[iPhone 3G] How to Buy ?

[ahasnaini]

can iphone 3g also be bought without a contract like iphone. from apple stores ??
can anyone update us with how to buy without contract.

[Doktaphex]

you can't, you have to sign a contract to be allowed to have one.

[Former Bender]

In the US it seems that it will still be sold without signing an at&t plan at the store.

Requires new 2-year AT&T rate plan, sold separately. (http://www.apple.com/iphone/gallery/ads/hallway/large.html)

[AXi0N`]

I think you can buy it without a contract like this one.
I think you can buy 5 pieces of iPhone but I don't know what will be with this 3G iphone...

We'll see...

[Dragg1e]

I thikn we'll have to wait till July 11th to find out!!
I'm definetly getting mine!!!!!!1

[hkd5000]

the AT&T news conference was just held.

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25791

apparently the new iphone will only be available in-store at AT&T or Apple and will require activation as part of the purchase. this question was specifically asked by an analyst at the new conference. no online purchases at all

[xMemphisx]

People will still find a way to buy/sell them.

I remember when the first iphone was announced and everyone was mad because originally everyone said only AT&T would be selling the phone... then it turns out apple sold them on their website as well... not to mention all of the sales (especially after the unlock) on ebay.

[swinte]

Bummer... I'm actually on AT&T but refuse to pay the extra $30/month for data service that hasn't been rolled out within 300 miles of me. Looks like I'll be sticking with my current model and the wife won't be getting one for awhile.

[jumphopspin]

is this the end of unlocking? i fucking hate apple now and hope at&t's business closes down.

[)law(]

is this the end of unlocking? i fucking hate apple now and hope at&t's business closes down.

never give up hope........

[zenmaster]

Hmmmm. I cant believe we cant buy the iphone without signing up for a contract :((((

This has taken all the pleasure out of the new iphone. I hate contracts. I was looking forward to using on the three network, where 500 is £20.00 and monthly internet is £5.00. This sucks big time. This sucks more than finding out I was going bald. Well Jobs, f**k you. Thanks for ruining my day.

[kultschar]

Looks like bad news - glad I didnt sell my iphone

http://www.iphoneatlas.com/2008/06/09/confirmed-iphone-3g-will-need-to-be-activated-in-store-no-online-ordering/

[romenator]

Hmmmm. I cant believe we cant buy the iphone without signing up for a contract :((((

This has taken all the pleasure out of the new iphone. I hate contracts. I was looking forward to using on the three network, where 500 is £20.00 and monthly internet is £5.00. This sucks big time. This sucks more than finding out I was going bald. Well Jobs, f**k you. Thanks for ruining my day.
Hey.

Well all is not lost. If the rumours are correct, UK will sell iphone for £269 on pay as you go. So, you can buy one here without a contract, and then hopefully able to unlock it to use with your own preferred network. (pay as you go might even come unlocked)

[geircito]

Then can someone tell me why there is a "SIM ejector tool" in the box?

Why is Apple including such an item in the box if you must sign a contract in the store??

[kultschar]

Hey.

Well all is not lost. If the rumours are correct, UK will sell iphone for £269 on pay as you go. So, you can buy one here without a contract, and then hopefully able to unlock it to use with your own preferred network. (pay as you go might even come unlocked)


Is £269 for the 8GB version??

O2 say more details will follow tomorrow!

[kultschar]

Then can someone tell me why there is a "SIM ejector tool" in the box?

Why is Apple including such an item in the box if you must sign a contract in the store??

Prob because you may want to put your existing AT&T / O2 etc sim in it when upgrading!!!

[geircito]

That's the job for the people in the store WHEN buying.....
Why should YOU have this tool at home?

[ale]

We'll see if they'll require to sign the contract before selling you the iphone or not. One thing is for sure: they are not selling it anymore on the online stores, as they did in Germany from the very beginning, and that's not a good sign. In Germany you have to sign a 2year commitment first, if you want to buy an iphone.
The dollar is pretty weak, and 199 USD for a free device like that is really a bargain in terms of other currencies and even for the US market itself. The iphone will now be available in many more countries: in some of them it will be sold unlocked too at a much higher price (for law requirements or marketing chioces)...the only way to avoid those gigantic parallel imports from the US we saw with the first generation iphone would be asking to sign the contract first: they know that and the first moves are coherent with it. Moreover, the cat and mouse game would definitely be over, as a software unlock would be almost useless....even the jailbreak would not be so needed: Apple said the free apps will be available through iTunes for free.
It seems to me we will be "slaves" of the carriers, or be paying a lot of money to get an iphone officially unlocked. I hope to be wrong, but I don't believe I am and I'm not happy at all :(

[)law(]

i dont want to be a slave.........:(

[med007]

http://www.apple.com/iphone/buy/

if that was helpful, please give me the thumbs up on the Left of this post!

[yoyomagic]

Looking at the Apple "where to buy" page it seems that you wont be able to buy the 3g iphone from apple at all?

Does this mean that you will have to go through the normal route of purchasing the 3G iphone?

Also how would this effect current o2 iphone users if they want to upgrade?

[compuguy1088]

Then can someone tell me why there is a "SIM ejector tool" in the box?

Why is Apple including such an item in the box if you must sign a contract in the store??

The "SIM ejector tool" is just a bloody paper clip!
http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/06/iphone-clip.jpg

[lolec]

As i see this, we are facing the end of unlocking.

In the past, apple received money from
a) iphone sales
b) iphone official contracts

Unlocking allow the iphone to be popular all over the world before the worldwide launch. as well as make money.

