iPhone Subsidies, Production Ramp Up?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

USA Today provides (http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2008-06-08-apple-iphone_N.htm) some additional confirmation to the rumors that the next generation iPhone will benefit from carrier subsidies. According to the newspaper, the new iPhone will start at $199:The price also will rock: $199, according to people with knowledge of the matter, down from the current $399 and $499. Sources declined to be cited by name or affiliation because Apple and AT&T haven't authorized anybody to speak publicly about pricing until after Monday's announcement. The $199 price is being subsidized, though USA TODAY could not confirm details.Rumors of a $200 rebate first emerged in April (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/04/29/atandt-to-provide-200-subsidy-on-3g-iphone/) alongside claims of GPS and a thinner design. Similar claims were again echoed (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/06/02/3g-thinner-better-battery-rumors-and-more/) just last week.

Meanwhile Barrons has heard (http://online.barrons.com/article/SB121279308452953373.html?mod=googlenews_barrons) that the Foxxconn, Apple's iPhone manufacturer, has only shipped "several thousand" of the new iPhone and don't expect to ramp production up until the middle of the month. This would suggest an actual launch date closer to the reported (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/05/05/atandt-blocking-out-june-15-july-15-for-iphone-launch/) AT&T blockout dates (June 15-July 15th).

Apple is widely expected to announce the 3G iPhone at today's WWDC keynote speech which begins at 10am Pacific. We will be providing live coverage at MacRumorsLive.com (http://www.macrumorslive.com).

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/06/09/iphone-subsidies-production-ramp-up/)

[Eidorian]

I just bought a new car but I do have a cell phone/GPS lined up for my next purchase. Lets see what the iPhone can cover without crippling my budget.

[edesignuk]

Subsidies will make the iPhone. The iPhone was a big PR hit, the 2nd gen iPhone with 3G and at a [potentially] significantly lower cost could really boost market share hugely.

Let's hope the hardware isn't plagued with any stupid quality control problems.

[Eidorian]

Subsidies will make the iPhone. The iPhone was a big PR hit, the 2nd gen iPhone with 3G and at a [potentially] significantly lower costs could really boost market share hugely.

Let's hope the hardware isn't plagued with any stupid quality control problems.Hopefully the current iPhone users won't mind us (me) plebeians having them as well. :rolleyes:

[junkmailbonzai]

The iPhone is going to take over if it is really that cheap! I can't wait! :D:D:D:D

[psychofreak]

I really hope they still allow activation-at-home, because otherwise I'm going to end up getting a 2nd hand first generation iPhone.

[callmemike20]

I really hope they still allow activation-at-home, because otherwise I'm going to end up getting a 2nd hand first generation iPhone.

I'm sure they will considering they will be sold at the apple store. Apple employees would have to go through phone activation training and would have to know how to give credit checks.

[w00143881]

just give me my phone already...

[inkswamp]

Subsidies will make the iPhone. The iPhone was a big PR hit, the 2nd gen iPhone with 3G and at a [potentially] significantly lower cost could really boost market share hugely.

I agree. I know everyone likes to complain about Steve Ballmer's snarky comments about the iPhone prior to its launch but he was right about the cost. It would be great if Apple figured out some arrangement where the iPhone could be made a little more affordable. Not everyone out there is looking to spend that much on a phone, and no matter how great the hardware/software is, it's a hard sell when most phones out there are practically freebies with the right service plan.

Let's hope the hardware isn't plagued with any stupid quality control problems.

Ha! When has Apple ever had a problem with--?

Oh wait, I'll be back. My iBook is on fire again. :rolleyes:

[Dammit Cubs]

Go 199 iphone!!!! Woot Woot.


Go Dammit cubs for having the first post. WOOT WOOT!!!!!!!!!

[edesignuk]

I agree. I know everyone likes to complain about Steve Ballmer's snarky comments about the iPhone prior to its launch but he was right about the cost. It would be great if Apple figured out some arrangement where the iPhone could be made a little more affordable. Not everyone out there is looking to spend that much on a phone, and no matter how great the hardware/software is, it's a hard sell when most phones out there are practically freebies with the right service plan.Now that they will have money coming in from every app sold through the app store, they can afford to lose a little in exclusivity deals. It's in their interest for the hardware to be widespread in order for software sales to boom. Just like XBOX360/PS3, it's not even so much about profits on hardware, it's about long term gain through software/services. For that to happen you need the user base though.
Ha! When has Apple ever had a problem with...? Oh wait, I'll be back. My iBook is on fire again. :rolleyes:haha, exactly!

[j763]

I really hope they've organised sufficient supply... something makes me think that they haven't, and the report from Barron's is not encouraging either.

This seems timely: the lady who tried to buy tens of thousands of dollars worth of iPhones last year (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYBFY98lWcU) - very funny, for those of you who haven't seen it.

[Pointer]

http://blogs.computerworld.com/wwdc_2008_predictions

more predictions

Hardly predictions, I could have written that myself!

[Eric Cartmac]

They will have enough. They know this is going to break all records at $199. And I predict it will not be available right away. Let Monday get free PR all over the world, and let a frenzy build up until everyone is waiting in line drooling. AT&T memo said no vacation on certain days, THOSE are the days it will be available IMO. 15th right?

4am, can't sleep... must try.... too excited...

[bsimmons7]

I really hope they still allow activation-at-home, because otherwise I'm going to end up getting a 2nd hand first generation iPhone.

it won't be possible if they're selling a 400 dollar phone for 199 and hoping they activate. Activating the phones at the store would also boost sales many Sales employees don't want to sell the iPhone because they don't trust that they will get the commission for the sales
Normal people who buy the iPhone have trouble activating the phone on itunes

I work for AT&T and I personally know I would have sold many more iPhones if the device was comparably priced to blackberry and windows mobile phones

[ziggyonice]

I wonder how this would affect selling at the Apple Store (retail). Could I purchase at the store for $199? Or would I have to pay for the phone in full, and get a credit?

I hope it would just be $199, and then if you did not sign up for the two-year agreement during activation at home, they'd charge you at your computer for the additional cost of the phone.

[edesignuk]

it won't be possible if they're selling a 400 dollar phone for 199 and hoping they activate. Activating the phones at the store would also boost sales many Sales employees don't want to sell the iPhone because they don't trust that they will get the commission for the sales
Normal people who buy the iPhone have trouble activating the phone on itunes

I work for AT&T and I personally know I would have sold many more iPhones if the device was comparably priced to blackberry and windows mobile phonesThey could rebate a certain amount to the card the phone was purchased on upon activation.

[nintyuser]

Ah please let there be a tablet mac.

