whether your phone supported either GSM or CDMA.
But nowadays, the latest iPhone versions come with support for both technologies. However, if you want to be 100% sure that your iPhone can run on both GSM and CDMA, then here is how to check it.
This iPhone 14 Pro Max Magsafe Clear Case has good ratings and a mind-blowing deal!
This is the best-selling Clear Case for iPhone 14 Pro!
Here are the best-selling iPhone 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 & 13 mini Cases.
Check iPhone 13 pro, 13 pro max, 13, & 13 mini model numbers here
iPhone 13 Pro Max model number check A2484, A2641, A2643, A2644, A2645
iPhone 13 Pro Model Number Check A2483, A2636, A2638, A2639, A2640
How to check if an iPhone is compatible with CDMA or GSM
- Go to phone settings, then general, and click about.
- Check for the following numbers; IMEI, ESN, and MEID.
- If the iPhone has a MEID or ESN number, then it supports CDMA.
- But if the iPhone only has an IMEI it supports only GSM.
- If the iPhone has both IMEI and MEID or ESN, then it can support both CDMA and GSM technologies.
Summary
- There is no specific iPhone version called an international version.
- The term “international version” is simply a means for third-party sellers to indicate that a phone which is being sold in a specific country has been imported or supplied from a different country.
- You can determine the region and country of origin of an iPhone by checking its model number and part number.
- The more recent versions of iPhones can support both GSM and CDMA. Therefore, they can be used internationally (in any country in the world) as long as they are factory unlocked.
- The bandwidth support for different iPhone models may differ slightly from region to region. However, that may not hinder the use of that iPhone in a different region.
Click here to check the iPhone 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus & 14 prices and availability.
Here’s an amazing deal on the 13 Pro Max 128 GB Alpine Green.
Here’s an epic deal on the iPhone 13 Pro Max 128 GB Sierra Blue.