Now the iphone is 199 dlls, i dont think apple is making a lot of that so, if they dont make money from official contracts... then how ?
Also the iphone will be officially worldwide. so there's no reason for apple to allow unlocking.

now. there is another reason and its the appStore.
Before, apple wouldn't make money of 3rth party apps, but now, they will receive 30% of each app, they are giving a nice place to sell and allowing free apps. THE ONLY thing they are not allowing is freedom. they will choose if the app is OK or not!... the only people who can deliver ¨inapropriate¨ apps are hackers... and if those apps are better than the apple authorized ones, that would mean no money.

So, the business model is consistent. the previous model generate money, publicity, hype and developers.

While this new model have an official way of generating all the above WITHOUT hackers, Unlocking or Jailbreaking.

mi 2 cents.

[wlp5]

You don't get it. Apple is making money from AT&T. They've reached an agreement on whatever price (potentially more than $200) and then AT&T sells it to you at a loss BUT forcing you to sign the 2-year contract which will get their money back. With this scheme , AT&T couldn't care less about unlocking since you won't be able to get your hands on a new phone to unlock anyways.

In other words, the new deal was, AT&T will get more contracts and unlocked phones will not exist anymore and Apple will get more money upfront and won't have to worry about unlocking and how to handle it. It makes a lot of sense from their side, unfortunately bad news for us.

It's exactly the same thing as other phones. How do you think ATT gives people free phones with new contracts, lose on the phone, make the money on the contract.

In the countries where they're required by law to provide unlocked phones as well, I bet they'll sell them at something like $400-$600.

[kultschar]

Yep - im sure Apple sell the 3G iphone for more then $199 to the telecom companies etc in return that the iphone is not sold in Apple Stores without contract etc hence the companies then make money back due to this only way of purchasing

I think it will be difficult to get one of these now however I think its unfair for apple fans like me whose country is not (and most liekly never) goingt o be supported.

My country does not have 3G so im sorta glad I kept my iphone - I was going to upgrade for better camera and GPS but the camera never happened


As i see this, we are facing the end of unlocking.

In the past, apple received money from
a) iphone sales
b) iphone official contracts

Unlocking allow the iphone to be popular all over the world before the worldwide launch. as well as make money.

Now the iphone is 199 dlls, i dont think apple is making a lot of that so, if they dont make money from official contracts... then how ?
Also the iphone will be officially worldwide. so there's no reason for apple to allow unlocking.

now. there is another reason and its the appStore.
Before, apple wouldn't make money of 3rth party apps, but now, they will receive 30% of each app, they are giving a nice place to sell and allowing free apps. THE ONLY thing they are not allowing is freedom. they will choose if the app is OK or not!... the only people who can deliver ¨inapropriate¨ apps are hackers... and if those apps are better than the apple authorized ones, that would mean no money.

So, the business model is consistent. the previous model generate money, publicity, hype and developers.

While this new model have an official way of generating all the above WITHOUT hackers, Unlocking or Jailbreaking.

mi 2 cents.

[lolec]

I do get it, i was analizing the reazons why we wouldnt be able to unlock, from a business point of view.

ie. you cant go to the AT&T store and buy one ¨as a present¨and return later to activate. or buy 3 in an apple store and skip activation. people is guessing about this. but i think i have solid arguments to think the answer is no unlock.

also, your assumption may be right, maybe you can buy an iphone for 400 - 600 and not activate, and you will recieve the money back when you sign a contract. or the first moths for free or wathever. ( i dont think so )

[ale]

@ wlp5:
That is exactly what I meant in my previous post: with the new strategy by Apple the hacktivation becomes useless: there is no reason to hack an iphone anymore as there will not be iphones 3g around which needs to be unlocked
In other words we'll have 2 choices:
- , if we want to get an iphone3G we HAVE to sign the 2 years commitment WHEN we buy it
- we buy it officially unlocked at a higher price (in some countries it will be possible)

In both cases there is no need to unlock it, of course

Well, cracking the fw 2.0 could be actually useful, but only for the owners of an iphone 2G who wish to upgrade the fm, enjoy some of the new features and install the official apps

[frantona]

Is it possible to Sing up for a 2yrs contract and then cancel it. Paying a penalty fee for cancel it? Anyone know how much this fee is right now?
Thanks

[lolec]

Well, i can think of many reasons why people would like to unlock, the same reasons people have been unlocking phones since ever for...
using it with an unoficial carrier
using a prepaid plan
using their current plan
countries where the iphone will never arrive.
etc etc.

[wackotm]

:hack:The "SIM ejector tool" is just a bloody paper clip!

hahahahahaahaah!!1! I cant stop laughing, im crying!!
SIM ejector tool = 1337 h4xX0r t00l.. ph34r m33h!!!!
:D hack:
I needed a laugh for my boring night shift .. :P

[3thirteen]

http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/main.jsp?t=solutionTab&ft=searchTab&ps=solutionPanels&locale=en_US&_dyncharset=UTF-8&solutionId=53602&isSrch=Yes

No cancellation fee within first 30 days, could be a way for us to get this phone on another service without paying big fees.

[funkadelic]

correct me if im wrong but this is how i see it
first of all, when it says that the activation will be held in store, it doesnt say if its in the apple store or the ATT store. i really dont see apple offering activation in the apple stores, ir doesnt "fit" with the whole shopping experience in those stores. but we are sure that iphone will be sold at those apple stores, so there we go, we have iphones without any contract.
i think that if you buy your iphone at an apple store you will have to go to an ATT store in order to activiting. at least i hope so.

[kultschar]

correct me if im wrong but this is how i see it
first of all, when it says that the activation will be held in store, it doesnt say if its in the apple store or the ATT store. i really dont see apple offering activation in the apple stores, ir doesnt "fit" with the whole shopping experience in those stores. but we are sure that iphone will be sold at those apple stores, so there we go, we have iphones without any contract.
i think that if you buy your iphone at an apple store you will have to go to an ATT store in order to activiting. at least i hope so.