It's possible. I want the iphone but still 7 inch screen of pure mac os x would be awsome plus I would give up my mbp if the 7 inch tablet holds it's own. :)

But 199 iphone and i'm sold. I think it's possible since traditionally ipods always come down in price so will the iphone.

[antielectrons]

problem is, cheaper phone = exorbitant monthly fees

[iZac]

So... you think £169 in the UK like the O2 promotion last month?

[pamon]

just sold my original 16GB one for 540 on sunday. guess i can place the order tomorrow for the new one.. sweet

[gianly1985]

I really hope they still allow activation-at-home, because otherwise I'm going to end up getting a 2nd hand first generation iPhone.

I hope that too.......
But I would call it NON-actvivation-at-home :D

[entropys]

I don't know why Barron's interpret later in the month as 'delayed'.

It is pretty clear that in Australia the launch date will be 19 June (18th in the USA). The first Apple store in the southern hemisphere will open at 5.00 pm on the 19th June, and it will be a flagship store, of similar size to Boston and apparently with a unique interior design feature ( a suspended glass dropbear perhaps???). Steve Jobs is also rumoured to be there.

I can't imagine that an event of that magnitude will not include the OZ launch of the iphone at the same time.

[Dammit Cubs]

give it up on the stupid "Itablet" or mactablet...

its not going to happen for another 2 years.

[powermac_daddy]

i think you guys should check out these kinda new regarding Apple in China.

http://www.chinatechnews.com/2006/06/25/3874-foxconn-admits-breaking-labor-laws-in-china/

before you buy their product.

I am a mac user for years. so, i know i am part of these "paying very little to the workers" community. The rich stays rich, who is serving the rich? the poor.

but.. anyway. good Foxconn China.

Good luck buying an iPhone in the morning.

[poppe]

No... I need it to be announced and shipping tomorrow. I was going to wait outside for it and everything...

[powermac_daddy]

No... I need it to be announced and shipping tomorrow. I was going to wait outside for it and everything...

wait outside for a phone? dude... get a life. i'll take it as a joke. wait outside to get a phone... did u go to college?

[t0mat0]

So this is Apple being predicted to be having on sale a product that isn't announced later than predicted from the previous rumours, that didn't take into account the newer rumors of delays that could affect when Apple would be anticipated to ship, but seemingly taken into account by Apple, in the true or untrue rumor of staff leave at AT&T stores?

The power of keeping schtum! (That and mysterious boxes, in boxes in locked safes...) I guess we await to see how Hon Hai, and Infineon have affected Apple's plans.

[suzerain]

I'm going out on a limb, but I think that the subsidized iPhones thing could mean that there will be full-price unlocked iPhones.

I say this because iPhone is expanding into territory where phones *have* to be unlocked, either by law, or in order to compete (Belgium, for example).

I live in China where virtually all phones are unlocked, and Apple will be opening two Apple Stores in Beijing in time for the Olympics. Are they going to not sell iPhones there? I highly doubt it, which means that they will have to be unlocked; otherwise they couldn't compete in this market.

I suppose they can't do it in the USA yet because of the exclusive with AT&T, but maybe in the rest of the world we'll just be able to buy an iPhone at full price and use it anywhere.

[ebrunn]

as long as current iPhone owners like myself dont get screwed

[edesignuk]

as long as current iPhone owners like myself dont get screwedWell you've already bought and paid for yours, so what do you want?

[gianly1985]

Well you've already bought and paid for yours, so what do you want?

DON'T YOU KNOW? U.S.A.-people demand rebates on an item for the rest of the life of the brand. If in 2015 Iphone 7 will get a rebate, the Iphone 1 users will still ask for a rebate because they acquired this right buying the first iphone.

[Willis]

I cant believe how excited I am now.

I'm a little gutted though. the Keynote starts at 6pm, and the Italy V Netherlands at 7:45... I'm meant to be in the pub with a friend for 8pm! I will miss the end! noooooo.

Ah well, I will end up watching the keynote anyway :o

[gianly1985]

and the Italy V Netherlands at 7:45...



Forza Italia!! :D



But ***** the match, I'm more interested in the keynote :)

[TheBeagle]

Hopefully the current iPhone users won't mind us (me) plebeians having them as well. :rolleyes:

Ha ha, they seem to think everyone and their unborn child having an iPod is cool, why not an iPhone?

wait outside for a phone? dude... get a life. i'll take it as a joke. wait outside to get a phone... did u go to college?

I seem to recall a few lines gathering before the first iPhone shipped. It's an Apple product, it gets the buzz. I'm sure there are some college educations there. Except for that guy first in line at the 5th Ave NYC store. I saw him first hand. Wasn't pretty, he had been there about a week I think...

as long as current iPhone owners like myself dont get screwed

Wow, you're dumb. Get over yourself.

[franzmueller]

That are great NEWS !!!! .... I was going to get an JB 16 GB for 600 Euros in Spain .... I´ll guess I was right waiting some months .

Can´t wait to throw my Razr into the waste basket .:D

Saludos

[rols]

I'm going out on a limb, but I think that the subsidized iPhones thing could mean that there will be full-price unlocked iPhones.

I say this because iPhone is expanding into territory where phones *have* to be unlocked, either by law, or in order to compete (Belgium, for example).

I live in China where virtually all phones are unlocked, and Apple will be opening two Apple Stores in Beijing in time for the Olympics. Are they going to not sell iPhones there? I highly doubt it, which means that they will have to be unlocked; otherwise they couldn't compete in this market.

I suppose they can't do it in the USA yet because of the exclusive with AT&T, but maybe in the rest of the world we'll just be able to buy an iPhone at full price and use it anywhere.

well that's what I've been hoping too; similar to you I'm in Singapore, there's no such thing as a locked phone, you can buy them full price if you want (or lose one) or you can get it from the telco who'll discount it if you sign up for a number of years.

The fact however that apple's been announcing partnerships with new telcos around the world rather suggests that, even if they have given up the revenue sharing model, they're still going to be carrier locked, which means waiting yet longer until they get here officially, I really don't want a cracked phone.

[Project]

Full priced unlocked phones with a $200 rebate on sign up to the contract to AT&T would be perfect.

I know you all saw the new rebate site for the back to school promo? That could be used to make the experience seamless and quick.

[Michael CM1]

it won't be possible if they're selling a 400 dollar phone for 199 and hoping they activate. Activating the phones at the store would also boost sales many Sales employees don't want to sell the iPhone because they don't trust that they will get the commission for the sales
Normal people who buy the iPhone have trouble activating the phone on itunes

I work for AT&T and I personally know I would have sold many more iPhones if the device was comparably priced to blackberry and windows mobile phones

I don't doubt that last part one bit. Although most of us on here would pay the extra $300 or whatever for an iPhone, there are people who for some reason think like "I just need a phone with e-mail." These are often the same people that buy a $400 laptop and call 30 tech support places weekly.

