how to determine version of ios in an unopened box iphone 4s

[eon]

am getting an iphone 4s from a local store here. they are not sure about the ios version. i would like to know without opening the box. i want a 5.0.1 so that i can jailbreak. is there a way to check it?

[Nekro]

theres no official way to tell without u hooking up to itunes..

9 outta 10 theres a ios already on it.
and a very small slim chance for 5.0.1 being on it. its a hit or miss with w/e version it might be..

[kanjo]

it would be very slim odds that its 5.0.1. but maybe check the serial number on the bottom of the box. if its anything like the 3GS's you can get the build week from that and maybe give yourself a general idea of what iOs could be on it based on its build week. its worth a shot but isnt 100% and also i do not know where you could find out build weeks for 4S's but google would be your best friend

[l8ter]

Ok i might sound like an ass but i need to say that this is the most stupid question in months.Not saying you are stupid but the question is a kind of that sort ,even if i learnd that there are no stupid questions in life but stupid answers.I cant agree in that saying.

No offense ,but how do you want to determine the content of a book without having opened it on your own and read it.

There is no way like already mentioned to see or and check the installed iOs version except to unbox it and hook it up to itunes as already said.

[kc6nsf]

Look in the box and let us know what it is

[Wirerat]

Buy one used since the version is such an issue. Chances are good you can find a 4s under a year old :-)

[Absinthe]

@l8ter Your comments always makes me laugh. Thank you!
But you're missing something in this case. The box is not exactly like a cover of a book.It has a serial no. on it.

To the OP:
Good news for you!
Input the Serial No. on http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html/.
You'll find it on the back of the box, on a sticker, on the lower left part of the sticker.
You can find out when that particular phone was made. If its manufacturing date is prior to March 2012, there is a good chance it still has 5.0.1 on it. Maybe 5.0. Don't remember if 5.0 can be jailbroken though...

Word of caution: tested on an 4S and on an 3GS. The info on 4S were 100% accurate. For 3GS the database got the model name wrong. The rest of info were correct.

[l8ter]

Yeah but the problem is most likely wont you be able to get the chance to get several diffrent iphone Boxes in your hands a to check the serial number on it . Sure iam awared about the serials.But they are no use if you cant check any of the iphone boxes for their serials on it .

That is the problem here i guess, except you know someone in the Applestore that would solve my mentioned prblems above .No doubt.

And your posts are also mostly entertaining to me.Compliment goes straight back

[Absinthe]

I don't know, I assumed by his "a local store here" that the guys there will let him choose, and they are willing to help him by providing a computer with internet access to verify the number.

Worst case scenario, take a paper and a pen, note the no., tell the guy "hold this for me for a few hours", go home, check the number, find out that the phone is from January 2012 (most likely with 5.0.1 of it), go out rejoicing, get drunk, forget to buy the phone...

[eon]

got one and its 5.1. will have to wait for JB.