I really dont think this is the case as otherwise they would be selling them on line.

CNET (I think?) just had response from AT & T boss and he says they have to be activated at time of purchase and no more online activating. Looks like Apple will be setting up AT&T contracts in their stores??

[jumphopspin]

correct me if im wrong but this is how i see it
first of all, when it says that the activation will be held in store, it doesnt say if its in the apple store or the ATT store. i really dont see apple offering activation in the apple stores, ir doesnt "fit" with the whole shopping experience in those stores. but we are sure that iphone will be sold at those apple stores, so there we go, we have iphones without any contract.
i think that if you buy your iphone at an apple store you will have to go to an ATT store in order to activiting. at least i hope so.

no it's not that easy. obviously if it's only at at&t stores, everyone will flock to apple to get it. don't you think they know this?

[iHack]

Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/09/iphone-3g-purchase-and-activation-will-be-in-store-only/)is reporting that you MUST activate in the store to get the phone :(

I would only figure that to be true for the price of $199. Otherwise they would lose too much...

[GabiPhone]

Oh no!! I sold my phone yesterday!!! Will I be able to get other? I hope so :)

[bobbylight]

Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/09/iphone-3g-purchase-and-activation-will-be-in-store-only/)is reporting that you MUST activate in the store to get the phone :(

I would only figure that to be true for the price of $199. Otherwise they would lose too much...

Well, that sure paints a gloomy picture, but at this point I wouldn't worry about it as there seems to be an amount of speculation even on Engadget's part.

I am almost certain that this is not legal in the U.S. to require a consumer to sign up for a service in order to sell them a product. Like I said before, in another post someone posted a link to an act or bill that congress passes which spelled this out. I think there will be another option outside of the contract, there HAS to be - especially for people who cannot legtimately pass the contract credit check.

With that said, I'd assume we'll need to wait for more facts to develop. It would be strange to have people in the applestore taking care of cell phone contracts as well, but I suppose it could happen.

Either way - there will be a way around it.

[neo]

I don't know where you guys get your information or what the heck you guys are taking about! I live in the States and I have called 5 Apple retail stores and they all gave the same answer. The iPhone 3G will be available on July 11 both in store and on-line on a first come first serve basis. There will be a limit on the number of iPhone 3G you can buy. There will be no preorder. The iPhone 3g will be activated via iTune as usual. The price will be $199 for 8GB in black only and $299 for 16GB in black or white. So there, get your fact straight.

I am pretty sure the Dev Team will continue their unlock effort of firmware 2.0 on the new iPhone 3G. Screw AT&T. BTW, I have unlocked firmware 1.1.4 (from 1.0.2) on my old iPhone with iLiberty without revirginizing and it worked flawlessly!

[yogi799]

On one hand I've suspected they'll do exactly that. I am sure AT/T was sick of decreased profits from the deal and Apple had to do something. Same for all these new carierrs in 70 other countries... They wanted some real assurances.

So I intentionally did not even consider selling my phone. Wasn't sure if I could ever get the new one as easily. So now I am happily owning the 1.0 phone :D:D whose price should stay pretty high I hope, due to that contract crap on the new one.

One the other hand, though, getting the new phone is actually CHEAPER still! 199+175 (cancellation fee, if you decide to do this all purely legit) < 399, which I paid for my old phone, so....??? THIS SUCKS! I could have had a new phone!!!! :D:D

I really wonder what that'll do the the residual value of the 1.0 phone....

[razor]

We all need to listen to ourselves...

They say that there is no online activation... how can that be, cause we all know that whenever we restore our iPhones, we go back to the activation screen.

We will have online activation cause only then we will be able to activate a restored iPhone or activated updated iPhones to future firmwares.

The only problem here is, if we would be able to get an iPhone without the contract.

[shep]

Looks as though Vodafone are selling the 3G iphone as a prepaid phone with no contract.
Check out http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,25642,23839650-5016091,00.html

[Iamz]

Maybe what they mean by activation is activation of the SIM card not the phone. Maybe the phone doesn't have activation screen anymore, just like iPod Touch because you can't get your hands on it if you haven't already signed anyway. So no problems when you restore or upgrade to newer firmware.

[mopplecrump]

according to our UK o2 site the 3g is gonna be available on pay as you go ! NO contract.

iPhone is coming soon for Pay & Go

Customers will soon be able to enjoy all the great features of iPhone without a monthly contract with the iPhone for Pay & Go.

Just register your interest opposite and we'll drop you a line in early July to tell you what you need to do to be one of the first to get your hands on the new 3G iPhone.

More information on the new iPhone will be available shortly so come back in a few days or visit www.apple.com


Look here:
http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone

[bobbylight]

according to our UK o2 site the 3g is gonna be available on pay as you go ! NO contract.

iPhone is coming soon for Pay & Go

Customers will soon be able to enjoy all the great features of iPhone without a monthly contract with the iPhone for Pay & Go.

Just register your interest opposite and we'll drop you a line in early July to tell you what you need to do to be one of the first to get your hands on the new 3G iPhone.

More information on the new iPhone will be available shortly so come back in a few days or visit www.apple.com



Look here:
http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone

Wow, it looks like with the right contract you guys get the phone totally free!!! But there is also a pay as you go option.

There WILL be alternatives around the contract in the U.S. whether they are legitimate ones or not. I can't imagine them forcing people to have to sign a contract before they will allow someone to buy the phone, that isnt legal here.