I will say a if there's a 16GB model at $199 and 32GB model at $299, I'm on that like $#@% on velcro when I can get the discount in a few months. I can probably find someone to sell this first-gen phone to for $100 and then end up with a 32GB 3G iPhone for a total of $450, which is about what I was hoping to spend in the first place. :)

[AlphaAnt]

I wonder how much of this is them reporting on a rumor on this site or a site similar and then this site reporting it as a new rumor.

[ScubaDuc]

I wonder how much of this is them reporting on a rumor on this site or a site similar and then this site reporting it as a new rumor.

Highly likely.. :rolleyes:

But I've got a trip booked to :apple: NY for the 25th so I hope at least the launch date is correct :D

Beside, the US Peso is so low right now that 400 bucks are like 250 euros ;) I personally rather save money on the plan and forgo the subsidy.... :D

[diamond.g]

Well you've already bought and paid for yours, so what do you want?

To be able to get all the same features that the new phone would have (sans 3G and GPS) since it is likely the existing hardware can do pretty much everything else. In other words to not have to upgrade to get things like the rumored MMS and other fixes. Especially since everyone and their cousin was touting how the iPhone would be (is) software upgradable unlike every other phone.

Sadly I fully expect Apple to get (me at least) us to upgrade just for like one or two features that probably could be put on the V1 product.

[backdraft]

Will current iPhone users be able to upgrade their current one to the 3g version? Perhaps a $50 fee?

[UnseenLlama]

Will current iPhone users be able to upgrade their current one to the 3g version? Perhaps a $50 fee?

I highly doubt there will be an upgrade program, at least here in the States. Over in the Europe, it seems the iPhone wasn't selling so well, so it might be a possibility there.

As for the "delay", my guess is that Jobs will announce the new iPhone today, and it will be available for purchase on 6/16 from the AT&T store. There is some part of me that hopes the Apple stores will be get first dibs. Then I can go there after work today and purchase one.

[jacobreynolds]

Hi, my first post lol

Just saw in today's Times (UK) that they are also mentioning both the announcement, and subsidisation of, a 3G and GPS enabled iphone.

They say this in a tone that is indicative of certainty.

Thats my bit for adding to the rumour mill

I sure hope they do subsidise it in the UK (non- subsidisation is one of the reasons it didn't fare too well out here) and move away from the useless 02.

here's to hoping that it gets released pronto as well :)

[tgildred]

My local news is reporting the subsidy as a matter of fact. In fact, they are just calling it a "price drop." That's good journalism, huh?

[BongoBanger]

A subsidised iPhone will sell a lot better in the UK, however the carriers will demand activation as they - not Apple - will be doing the subsidising. I guess that it'll be in the form of a cash back or voucher on activation - they get your bank details (for monthly DDM payments) and credit your account with the rebate, for example. Not sure how this affects Apple store sales - they might offer unlocked and unsubsidised units.

If we're talking $199 in the US then we're probably talking £149 in the UK which would make it extremely competitive. Of course, all this still depends on the feature set of the new model - most people won't cough up £149 for a feature poor phone.

[Scarpad]

As much as I'd like one at that price point I will wait a bit for

1. To see if there are any hardware issues, the screen problem on the touch has taught me that.

2. What are the prices of the Plan? What will it cost me monthly for two years.

So I'll sit back and wait a bit and maybe pick one up later in the summer.

[FightTheFuture]

well add subsidies to the upset list. i hope i'm wrong, but GPS and a $199 price point may be the two rumors that will upset the fan base if they aren't announced today.

why would Apple lower the price of the iPhone if they are adding features? its very uncharacteristic for Apple to have a product on the market that costs less than a competing product. the iPod Classic still costs more than competing mp3 players (not counting the zune). but like i said, i hope i'm wrong and i don't have to spend my entire $500 gift certificate on the 2nd Gen iPhone ;)

[MrAverage]

Hi, my first post lol

Just saw in today's Times (UK) that they are also mentioning both the announcement, and subsidisation of, a 3G and GPS enabled iphone.

They say this in a tone that is indicative of certainty.

Thats my bit for adding to the rumour mill

I sure hope they do subsidise it in the UK (non- subsidisation is one of the reasons it didn't fare too well out here) and move away from the useless 02.

here's to hoping that it gets released pronto as well :)

Link to UK Times Online Article: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/article4092594.ece

"Apple and O2 declined to comment." so still just speculation. I would be very happy with a "free" iPhone on an 18 month contract. Although I could be tempted to an unlocked one if the price is right...

[edesignuk]

why would Apple lower the price of the iPhone if they are adding features? its very uncharacteristic for Apple to have a product on the market that costs less than a competing product. the iPod Classic still costs more than competing mp3 players (not counting the zune). but like i said, i hope i'm wrong and i don't have to spend my entire $500 gift certificate on the 2nd Gen iPhone ;)Apple wouldn't necessarily be subsidising it, they would be allowing the carriers to as they already do with all their other handsets.

[28monkeys]

199$ 3G iphone would be attractively cheap.:apple:

Coz switching cost is appeared lower..won't upset the existing iphone users then. At least i think Apple is ethical.

[UnseenLlama]

Apple wouldn't necessarily be subsidising it, they would be allowing the carriers to as they already do with all their other handsets.

Exactly. Which would play nice into the whole buy at an Apple store today theory. If you want to pay full price (and not update your contract), buy from Apple. If you want the subsidy, go to the AT&T (or other carrier) store and buy one.

[MrAverage]

...its very uncharacteristic for Apple to have a product on the market that costs less than a competing product.

Is there really a competing product? There are some "wanna-be's" and then you have the BlackBerry and Windows products...but are they really competitors?

[BongoBanger]

Is there really a competing product? There are some "wanna-be's" and then you have the BlackBerry and Windows products...but are they really competitors?

Well since iPhone v1.0 took a beating at the hands of Nokia, LG and SE in Europe I would say so.

[peterdevries]

Considering the amount of jailbroken phones, I hope Apple has smelled the business potential for unlocked phones. It would be great if they would offer you the option of a subsidised plan in combination with a good carrier, or an unlocked non-subsidised phone bought directly from the apple store.

There is however the difficulty that some features (e.g. visual voicemail, push email) may not be supported by your preferred carrier. I guess this would work in favor of the subsidised version..

I for one would welcome the unlocked phone, as I would be able to use my work mobile account with the iPhone.

Since there hasn't been an announcement in The Netherlands, I guess the subsidised version is out of the question for the next few months anyway :mad:

[barabics]

My assumption is, the subsidized iPhone will be the nano version. I have a feeling the non-nano version (what would it be called, classic?) will be the pricier phone as it will have all the bells and whistles that the previous and nano version don't have. It's just a matter of what those amenities will be.

[DaBrain]

problem is, cheaper phone = exorbitant monthly fees

That would be the show stopper for me. I will not commit to paying $60 to $100 a month ($720 to $1,200 yearly) for ANY phone, but for those that need it IM sure they will be quite happy. :)

[Jowl]

So... you think £169 in the UK like the O2 promotion last month?

I do...if we're taking $200 subsidies in the US, I reckon they'd knock £100 off here.

Hope the monthly package stays the same (or less!!)

[amac4me]

What's this iPhone thing :confused:

On a more serious note, the tidbit of not having ramped up production yet seems strange so I have to question it. People have been expecting this phone for a while now and it hasn't been available at the online Apple store for about a month. Stretching it out even further would have me scratching my head.

[peterdevries]

My assumption is, the subsidized iPhone will be the nano version. I have a feeling the non-nano version (what would it be called, classic?) will be the pricier phone as it will have all the bells and whistles that the previous and nano version don't have. It's just a matter of what those amenities will be.

Does not convince me. The carriers want to sell high priced contracts and they would include possible high-end phones too, as these will generate more data traffic and hence more revenue.

I would go for a cheaper 3G version without GPS though. I can live without geotagging, and I know may way around in the car :p

[mtrctyjoe]

US Store still UP. UK too.... :rolleyes:

[twoodcc]

dang, and i was hoping for a launch today or tomorrow

[GeekLawyer]

US Store still UP. UK too.... :rolleyes:

The Stores will be up until just about the moment that Steve takes the stage. (If history is a guide...)

[Shasterball]

Finally, we'll see what this baby can actually do.

[Peace]

Excuse me but if they are just starting to ramp up production what was in all those mysterious container ships?

[Eddyisgreat]

I commend some of you on your iHopes, but do you really think Apple is going to sell a BRAND NEW UNLOCKED 16/32GB IPHONE NIB (lol sample ebay auction title) but seriously,

do you all think apple is going to sell unlocked iPhones?

The rumors, if true, hint logically at making the REV.2 (there is no such thing as a 3g iphone) available for customers who have purchased their models through ATT and wish to upgrade without extending their contract-for the full price.

I can guarentee that in the states, Apple has not, can not, and is not going to support t-mobile or any other Sim based carrier for a few reasons:

*Exclusive ATT Agreement (which has been discussed on this board) which is clearly noted on ATT's website in the iPhone section
*Exclusive Features
*And if nothing else- t-mobiles 3g network is A)In its Infancy (as in , non existent, only available in what, new york?) and B) technically inoperable (different frequency from ATT's 3g bands).

Once again, Apple will not have the genius bar filled with* teenyboppers and corporate goons (not the cool corporate guys) who are tweaked because they can't video conference with their friends on t-mo's network.

Now, did I say its not going to be unlocked? No! No one knows that for sure.

What i DO know for sure is that given everything i've just mentioned, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for one's user experience to be enjoyable whilist on the t-mobile network, therefore it would be unreasonable and downright ludicris for apple to "support" additional carriers here in the US.

*an additional amount

[Willis]

Forza Italia!! :D



But ***** the match, I'm more interested in the keynote :)

Forza Italia indeed! Half Italian here.. looking for another cup win!

Link to UK Times Online Article: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/article4092594.ece

"Apple and O2 declined to comment." so still just speculation. I would be very happy with a "free" iPhone on an 18 month contract. Although I could be tempted to an unlocked one if the price is right...

Seeing the details there, 350K isn't many phones at all. Start to understand why some networks were unsure. However, is that 350K on contract or including jailbreaks?

[franz1999]

LOL! I can't believe it... they already show images and spill the beans on the price... $199

[ivladster]

it won't be possible if they're selling a 400 dollar phone for 199 and hoping they activate. Activating the phones at the store would also boost sales many Sales employees don't want to sell the iPhone because they don't trust that they will get the commission for the sales
Normal people who buy the iPhone have trouble activating the phone on itunes

I work for AT&T and I personally know I would have sold many more iPhones if the device was comparably priced to blackberry and windows mobile phones

Apple employees don't work on commission.

[backdraft]

I highly doubt there will be an upgrade program, at least here in the States. Over in the Europe, it seems the iPhone wasn't selling so well, so it might be a possibility there.

Well I wouldn't mind if I had to extend my contract say another 6 months to 1 year if they offered an upgrade.

[mati0000]

I dont know if someone post it yet:

http://web-mobile.net/

It apears that someone open one of the boxes,...

[GeekLawyer]

I dont know if someone post it yet:

http://web-mobile.net/

It apears that someone open one of the boxes,...

Tres le fake. ;)

[bigmc6000]

I dont know if someone post it yet:

http://web-mobile.net/

It appears that someone open one of the boxes,...

Oh Lord I hope it's not that color scheme - PLEASE. Actually, seeing as how I'm trying to save money go ahead and make it ugly - that would actually give me a reason not to buy and save up for a new laptop (still running on my 12" PB)! :)

[mati0000]

Tres le fake. ;)

OK thx.

[peterdevries]

I can guarentee that in the states, Apple has not, can not, and is not going to support t-mobile or any other Sim based carrier for a few reasons:

*Exclusive ATT Agreement (which has been discussed on this board) which is clearly noted on ATT's website in the iPhone section

I guess Apple has been so smart as to confine their contract with ATT to the current iPhone version, so they would have to renegotiate when a new version with (dramatically) different specs would be introduced.

*Exclusive Features

*And if nothing else- t-mobiles 3g network is A)In its Infancy (as in , non existent, only available in what, new york?) and B) technically inoperable (different frequency from ATT's 3g bands).

They could sell the unlocked and unsibsidised phone with the condition that some features may not work due to carrier exlcusive features such as visual voicemail etc.. It would be up to the customer to choose the carrier but ATT would still be the best option featurewise.

You are all thinking too US centric. There are other countries too, where 3G is quite well established and available. In some countries there may be no contracts with carriers at all and they would only sell unlocked phones.