[ale]

Well, i can think of many reasons why people would like to unlock, the same reasons people have been unlocking phones since ever for...
using it with an unoficial carrier
using a prepaid plan
using their current plan
countries where the iphone will never arrive.
etc etc.
Yeah, sure...you pay like 30 dollars (or more) a months for a demn 2year plan without which you they will not sell you anything, and you still want to use it with a prepaid plan or another carrier, paying the traffic twice......or you pay much more than the 199 for a device officially unlocked, but you still want to unlock it...unlock what??? It has already been ;)

[Naujoks]

Hmmm... I still have 1 year left on my T-Mobile UK contract. I dont know how much the cancellation fee would be, but if I sign up to an O2 contract and they give me the iPhone for free, that might just work out alright financially...

EDIT: Just checked with T-Mobile, it's £285 to buy myself out of the contract. And it's £99 for the 8GB iPhone on the £35 monthly O2 contract. Ouch.

[bluerockuk1]

my own thoughts

once the dev team work out to unlock this baby

people will buy the pay and go and unlock them


Just spoke to Apple store in UK and they said they are selling without activating in store, because they dont have the 02 systems

[jumphopspin]

my own thoughts

once the dev team work out to unlock this baby

people will buy the pay and go and unlock them


Just spoke to Apple store in UK and they said they are selling without activating in store, because they dont have the 02 systems

please God let this be true for Apple stores in the US!

[romenator]

my own thoughts

once the dev team work out to unlock this baby

people will buy the pay and go and unlock them


Just spoke to Apple store in UK and they said they are selling without activating in store, because they dont have the 02 systems
If Apple sells without activation in store in UK, and if unlock is available, why would anyone pay more for pay as you go? surely you can buy it for £100, and then unlock it?

On O2's website, it says you can buy it in O2 store, or carphonewarehouse. No mention of Apple stores.

[italian]

since its coming out in canada and i am on rogers can i just extend my contract and get one for free

[thefewtheproud]

I keep seeing people saying it is illegal to require a contract before you can buy something. How do the phone companies do it with every other phone?

[geircito]

Oh, my iPhone 3G has crashed, I need to restore it using iTunes.
Then, after restoring I need to go to a store and activate my iPhone 3G again.

Or, can I use iTunes for activation as I do today???
What about iPhone 1.generation, after a restore in iTunes, what do I do for activating if iTunes 7.7 is "removing" the possibility to activate at home?

[trapper]

I keep seeing people saying it is illegal to require a contract before you can buy something. How do the phone companies do it with every other phone?
Because it's not illegal. (apart from in Germany and France it seems)

[jsalva]

Oh, my iPhone 3G has crashed, I need to restore it using iTunes.
Then, after restoring I need to go to a store and activate my iPhone 3G again.

Or, can I use iTunes for activation as I do today???
What about iPhone 1.generation, after a restore in iTunes, what do I do for activating if iTunes 7.7 is "removing" the possibility to activate at home?

i dont believe they will remove teh posibility of activating, they will control this at the point of sale,

no contract = no iphone

[Grumps]

Its no longer possible to bring in iphone from US since you're contract binded upon purchase. Only alternative is outsource from countries that requires phone to be freely available as well.

Answer:
Is possible to still unlock iPhone but it will cost alot of money.

[neo]

The iPhone G3 will be available on July 11 both in Apple Retail Stores and Online. You do not have to ACTIVATE IN STORE. You will activate via iTune when you go home. Get it through your head and screw AT&T!

[aqua bass]

That´s what I´ve been thinking like for 3 pages now, I read that you asked in a couple of Apple store about that, did you asked if you have to sign any contract in order to get the phone?

[BImmelicous]

The iPhone G3 will be available on July 11 both in Apple Retail Stores and Online. You do not have to ACTIVATE IN STORE. You will activate via iTune when you go home. Get it through your head and screw AT&T!

why are you so shure bout this? i wish i could belief in this. i want to belief in this!

[kultschar]

The iPhone G3 will be available on July 11 both in Apple Retail Stores and Online. You do not have to ACTIVATE IN STORE. You will activate via iTune when you go home. Get it through your head and screw AT&T!


Not according to the AT&T press release yesterday - the chief exec or whoever the hell he is states no more signing up via itunes and in store only!!

[raulb]

The leaked AT&T memo over at Gizmondo suggests otherwise. It seems you will require activation both at AT&T and Apple stores before walking out with the iPhone.

If you later claim you have lost or damaged your phone they will want the damaged phone back and incase of loss you will have to pay full retail price ie not $199 for a new phone. This is standard practice with phones on contract when lost. At least in the US it will be very difficult to get hold of iPhones without contracts. Things are not looking good.

http://gizmodo.com/5014909/att-memo-to-retail-managers-shows-iphone-3g-policy

[thefewtheproud]

Alright so my friend is a legit ATT customer with the current iphone. Can he go to the apple store and buy his first one and legitly activate and then get a second one saying he broke the first one to give to me? Wouldnt he not be required to activate the second if he was going to use his paperclip i mean "sim ejector tool" to put his first 3g sim in the new 3g phone?[/
Also:
He is going to scotland during the time the new one comes out, could he pick me up a pay as you go o2 version and bring it back to the US? Does a uk phone work in the us?

[yogi799]

The iPhone G3 will be available on July 11 both in Apple Retail Stores and Online. You do not have to ACTIVATE IN STORE. You will activate via iTune when you go home. Get it through your head and screw AT&T!

WTF are you talking about? Bunch of idiot speculators around here confusing the heck out of facts. Have you been to Apple.com? Can't you read? If it was to be available online they would have said that. Apple doesn't just forget to mention things....




http://6pdrjw.blu.livefilestore.com/y1ppuUAP4WGS9RCkyCkJeo8T_TUWQ1MYS5SDSWa2bgShl_9SGc W7--BPvLURVBdzA2DL3frX5R9B9_033uamCeCZA/apple.jpg

[yogi799]

Same for other foreign stores....