[marksman]

it won't be possible if they're selling a 400 dollar phone for 199 and hoping they activate. Activating the phones at the store would also boost sales many Sales employees don't want to sell the iPhone because they don't trust that they will get the commission for the sales
Normal people who buy the iPhone have trouble activating the phone on itunes

I work for AT&T and I personally know I would have sold many more iPhones if the device was comparably priced to blackberry and windows mobile phones

Pretty sure the article explained Apple Stores would sell the phone for $399 and when you activated it you would get a $200 credit on your bill.

Clearly they have thought this through.

[Willis]

LOL! I can't believe it... they already show images and spill the beans on the price... $199

post a link, i havent found anything

[peterdevries]

Tres le fake. ;)

they are saying fake on engadget, however the mirrored back they are talking about is the reflection of the plastic box. The guys at engadget do not knwo everything (nor do I), but this one doesn't look to me like a photoshopped picture. And I wouldn't worry too much about the colors, since the colors are darkened in the picture anyway and this grey might be something else entirely. It all depends on the lighting.

[bigmc6000]

I guess Apple has been so smart as to confine their contract with ATT to the current iPhone version, so they would have to renegotiate when a new version with (dramatically) different specs would be introduced.



They could sell the unlocked and unsibsidised phone with the condition that some features may not work due to carrier exlcusive features such as visual voicemail etc.. It would be up to the customer to choose the carrier but ATT would still be the best option featurewise.

You are all thinking too US centric. There are other countries too, where 3G is quite well established and available. In some countries there may be no contracts with carriers at all and they would only sell unlocked phones.

Considering all his comments were about the US I don't think they are too US centric at all. Now if you're talking about Europe and you keep talking about the US then yes, obviously you're too US centric.

I think with all the news and how Apple has inked deals with multiple carrier in a single country (Italy for example) it's quite clear that he was ONLY talking about the US. And on those points he's right - Tmobile won't get the phone any time soon and Sprint and Verizon are still operating on CDMA so they'll never get it (Thank God, I can only imagine how Verizon would cripple the living hell out of the poor thing).

[Donz0r]

I dont know if someone post it yet:

http://web-mobile.net/

It apears that someone open one of the boxes,...

Proven fake already, in one of the front-angle pictures you can see the silver back and black plastic part at the bottom of the back.

[GeekLawyer]

they are saying fake on engadget, however the mirrored back they are talking about is the reflection of the plastic box. The guys at engadget do not knwo everything (nor do I), but this one doesn't look to me like a photoshopped picture. And I wouldn't worry too much about the colors, since the colors are darkened in the picture anyway and this grey might be something else entirely. It all depends on the lighting.

The Gizmodo guys are saying the front-facing camera hole seems to be of variable size. I have no personal information... so.

[Eddyisgreat]

I guess Apple has been so smart as to confine their contract with ATT to the current iPhone version, so they would have to renegotiate when a new version with (dramatically) different specs would be introduced.



They could sell the unlocked and unsibsidised phone with the condition that some features may not work due to carrier exlcusive features such as visual voicemail etc.. It would be up to the customer to choose the carrier but ATT would still be the best option featurewise.

You are all thinking too US centric. There are other countries too, where 3G is quite well established and available. In some countries there may be no contracts with carriers at all and they would only sell unlocked phones.

That would work perfectly in a world where people knew the technical differences between t-mobile and att, for instance (like I said, I was commenting on the US only). Laws and everything are different outside of the US and completely beyond my scope, so I don't even comment on those.

But anyway, ATT isn't going to have a huge iPhone push, because they won't need one. People will flock to the device-as they have before-to either be the first on their block to get one, or to use some of the advanced features.

Allowing these individuals to go home knowing that they will be unable to utilize these advanced functions would be suicide on Apple's part, because they will end up with a snap load of returns.

People who purchase unlocked iPhones through e-bay and other means almost always know the risks involved with such a transaction, and their research usually leads them to ebay anyway.

Like I said, I highly doubt apple will openly and willingly sell unlocked iPhones to the American public.

Jailbroken? Maybe. This will only allow individuals to use it as an iPod-or-use their pre-existing att sim (but of course we already knew that). I see this as a perfectly viable opportunity for apple to make a few more bucks on the deal.

BTW, t-mobile has relationships with HTC and such that are (what i would consider) upscale if not exclusive, and I would hate to see the results of them breaking up that relationship (who is getting the touch? I'm not sure).

But Unlocked? No.

[Martin C]

LOL! I can't believe it... they already show images and spill the beans on the price... $199
Do you have a link?

[Donz0r]

they are saying fake on engadget, however the mirrored back they are talking about is the reflection of the plastic box. The guys at engadget do not knwo everything (nor do I), but this one doesn't look to me like a photoshopped picture. And I wouldn't worry too much about the colors, since the colors are darkened in the picture anyway and this grey might be something else entirely. It all depends on the lighting.



There's more pictures of the same thing at a different website, and you can clearly tell it's fake, appears they forgot to leave the black skin on the back of it when they took some pics from the front.

[elppa]

most people won't cough up £149 for a feature poor phone.

But they will they for the best mobile platform on the market. I guess this is Apple's bet. Let's wait and see. Too early to write it off just yet though.

[MacinDoc]

The AT&T vacation blackout dates are a bit odd, starting on a Sunday. Otherwise, a launch on Friday the 13th would be so very Apple, not to mention just in time for Father's day (hint, hint ;) ).

[Penguinwrangler]

I still have my fingers crossed for a launch today.


And yes, I do smoke crack, thank you very much! ;)

[swarmster]

Subsidies are great, don't get me wrong, but it won't win over as many people as it would if they lowered the minimum plan below $60/month. I'd get one in a second if they left the price at $400 but allowed me to get the plan down to $45/month or less.

I pay about $30/month with Sprint for voice and data, through a special offer and a discount through my employer. I can't even get my employer's discount (we also have one with AT&T) on the iPhone because Apple and AT&T have it locked up so tight. Any rumours about that changing?

As much as I'm dying to have one, it's really hard to justify paying twice as much every month, no matter what the phone itself costs.

[DaBrain]

Excuse me but if they are just starting to ramp up production what was in all those mysterious container ships?

Yeah I was wondering the same thing! ;)

[peterdevries]

There's more pictures of the same thing at a different website, and you can clearly tell it's fake, appears they forgot to leave the black skin on the back of it when they took some pics from the front.

That's what I was referring to (sorry if I wasn't clear). They are saying that from the front the mirrored back is visible, but that is not true. What they are seeing is a reflection of the plastic contraption that the iPhone is suspended in in the box.

http://www.engadget.com/page/2/

[BongoBanger]

But they will they for the best mobile platform on the market. I guess this is Apple's bet. Let's wait and see. Too early to write it off just yet though.

Well, yes, that was rather the point.

[SwiftLives]

The potential subsidy makes sense as a way to discourage buyers from using it on "non-approved" networks.

[DaBrain]

The AT&T vacation blackout dates are a bit odd, starting on a Sunday. Otherwise, a launch on Friday the 13th would be so very Apple, not to mention just in time for Father's day (hint, hint ;) ).

Hmmm! Friday the 13th? Now that's spooky! :eek:

[GeekLawyer]

Hmmm! Friday the 13th? Now that's spooky! :eek:

It's spooky how adept Apple has become at separating me from my money. :cool: :apple:

[Enuratique]

Subsidies are great, don't get me wrong, but it won't win over as many people as it would if they lowered the minimum plan below $60/month. I'd get one in a second if they left the price at $400 but allowed me to get the plan down to $45/month or less.

I pay about $30/month with Sprint for voice and data, through a special offer and a discount through my employer. I can't even get my employer's discount (we also have one with AT&T) on the iPhone because Apple and AT&T have it locked up so tight. Any rumours about that changing?

As much as I'm dying to have one, it's really hard to justify paying twice as much every month, no matter what the phone itself costs.

You know, you have a good point. My current plan with AT&T is $40 but after bullshiat fees and taxes, it comes out to about $52 a month. I think the reason AT&T was willing to go against industry convention with Apple (no subsidies, "generous" revenue sharing) was because they realized that the iPhone was the first device to really make surfing the web on your phone usable. And data plans are where they make their bread and butter so I wouldn't expect to see any drop in data plan pricing unfortunately. I think it would take some real competition from the likes of Verizon or T-Mobile to lower rates but I think they are happy with their cabal of charging heinous rates.

[Donz0r]

That's what I was referring to (sorry if I wasn't clear). They are saying that from the front the mirrored back is visible, but that is not true. What they are seeing is a reflection of the plastic contraption that the iPhone is suspended in in the box.

http://www.engadget.com/page/2/

We're looking at different things, same picture. Look closer in than the shiny part, you can see the 80%aluminum 20%black plastic back that's on current iPhones, it's not shiny at all.

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/6762/89497500jr4.jpg

[Lepton]

Apple simply can't start selling an under-wraps product like this on the day they announce it. To do that, they would have to ship the product in advance, and no matter what they did, it would leak. So the earliest they could start to sell is in a couple of days, i.e. they ship the stuff out starting today.

[cal6n]

Proven fake already, in one of the front-angle pictures you can see the silver back and black plastic part at the bottom of the back.

There's more pictures of the same thing at a different website, and you can clearly tell it's fake, appears they forgot to leave the black skin on the back of it when they took some pics from the front.

Looks real to me. A few more hours and you guys'll be eating 'umble pie!

[g8bo]

Oh Lord I hope it's not that color scheme - PLEASE. Actually, seeing as how I'm trying to save money go ahead and make it ugly - that would actually give me a reason not to buy and save up for a new laptop (still running on my 12" PB)! :)

according to their page, they will release a video in about 45 minutes...

but it could be just scam to attract some visitors (=money via ads on their page)..

[tgildred]

My cell phone mysteriously vanished over the weekend. Coincidence? Or does my subconscious mind really want an iPhone?

[dam0dred]

I bet these subsidies won't hit Canada.

I have a feeling Rogers is going to be taking a lot of my money in the coming months. :(

[Peace]

Stores are going down kids.

[eme jota ce]

Assuming the comments in the rumor mill are correct that (1) new iPhones announced today but (2) not available immediately, what the best way to order one (without standing in line) and get earliest delivery and activation?

Apple site? AT&T site?

[Hawk.]

I've been stumbling through life with a partially broken blackberry for the past 4 months with the anticipation of the iPhone release. This only being able to use my phone on speaker mode is not something I can bear for much longer and therefore have to make sure I'm among the thousands who will get 1st shot at the initial supply.

Looking for pointers on how to ensure this. The 1st thing that should be done is schedule a genius bar appointment ahead of time? For 2morro morning? Can I cancel this if there's no release yet?

Anyone have experience/pointers?

[Penguinwrangler]

"Apple simply can't start selling an under-wraps product like this on the day they announce it. To do that, they would have to ship the product in advance, and no matter what they did, it would leak. So the earliest they could start to sell is in a couple of days, i.e. they ship the stuff out starting today."


They've done this before. Maybe not on this scale, but it's certainly doable, at least here in the United States. Confidential, timed shipments are not that hard. It's just a big shell game. I'm not saying I think they have here, I just think it's more than possible.

[eqinespecter]

can someone pls clarify? I bought a 16GB iphone (thru ATT) when this upgrade was first announced some months ago. If ATT &/or :apple: is/are providing a $200 subsidy, will I be eligible if I keep this phone or do I need to purchase a new 3G iphone? And what might happen if I simply want to keep the old 16GB phone for myself and buy a new 3G phone for wife? Would there be two "subsidies"???

"immaculate irrelevance"

[Donz0r]

Looks real to me. A few more hours and you guys'll be eating 'umble pie!
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/6762/89497500jr4.jpg

Clearly Fake, thank god.

OOOOMMMGGGG only 2.5 more hours, i can't take it!

[Diode]

If the ramp-up rumors are true then something was changed at the last minute.

[stagi]

That would be sweet, I could buy 2 iPHones for what I sold my 1st gen for :)

[g8bo]

If the ramp-up rumors are true then something was changed at the last minute.

they added a GPS-module because there were so many rumors about it on our forum! ;) :rolleyes::D

[bigmc6000]

can someone pls clarify? I bought a 16GB iphone (thru ATT) when this upgrade was first announced some months ago. If ATT &/or :apple: is/are providing a $200 subsidy, will I be eligible if I keep this phone or do I need to purchase a new 3G iphone? And what might happen if I simply want to keep the old 16GB phone for myself and buy a new 3G phone for wife? Would there be two "subsidies"???

"immaculate irrelevance"

You won't get any subsidies for the iPhone you already purchased. The subsidies aren't coming from Apple - they are simply allowing AT&T and others to subsidize the phone to stay on par with the rest of the market (with 2 year agreement of course). So - for the new phone you'll probably get the $200. Also, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say Apple is going to work with AT&T on this one and allow all current iPhone owners to get the subsidy if they agree to extend their contract by another 2 years. If they do that I might well buy one, if not I probably won't as that extra $200 is a bit much considering I have a perfectly good iPhone right now...

[GeekLawyer]

Stores are going down kids.

Well, there goes my "closer to 10AM PDT" theory.

[Quillz]

Is there really a competing product? There are some "wanna-be's" and then you have the BlackBerry and Windows products...but are they really competitors?Both the BlackBerry and various Windows Mobile smartphones are all competitors. Some are better, some are worse, but most are on par with the iPhone.