[neo]

Last nite I went into the biggest Apple retail store here in Northern California and talked to the store manager. He confirmed what I said repeatedly. Apple is not in the business of phone activation. You buy the iPhone and you go home and activate it with iTune. The only limitation is you may not buy more then an (X) number of iPhone. Their Apple retail stores sell more stuff then just the iPhone. Apple online will update the site accordingly on July 11.

[BImmelicous]

NEO! NEO! NEO! NEO!
the hope is dying last...

[aquanutz]

My money is on the activation through iTunes. :) Apple is not going to make you wait and activate it in-store.

[entaum]

Come on guys.. read the news again. Activation will still be done through itunes if you want to.

The only difference now is that you won't be able to get out of the store (Apple or At&T) without signing the 2 year contract, which is a different thing.

Don't confuse activation with contract signing. Activation simply enables your phone functions.

[EMH]

The leaked AT&T memo over at Gizmondo suggests otherwise. It seems you will require activation both at AT&T and Apple stores before walking out with the iPhone.

If you later claim you have lost or damaged your phone they will want the damaged phone back and incase of loss you will have to pay full retail price ie not $199 for a new phone. This is standard practice with phones on contract when lost. At least in the US it will be very difficult to get hold of iPhones without contracts. Things are not looking good.

http://gizmodo.com/5014909/att-memo-to-retail-managers-shows-iphone-3g-policy

Like you will sign a contract in store and then go home with some sort of code and activate it on itunes. This sux. I dont want a contract with rogers. Fucking cellphone companies.

[yogi799]

Just because some stupid clerk says something, does not mean it is true... Best example of it, here in Canada.... We were calling our GSM provider Fido for months to make sure our $7 unlimited browsing plan will work for iPhone. Tens (hundreds) service reps have assured bunch of us that it would.... and after three months some guys got slammed with a few $K bills for data...

Clerks know shit.... is my point. Info on Apple.com is undoubtedly 100% the most reliable source.

[jumphopspin]

Last nite I went into the biggest Apple retail store here in Northern California and talked to the store manager. He confirmed what I said repeatedly. Apple is not in the business of phone activation. You buy the iPhone and you go home and activate it with iTune. The only limitation is you may not buy more then an (X) number of iPhone. Their Apple retail stores sell more stuff then just the iPhone. Apple online will update the site accordingly on July 11.

oh man, i wish i could back up what you said. but i just spoke with an apple store rep online and she said that you can only activate the phone at the store and not through itunes. i think someone should start a thread with a poll question asking if the rep they spoke with said yes or no to itunes based activation and see what the percentages are.

[BImmelicous]

I think there will be a buy-online-option at launch.
after the keynote, there was a "buy online" button at the new iPhone 3G Apple-Website but after a few minutes it disappeared...

I think we will all be happy in a few weeks. so rock on...

[Hawkstriker]

I was reading this thread and decided to call my local Apple Store. When I asked they said that you could buy the G3 iPhone:iphone: without signing a contract but you would have to activate it using iTunes (just like the first generation iPhone:iphone:)

So I hope that clears up any questions you guys had.

[OSXD]

...Per Apple.

I called 1.800.MY.APPLE and was told we would be able to buy the iPhone 3G direct from Apple for $199 w/o penalties.

I specifically asked what if I don't plan on signing up with AT&T and was told ...$199.

Some of you others call and see if you get the same response I received.

*note: It did not sound like an American on the other end. Very foreign accent. Does Apple farm out their customer service?

[Mad_Cat]

I used to work at an AT&T authorized retail store, and let me tell you, it's a whole bunch of bs and time consumption to sign up a person for a contract, let alone activate the phone. You have to run their credit, explain them how the whole thing works if they don't know, help them choose their plan, etc... takes about 10-15 minutes to sign up a person for a contract in the best case, and about 30-45 to activate the phones... now imagine 1000's of people sieging apple store on july 11th,
each one wanting to buy iphones, think how much time it will take and if that will be even possible with all those people waiting. Employees will have to get special training, which means more resources, and sure enough people will be coming back in case they have problems and apple will have to deal with at&t problems.

I just don't imagine apple doing all the work for at&t, I think they will just limit (or attempt to) the purchase of handsets per customers. It makes sense, because what of those people that would like to get the iphone 3G as a gift, without the account holder being there? Will they just get denied by apple, which in turn will receive more scrutiny for their business ways? This whole idea of one company performing the tasks for another company sounds flawed to me. What exactly will apple get out of activating iphones for at&t? There is no more revenue sharing, so i fail to see any legitimate reasons, besides at&t concerns.

[creepinshadow24/7]

And i mean there's always the option of bribery,
you pay 50$ more and have a little talk with the store clerk, and maybe you can deal something out. (As most of the clerks instore are just college boys/girls on a part time job they can make good use of the extra money)

even though that would be my last resort..:eek:

[DJ McG]

Actually you can barter for items with most stores, especially small stores. They were talking about this n the radio, just because there is a set price doesnt mean you cant barter a little bit. Try it, maybe it'll work! :D

[Locked]

I was reading this thread and decided to call my local Apple Store. When I asked they said that you could buy the G3 iPhone:iphone: without signing a contract but you would have to activate it using iTunes (just like the first generation iPhone:iphone:)

So I hope that clears up any questions you guys had.

that is BS.

[thefewtheproud]

we can hope!

[jakeyboyne]

that is BS.

care to elaborate?

[law2004]

another reason, why ATT sucks. blah fuck em both. i dont care anymore :) my blackberry is cool.

[aranmor]

Well I just made 3 calls and this was the result:

1-800-my apple: the lady after "trying" to get some information regarding the contract she told me to that she didn't know anything about that and advised to call my local retail store for info.

store1: the girl there told me that she had no information about that and that not even the store manger knew anything

store2: the lady told me that I was not going to be able to walk out without signing a contract.

So what's the truth?

:confused:

well I called like 4 more stores around the US, and none of them know anything about the contract since information on that hasn't been released yet, they advise to call earlier to july 11th, only a lady at a florida small town told me that "as of her understanding" they are going to handle it the same way as the edge iphone.

[law2004]

Well I just made 3 calls and this was the result:

1-800-my apple: the lady after "trying" to get some information regarding the contract she told me to that she didn't know anything about that and advised to call my local retail store for info.

store1: the girl there told me that she had no information about that and that not even the store manger knew anything

store2: the lady told me that I was not going to be able to walk out without signing a contract.

So what's the truth?

:confused:

well I called like 4 more stores around the US, and none of them know anything about the contract since information on that hasn't been released yet, they advise to call earlier to july 11th, only a lady at a florida small town told me that "as of her understanding" they are going to handle it the same way as the edge iphone.
I hope the do handle it that way. cuz apple was making alotta money of us.. who the fuck care about att. bleh

[Doktaphex]

I really think that this is all just speculation from the employees. They have been told nothing, so they're assuming that it will be the same as the 1st Gen iPhone. I hate to put a dampener on things but I am certain that you will not be able to get one without the contract. It's a shame that by all accounts at&t are so bad because over here in the UK o2 have been great. They're not changing anything in the contract either with relation to cost, call time and data use. I can't wait, 16GB white 3G iPhone for £159 :D

[aranmor]

well from all the stores that I called only 2 "speculated" on what's to come, and one of them said contract will be mandatory, and the other one said same as iphone 1, so from the common answer we assume that they don't know a thing, which makes me wonder how long does it take to train somebody for the activation and the "I need a new SIM card but I wanna keep my number and contacts" frenzy? and why the lack of internal info?

[thefewtheproud]

well from all the stores that I called only 2 "speculated" on what's to come, and one of them said contract will be mandatory, and the other one said same as iphone 1, so from the common answer we assume that they don't know a thing, which makes me wonder how long does it take to train somebody for the activation and the "I need a new SIM card but I wanna keep my number and contacts" frenzy? and why the lack of internal info?

I was thinking about the whole sim contacts thing, since Apple doesnt let you put them on sim, Im hoping that when you connect the new Iphone to itunes it will just let you sync the info from the old one like some sort of upgrade process. There is no way I am putting all those numbers in myself!:eek:

[romenator]

I was thinking about the whole sim contacts thing, since Apple doesnt let you put them on sim, Im hoping that when you connect the new Iphone to itunes it will just let you sync the info from the old one like some sort of upgrade process. There is no way I am putting all those numbers in myself!:eek:
Well, the best way to manage contacts is to sync your contacts to your addressbook. Then you can sync to any mobile phones and iphones directly from there: using itunes or bluetooth.

[aranmor]

Well, the best way to manage contacts is to sync your contacts to your addressbook. Then you can sync to any mobile phones and iphones directly from there: using itunes or bluetooth.

right... but that's like rocket science for most people I would say, that's why resellers have this little devices that transfer your contacts from your old phone to the new one as a service, and all the common issues related to people's specific needs, of course there's always the "I'm sorry but for that you are going to have to go to an ATT retail store, sir" option.

[TATANKA]

"Mad Cat" is right, why apple will spend their recourses activating iphone's for at&t when there is no more revenue sharing. Apple stores will be selling the iphone just like gen I phones.

[romenator]

right... but that's like rocket science for most people I would say, that's why resellers have this little devices that transfer your contacts from your old phone to the new one as a service, and all the common issues related to people's specific needs, of course there's always the "I'm sorry but for that you are going to have to go to an ATT retail store, sir" option.
Its rocket science to transfer number from one phone/sim to another??

Its so easy, especially with an iphone. I havent used it in my windows laptop, but in mac its a doddle.

connect iphone to mac: open itunes: check the sync address book content: check merge with macbook address book (if you already have some contacts on your mac).

thats it.

[aranmor]

Its rocket science to transfer number from one phone/sim to another??

Its so easy, especially with an iphone. I havent used it in my windows laptop, but in mac its a doddle.

connect iphone to mac: open itunes: check the sync address book content: check merge with macbook address book (if you already have some contacts on your mac).

thats it.

LOL yes it's very easy, but not for a lot people, besides you are assuming that all the people buying the 3g are previous iPhone users

[thefewtheproud]

Even though I hate it, I really think that even if activation takes place in your home a contract will be required before you leave the store. So that way all the apple store employees have to say is "take a few minutes to read this over and then sign on the line"

[LiTos]

exactly. *sigh* i really wanted that phone.... but i guess we wont be able to get it. im on tmobile, which also has a 3g network now - am i right? but still, even if i CAN obtain the iphone and unlock it somehow, who knows if it will run on tmobiles network and how it will work....and all the bills, and what if they find out which machine im using, etc. this is what troubles me.

[aranmor]

exactly. *sigh* i really wanted that phone.... but i guess we wont be able to get it. im on tmobile, which also has a 3g network now - am i right? but still, even if i CAN obtain the iphone and unlock it somehow, who knows if it will run on tmobiles network and how it will work....and all the bills, and what if they find out which machine im using, etc. this is what troubles me.

Hello, let me tell you I've been using my iphone with tmobile for a long time right now, and they don't care if you are using an iphone or not, there's nothing they can/want to do about it, respecting 3G thing as of whatever information we have right now the iphone 3G won't be able to use tmobile's 3g network which is available in new yoirk only for now

[romenator]

Hello, let me tell you I've been using my iphone with tmobile for a long time right now, and they don't care if you are using an iphone or not, there's nothing they can/want to do about it, respecting 3G thing as of whatever information we have right now the iphone 3G won't be able to use tmobile's 3g network which is available in new yoirk only for now
If 3G is not available with t-mobile in the USA, then why do people want to get the new iphone 3g? It only has GPS, and 3g in addition to the original iphone. If i were you, i would save my money for a while till it comes to your preferred network.