Of course, I don't expect most people to agree with me on that statement, but do remember that not everyone likes multi-touch, because some still prefer tactile feedback.

[Quillz]

But they will they for the best mobile platform on the market. I guess this is Apple's bet. Let's wait and see. Too early to write it off just yet though.
Who says it's the best mobile platform on the market? You? Apple? People won't pay money for the iPhone because they don't want one. As I stated, some people do not like touch screen input, and prefer the tactile feedback that physical buttons give you.

[eqinespecter]

You won't get any subsidies for the iPhone you already purchased. The subsidies aren't coming from Apple - they are simply allowing AT&T and others to subsidize the phone to stay on par with the rest of the market (with 2 year agreement of course). So - for the new phone you'll probably get the $200. Also, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say Apple is going to work with AT&T on this one and allow all current iPhone owners to get the subsidy if they agree to extend their contract by another 2 years. If they do that I might well buy one, if not I probably won't as that extra $200 is a bit much considering I have a perfectly good iPhone right now...

sounds reasonable. :) While you are out on that limb....if :apple:/ATT work on giving current iPhone owners the subsidy (w/ contract extension), I wonder what would happen if I try to buy a new iPhone on the 'family' plan? :confused:

[thaitillidie]

There is no way on God's green-but-ozone-depleted earth Apple will allow a device packed with that much technology to be sold at price that cheap. It just can't happen. It goes against everything Apple represents. So if true -- unless this is heralding a new age in how they conduct their business -- there's gotta be a catch somewhere.

Give me the precedent. Show me where a move like this has been made by ANY business (much less Apple!) where it has introduced technology on this level so cheaply? There isn't one! I'm not falling for this cherade, man, I just won't...not until I hear it with my own ears. This simply can't happen.

There are people out there who can't even spell the word I-p-h-o-n-e -- much less who deserve one or know how to use one and take advantage of all it has to offer -- that will now be able to buy one and own one: dope dealers, prostitutes, rappers, teenage vampire slayers...the list just goes on and on!!

And I know for a fact Apple doesn't want the likes of those people walking around with a iPhone crampin' their well-earned good image and reputation!!

This...can...not...be...happening!!! Apple has something up their sleeve. A trick. I can guarantee it.

[drb6]

bummer for me, i switched to AT&T in anticipation of the iPhone about 2 months ago :( but if they have GPS and 32gig, it will be worth every penny of the full price to me. But I might still wait a month or so to see if there are any hardware issues

[amie]

How likely do we think it is that AT&T will extend the subsidy to current iPhone users in exchange for them extending their contract by two years? If they do that, my last amount of willpower will be gone and I will for sure buy the new one. If not, I'm having a hard time justifying it (but will probably figure out how by the time it's in stores :).

[bigmc6000]

sounds reasonable. :) While you are out on that limb....if :apple:/ATT work on giving current iPhone owners the subsidy (w/ contract extension), I wonder what would happen if I try to buy a new iPhone on the 'family' plan? :confused:

From everything I've seen the Family Plan issue is only about the monthly charge. The cost of the phone won't go up or do. However the # that's tied to that phone has to stay with AT&T for at least 2 years (if you change plans you owe them another 2 years, unless they've changed that recently).

So - my guess is - buy a new 3G iPhone and AT&T will give you the subsidy. Pricing for the monthly plan will, more than likely, go up by $5 a month for the 3G access (if you want it). I mean, if Apple is going to allow subsidies the carriers are going to make sure they get their money back out of the deal. I'm more than willing to plunk down an extra $5 a month for 3G access compared to EDGE - it kills me when trying to load some stuff and I'd love to have access to the iTunes store when not in a hot spot.

[bigmc6000]

How likely do we think it is that AT&T will extend the subsidy to current iPhone users in exchange for them extending their contract by two years? If they do that, my last amount of willpower will be gone and I will for sure buy the new one. If not, I'm having a hard time justifying it (but will probably figure out how by the time it's in stores :).

I'm exactly where you are on that one. I'd imagine that Apple will convince them to do it since AT&T will, I'm guessing on this one, charge $25 a month for unlimited 3G vs $20 for unlimited EDGE. That and Apple wants you to get the new one because you'll be able to use iTunes and the App Store wherever you want and that'll get Apple some more money...

[swarmster]

There is no way on God's green-but-ozone-depleted earth Apple will allow a device packed with that much technology to be sold at price that cheap. It just can't happen. It goes against everything Apple represents. So if true -- unless this is heralding a new age in how they conduct their business -- there's gotta be a catch somewhere.



Apple is still getting the full $400. Phone subsidies come from the carriers, so AT&T is giving the $200 you save to Apple themselves, since they make a killing on the monthly plans. AT&T gets more people on their monthly-robbery plans (which for the iPhone are immune to all forms of discounts), and Apple doesn't have to discount anything.

Besides, given the rumoured revenue sharing going on between AT&T and Apple with regard to the monthly plans, Apple makes far more than the $400 retail price off of every purchase.

[fishdoc]

i think you guys should check out these kinda new regarding Apple in China.

http://www.chinatechnews.com/2006/06/25/3874-foxconn-admits-breaking-labor-laws-in-china/

before you buy their product.

I am a mac user for years. so, i know i am part of these "paying very little to the workers" community. The rich stays rich, who is serving the rich? the poor.

but.. anyway. good Foxconn China.

Good luck buying an iPhone in the morning.

Well, also check out the date (2005) on that article, and note there was a LOT of press about Apple's response afterwards, which you did not link.

Fish

[Arran]

Stores are going down kids.
Isn't that a bit early? *Lots* to update, hopefully?

[eqinespecter]

I'm exactly where you are on that one. I'd imagine that Apple will convince them to do it since AT&T will, I'm guessing on this one, charge $25 a month for unlimited 3G vs $20 for unlimited EDGE. That and Apple wants you to get the new one because you'll be able to use iTunes and the App Store wherever you want and that'll get Apple some more money...

excuse my denseness! Are you both suggesting that ATT MIGHT offer a $200 subsidy for current iPhone owners if the owners extend their contract another 2 years (but keeping their current iPhones)?

Buying a new 3G iPhone w/ subsidy is then another matter altogether.

"immaculate irrelevance"

[Hawk.]

http://images.apple.com/r/store/backsoon/title_backsoon1.gif

[swarmster]

Here's a thought:

There were rumours recently about the iPhone's new firmware mentioning multiple operating bands, right? Could Apple be allowing AT&T to subsidize the iPhone because Apple's going to be selling an unlocked version out of their own stores?