In the UK, however, all the networks have 3g, so an unlock will be really useful.

[aranmor]

If 3G is not available with t-mobile in the USA, then why do people want to get the new iphone 3g? It only has GPS, and 3g in addition to the original iphone. If i were you, i would save my money for a while till it comes to your preferred network.

In the UK, however, all the networks have 3g, so an unlock will be really useful.

T-mobile started their 3G rollout in 2007 but it's on in NY only, but regardless of this, as per apple specifications on the iphone it wouldn;t handle the 1700Mhz band which is necessary for the tmo's 3G uplink, and as of why people want a 3G iphone? because we are consumers, because it's going to be the only iphone available from now on, and because we have the money to buy it.

[BImmelicous]

i will buy an ipohne on july 11 at a t-mobile store in germany fpr 1 euro haha

[LiTos]

If 3G is not available with t-mobile in the USA, then why do people want to get the new iphone 3g? It only has GPS, and 3g in addition to the original iphone. If i were you, i would save my money for a while till it comes to your preferred network.

In the UK, however, all the networks have 3g, so an unlock will be really useful.

yes, but i dont have the old iphone, so a cheaper price (199) off ebay would be great for me. for me its not just the new useless 3g network (I live in NY though!) or the new gps but the whole iphone plus the gps which id really need. all for 199. i pre order it on ebay, theres no way they can make me sign a contract there, they ship it to me, i unlock it, viola!

[Bate]

i will buy an ipohne on july 11 at a t-mobile store in germany fpr 1 euro haha

...with a monthly fee of 89€ (137$), which would be for the 24month contract an amount of 2136€ or 3.288$.

[romenator]

...with a monthly fee of 89€ (137$), which would be for the 24month contract an amount of 2136€ or 3.288$.
Woah that much huh. I think it might be cheaper to buy it from UK O2 pay and go store. I can't see O2 selling the iphone for more than £300.

[LiTos]

damn, this is so expensive. i THINK i might be able to get away with it (my whole ebay idea).

[romenator]

damn, this is so expensive. i THINK i might be able to get away with it (my whole ebay idea).
Surely, a lot of people will be going for the ebay option. This means, for once UK people will end up making money. I for one will probably buy lots of UK O2 pay as you go phones and sell it on ebay.

[LiTos]

thanks, can i buy it from you?

[aranmor]

let's see if they won't speculate on the price, probably your best bet is to wait for the dust of launch to settle down

[LiTos]

well why do you think they made it half the price anyway? because of all this att addition plan price shit.

[romenator]

You may buy it off me, but i will only sell through ebay + paypal (protection for me and protection for buyer). Will only sell it if its unlockable, otherwise pointless for non-UK user.

[LiTos]

alright, i got paypal and everything. but please don't raise the price far too much!
THANKS!
btw if you have msn add me wolf_mirazh (at) hotmail (dot) com, i'd prefer to discuss this on msn. if you have aim add me as well, LiTos456.

[dannyws6]

I can’t believe you guys dont know how to buy one of these iphones.

All you have to do is buy it, activate under a new number. than with in the 3 days you get you can cancel it without no penalties you dont even have to pay for the activation fee either if it’s within 3 days. You’ll have a new iPhone with no contract and if a unlock comes out, than you’ll be able to use it.

Just dont use the phone and you won’t pay any charges at all.

[LiTos]

dont you get it? im a minor and i have a tmobile family plan, i cant sign another contract with another carrier and i dont have enough money to cancel it after.

thanks romenator, youre gonna save my life xP

[Former Bender]

thanks, can i buy it from you?

Please don't use this section for buying/sell requests.

Use the Flea Market instead, thanks.

[LiTos]

ok sorry, ill just talk to him on msn

[jumphopspin]

I can’t believe you guys dont know how to buy one of these iphones.

All you have to do is buy it, activate under a new number. than with in the 3 days you get you can cancel it without no penalties you dont even have to pay for the activation fee either if it’s within 3 days. You’ll have a new iPhone with no contract and if a unlock comes out, than you’ll be able to use it.

Just dont use the phone and you won’t pay any charges at all.

wrong. first of all it's 30 days. secondly, you have to return the phone to the place of purchase before you can cancel the service during the 30 day trial period. it clearly states it on the att memo. you can't just call and say i wanna cancel it and they'll do it. if you do that, you'll have wait after 30 days, pay the etf, activation, first month's service + taxes, then the phone is all yours.

[dannyws6]

wrong. first of all it's 30 days. secondly, you have to return the phone to the place of purchase before you can cancel the service during the 30 day trial period. it clearly states it on the att memo. you can't just call and say i wanna cancel it and they'll do it. if you do that, you'll have wait after 30 days, pay the etf, activation, first month's service + taxes, then the phone is all yours.

I know its 30 days. but if you dont want to pay the $36 activation charge it has to be within the 3 days. You dont have to return the phone. they can’t make you have the service. it’s clearly is in the contract you have 30 days to cancel. you dont have to return the phone in order cancel. They can’t make you return the phone in order to be able to cancel service. If the memo states that, that’s entrapment. forcing people to pay them the etf if they buy a phone and dont like it. there’s allot of people who might buy the 3g iPhone who have never owned one and just dont like it, they might not be used to it from there older phone functionality. Dont tell me they have to pay all the fee's just because they bought a 3g iPhone.

[dannyws6]

Another thing is i have a 2g iphone. now if i switch to the 3g phone. At&t is telling me i have to return and be locked in to a longer contract with my 2g iphone now.