That would be ideal for me, anyway. Pay full price for the iPhone, but still use my cheap Sprint plan.

[bigmc6000]

excuse my denseness! Are you both suggesting that ATT MIGHT offer a $200 subsidy for current iPhone owners if the owners extend their contract another 2 years (but keeping their current iPhones)?

Buying a new 3G iPhone w/ subsidy is then another matter altogether.

"immaculate irrelevance"

Noooo - I mean if you own a current iPhone and you upgrade to the 3G they'll still give you the $200 off. No way they are going to do anything for those that want to keep their iPhone 1.0.

[bigmc6000]

Here's a thought:

There were rumours recently about the iPhone's new firmware mentioning multiple operating bands, right? Could Apple be allowing AT&T to subsidize the iPhone because Apple's going to be selling an unlocked version out of their own stores?

That would be ideal for me, anyway. Pay full price for the iPhone, but still use my cheap Sprint plan.

Sprint (and Verizon) don't use GSM so it wouldn't work with those anyway. Only thing it'll work with (here in the States) is TMobile.

[swarmster]

Sprint (and Verizon) don't use GSM so it wouldn't work with those anyway. Only thing it'll work with (here in the States) is TMobile.

Yes but are we sure the new phone's going to be GSM-only? They're throwing in a GPS antenna, right, so what's one more? (I'm sure that's a vast and ignorant over-simplification.) Are there any phones that do that?

[bigmc6000]

Yes but are we sure the new phone's going to be GSM-only? They're throwing in a GPS antenna, right, so what's one more? (I'm sure that's a vast and ignorant over-simplification.) Are there any phones that do that?

I know of no phone that just throws an extra chip in there "just in case" and all of Apple's other partners (someone correct me if I'm wrong on this one) are GSM only. CDMA is mainly a US thing as the rest of the world almost exclusively goes with GSM. Asking Foxconn or whoever to make two different chip sets just isn't feasible. And, come on, you know Apple better than that - you think they'd put ANYTHING in there that might not be used? ;)

[MacinDoc]

Yes but are we sure the new phone's going to be GSM-only? They're throwing in a GPS antenna, right, so what's one more? (I'm sure that's a vast and ignorant over-simplification.) Are there any phones that do that?
I agree with bigmc, it will be GSM-only.

It Apple sells enough of them, in a few years, when the exclusivity contract with AT&T expires, Apple may make both a GSM model and a CDMA model, but there will be no model that does both.

[Riemann Zeta]

I know that I will be at least tempted to upgrade. I just wish that they had left out the GPS tracking module. I don't have much desire to waste my battery just so Google can know exactly where I am 24 hours a day. I assume it will be easy to deactivate via software, though.

[bigmc6000]

I know that I will be at least tempted to upgrade. I just wish that they had left out the GPS tracking module. I don't have much desire to waste my battery just so Google can know exactly where I am 24 hours a day. I assume it will be easy to deactivate via software, though.

I'd imagine - if Apple is smart - they'll be an option that says "Enable GPS when Maps is opened" yes/no. That would leave it off until you open Maps - also, I'd like to see an auto-3G enabling feature like others were talking about where when opening YouTube, Safari, and Mail it automatically turns on 3G. Now THAT would be smart :)

[Quillz]

I know that I will be at least tempted to upgrade. I just wish that they had left out the GPS tracking module. I don't have much desire to waste my battery just so Google can know exactly where I am 24 hours a day. I assume it will be easy to deactivate via software, though.
GPS hasn't been confirmed. For all we know, the iPhone may not even be released today.

[Plutonius]

Subsidies are great, don't get me wrong, but it won't win over as many people as it would if they lowered the minimum plan below $60/month. I'd get one in a second if they left the price at $400 but allowed me to get the plan down to $45/month or less.

I pay about $30/month with Sprint for voice and data, through a special offer and a discount through my employer. I can't even get my employer's discount (we also have one with AT&T) on the iPhone because Apple and AT&T have it locked up so tight. Any rumours about that changing?

As much as I'm dying to have one, it's really hard to justify paying twice as much every month, no matter what the phone itself costs.

With subsidies -> You pay less for the iPhone but get higher monthly prices.
Without subsidies -> You pay more for the iPhone but get lower monthly prices.

In the end, you probably end up paying close to the same with subsidies and without subsidies.

For those that want subsidies and lower monthly cost, perhaps you should consider something other than an iPhone.

[bigmc6000]

With subsidies -> You pay less for the iPhone but get higher monthly prices.
Without subsidies -> You pay more for the iPhone but get lower monthly prices.

In the end, you probably end up paying close to the same with subsidies and without subsidies.

For those that want subsidies and lower monthly cost, perhaps you should consider something other than an iPhone.

I don't really agree with that logic. It only applies if you weren't going to upgrade your phone/plan in the first place.

If you have an older phone, turn it in, get a brand new one for free and keep the exact same plan how does that = higher monthly charges?

It's all about if you were going to upgrade anyway. Also, we didn't get some magical discount on the monthly fees since we paid full price for the iPhone.

[swarmster]

With subsidies -> You pay less for the iPhone but get higher monthly prices.
Without subsidies -> You pay more for the iPhone but get lower monthly prices.

In the end, you probably end up paying close to the same with subsidies and without subsidies.

For those that want subsidies and lower monthly cost, perhaps you should consider something other than an iPhone.


Okay, assuming I buy a new phone every two years (the only way subsidies can even be "applied" to monthly rate), $200 over two years is a "discount" of about $8/month. And you're paying "full price" for the phone.

Forget about dropping the actual monthly rate. If AT&T just made the iPhone plan a standard plan that is subject to all of the usual promotions and employer-based discounts, I would save far more than $8/month.

It's as bad as all the carriers charging a bonus $40/month for the privilege of using a Blackberry branded phone. The price of the phone isn't the problem.

[radiogod69]

http://images.apple.com/r/store/backsoon/title_backsoon1.gif

Yup that was the first thing I checked before going to macrumors wwdc coverage, any body else feeling giddy?

[harveypooka]

i think you guys should check out these kinda new regarding Apple in China.

http://www.chinatechnews.com/2006/06/25/3874-foxconn-admits-breaking-labor-laws-in-china/

before you buy their product.

I am a mac user for years. so, i know i am part of these "paying very little to the workers" community. The rich stays rich, who is serving the rich? the poor.

but.. anyway. good Foxconn China.

Good luck buying an iPhone in the morning.

I agree mate. Think before you buy.

These luxury items come at expensive of slavery.

[womoma]

http://www.macrumorslive.com/

****ING FAIL