You will see so many complaints coming at At&T. I read the memo, i dont know if thats 100% finalized.
So much BS comes out on this site that isnt true.

[LiTos]

AT&T is full of BS. I mean, because of all this mess we can't even buy a freaking iPhone. *sigh*. I still don't get your 3 days thing... i dont know but id rather buy it off a UK guy who can easily get it using pay as you go..

[dannyws6]

AT&T is full of BS. I mean, because of all this mess we can't even buy a freaking iPhone. *sigh*. I still don't get your 3 days thing... i dont know but id rather buy it off a UK guy who can easily get it using pay as you go..

Ok here is the deal on the 3 day thing. If you activate a phone throught At&t you pay a $36 activation fee. Plus you pay for your monthly service.

Now if you dont want a bill (for anything), as i didnt when i bought my Iphone. If you cancel your service with in 3 days of activating it. And havent made any calls using At&t service. They will not charge you the $36 activation fee, but after 3 days you decide you dont want the phone or service. you'll pay the $36 and what ever cost occured.

[LiTos]

yeah but how do they let you keep your phone?

[HBKDinobot]

http://gizmodo.com/5016866/iphone-3g-att-activation-details-doing-it-at-home-is-possible-but-requires-a-promise

http://gizmodo.com/5016912/ineligible-att-customers-need-to-pay-full-price-for-iphone-3g

[LiTos]

people can actually leave a retail store without activating their iPhone 3G as long as they've signed a form saying that they intend to register with a 2-year service plan within 30 days. The retail guys would then input the IMEI number of your phone into their machines, which would enter AT&T's Death Star tracking machine to allow them to know whether or not you've properly activated.

Oh great, now they're gonna be stalking us.

[ahasnaini]

if so
"people can actually leave a retail store without activating their iPhone 3G as long as they've signed a form saying that they intend to register with a 2-year service plan within 30 days. The retail guys would then input the IMEI number of your phone into their machines, which would enter AT&T's Death Star tracking machine to allow them to know whether or not you've properly activated. "

what will happen if we do not register in 30 days ??

[Brz]

if so
"people can actually leave a retail store without activating their iPhone 3G as long as they've signed a form saying that they intend to register with a 2-year service plan within 30 days. The retail guys would then input the IMEI number of your phone into their machines, which would enter AT&T's Death Star tracking machine to allow them to know whether or not you've properly activated. "

what will happen if we do not register in 30 days ??

They will add your IMEI to the "PWNED" list and you wont be able to use it.

[romenator]

if so
"people can actually leave a retail store without activating their iPhone 3G as long as they've signed a form saying that they intend to register with a 2-year service plan within 30 days. The retail guys would then input the IMEI number of your phone into their machines, which would enter AT&T's Death Star tracking machine to allow them to know whether or not you've properly activated. "

what will happen if we do not register in 30 days ??
Well. in the UK, when i bought my iphone at my local Carphonewarehouse store, i had to sign a similar form. It basically says, have to activate within 30 days, no refund for change of mind (except if you fail credit check), and what to do if you have faulty iphone.

And, so far no problems for people who purchased from carphonewarehouse in UK.

[goudok]

sorry if someone already posted this i wasnt going to look through the 13 pages of info here.. but ppl that go on a contract will be able to buy a few phones.. buy 1 go on a contract.. buy another one and tell them that u lost or broke the first one..so u end up with 2 phones 1 contract...of course nobody can unlock the 3g iphones yet.. but maybe down the road

[saurabh726]

I Though u guys find this intresting...

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9096978

[goudok]

I don't have an iPhone now, but I do have an AT&T contract. What's the deal for me? From our reading of the AT&T memo leaked to Gizmodo, it looks like you won't be eligible for the $199 price. "Upgrade eligibility will be determined based on standard upgrade eligibility rules," the memo reads. "Customers must be upgrade-eligible to receive the qualified upgrade pricing. However, not all customers will be qualified upgrades. AT&T has not determined the price of the 3G device for nonqualified upgrades."

if this is true.. this is absolutely rediculous

[hank jacobs]

PORTING TO T-MOBILE TO CANCLE IS WORKING FOR NOW FOR ME. Trying to cancle saying that you do not have a strong signal did not work for me.
HERE MY EXPERINCE.
DAY 1 Got Iphone from Apple
Day 2 Called ATT to complain about low signal (this did not go anywere, I was in the basement and put the phone into metal paint cans and still would get this thing to ring on incomming calls). The rep finally agreed that I might not get a strong signal everywhere, he said I can always return it at apple. Apple will cancel the contract as soon as they receive the returned phone…. (Day 2 did not help).
Day 3 Checked ATT account online to get password and accountnumber
Day 3 Signed up for a new t-mobile line of service online and provided password and ATT phone and account number to prepare the porting and automatic termination of the ATT contract *yehh, lets get serious
Day 7 got the Tmobile phone by mail and called them to activate it and to confirm with them that the number was ported. They rep needed to ask for the info again to port the number.
Day 8 Number ported, get „no service“ sign on Iphone (Great), and can call the T-mobile phone.
Day 9 Tried to log in on ATT website and got error message.
Day 9 Got call from ATT rep, wife answers and tells them to call my office which they did not.
Day 10 Called ATT to inquire about how to settle my bill. Billing Rep says that the account was terminated and that I will receive it until after the first months which is in 20 days. I should wait 25 days since it will arrive by mail.
Day 11 Canceled the extra line of service with t-mobile. I use and continue to use t-mobile ToGo on an old iphone. I hate 2 year contracts of any type.
Future (Not sure, Has someone done the same? What was the final bill?, Since there is no unlock in sight it might not be worth the trouble but this is a different story… )