Bought an iPhone After May 27th? Get a Free iPhone 3G.

[MacRumors]

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

We keep receiving submissions that individuals who bought an iPhone after May 27th will be able to upgrade for free (http://eastbay.bizjournals.com/eastbay/stories/2008/06/09/daily54.html?ana=yfcpc) to the iPhone 3G (and get a refund for the price difference). While this news is welcome, I've previously neglected posting this as I wasn't sure if this news will actually help anyone.

This means someone had to have bought a 1st generation iPhone about 3 weeks after it had sold out at Apple's online store, amidst all the news that the iPhone 3G was coming within weeks. We presume those people who could even find an iPhone, bought the 1st generation iPhone very intentionally. Meanwhile, those individuals who were so out-of-touch to not know the iPhone 3G was coming have little hope of seeing this news item.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/06/11/bought-an-iphone-after-may-27th-get-a-free-iphone-3g/)

[Rojo]

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

We keep receiving submissions that individuals who bought an iPhone after May 27th will be able to upgrade for free (http://eastbay.bizjournals.com/eastbay/stories/2008/06/09/daily54.html?ana=yfcpc) to the iPhone 3G. While this news is welcome, I've previously neglected posting this as I wasn't sure if this news actually will help anyone.

This means someone had to have bought a 1st generation iPhone about 3 weeks after it had sold out at Apple's online store, amidst all the news that the iPhone 3G was coming within weeks. We presume those people who could even find an iPhone, bought the 1st generation iPhone very intentionally. Meanwhile, those individuals who were so out-of-touch to not know the iPhone 3G was coming have little hope of seeing this news item.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/06/11/bought-an-iphone-after-may-27th-get-a-free-iphone-3g/)

I can see your point.

Although you never know. Someone might be out-of-touch and bought an iPhone, but then hears about the new version on the news, then tries to look up more info about it, then somehow winds up here on this site, and then discovers they can switch to get the new phone.

Ok...probably unlikely -- but even if it helps ONE person, that means it was helpful to have this news item! :D

[Mykbibby]

Haha... best post ever on MacRumors!

[atszyman]

Meanwhile, those individuals who were so out-of-touch to not know the iPhone 3G was coming have little hope of seeing this news item.

If they don't see it within 30 days of the 3G iPhone release can I get one of their unclaimed 3G iPhones for free?

[fivetoadsloth]

Ha, loved the post.

I had a problem however, which has yet to be resolved by Apple.

My phone broke on the 27th, accidental damage and the screen shattered. I considered waiting for the new phone, and seeing if I could just buy a new one I needed a phone and assumed there would be some sort of cheap upgrade policy- both bad assumptions. When the new phone was announced and I read that phones purchased after the 27th were liable for upgrade I called Apple, As, I had on the 27th payed $250 for a new phone- the price under warranty. The sales person was rather unhelpful and told me to go talk to a local AT&T store once the phone has been officially released.

[Tom Foolery]

Haha... best post ever on MacRumors!

lmao definatly best post ever

[dgouldin]

Do refurb phones qualify?

[Satori]

In the UK all 1st gen iPhone users are entitled to a free upgrade if they are on one of the higher tariffs! :D

[Cousin Dirk]

It seems the UK has quite a good deal on this one. Any iPhone owner (including myself, who bought an iPhone on its third day of release in this country) can switch to a new contract and get the subsidised iPhone 3G. Hell, many will even get the phone for free if they're on the right tariff.

With that, then, I intend to jump to the next contract up from my current one (and extra £10 a month) and get a 16GB iPhone 3G for £59, and give my girlfriend my old iPhone and have her get a Pay as you Go iPhone SIM.

[avigalante]

The icing on the cake where arn really hits his point home:


those individuals who were so out-of-touch to not know the iPhone 3G was coming have little hope of seeing this news item.


Gotta love it.

[lowbatteries]

My Mom's husband recently bought an old version iPhone, and when I heard I said "NO!! I TOLD YOU TO WAIT!". Not sure exactly when he bought it, but I just emailed him to let him know this free upgrade is out there.

[flyinmac]

So, when I get my free "upgrade", do I also get a partial refund?

After-all, they are now giving me a much cheaper phone in exchange for the one I just purchased. So, hey, where's my money???

[arn]

So, when I get my free "upgrade", do I also get a partial refund?

After-all, they are now giving me a much cheaper phone in exchange for the one I just purchased. So, hey, where's my money???

Ya, you get a refund for the price difference.

arn

[flyinmac]

Ya, you get a refund for the price difference.

arn

Really?

I must have missed that in the release notes. If that's true, then that's a pretty good arrangement.

[isimon1207]

I literally bought one the 26th

[SuperDan1348]

Haha that was funny and informative

[flyinmac]

I literally bought one the 26th

Ouch...

I'd call them and see if they'd make an exception for you. Be nice, be friendly, and make them want to help you out.

[soloduo]

what is the tax on a $70 or $75 phone plan :confused:

[flyinmac]

what is the tax on a $70 or $75 phone plan :confused:

$80

Haven't you figured out yet that tax is always more than the purchase?

That's why when I pay $5 for tags on my car, I spend $235 in taxes on said tags. Even when the car is only worth $100.

Tags are due, time to throw the car away and get another one with current tags.

[soloduo]

$80

Haven't you figured out yet that tax is always more than the purchase?

That's why when I pay $5 for tags on my car, I spend $235 in taxes on said tags. Even when the car is only worth $100.

Tags are due, time to throw the car away and get another one with current tags.

are you saying there's a $80 tax on top of the $70 a month plan so its $150 a month

[flyinmac]

are you saying there's a $80 tax on top of the $70 a month plan so its $150 a month

I have no idea...

Just commenting that usually the taxes are the major part of the expense.

Figured $80 sounded about normal.

[paeza]

I live in other country and i want to buy Iphone.
Are there any ways i can buy 3G iPhone and use in other country.

[bondsbw]

Would they have to up their contract to get the new phone?

[chaingarden]

Back it up a minute...

What is an "iPhone"?

[flyinmac]

Back it up a minute...

What is an "iPhone"?

It's a money separator. Sleek, black plastic with some colorful pictures. Show it to someone, and their wallet just pours out cash.

oooh, pretty, my precious, must have, my precious.

[the1payday]

I just got back from my AT&T store, where I purchased a 16GB iPhone. I had an 8GB iPhone up until about 2 weeks ago when I sold it on eBay preparing for the announcement on June 9th. When the day rolled around and they announced that the 3G would not be coming out until July freaking 11th....I knew I couldn't go that long without my precious iPhone. I just went to my store to purchase another one upon hearing this news of the trade in, and here (please take with a grain of salt) is what my local At&T rep said:

The iPhones purchased after May 27th DO qualify for a trade in and the customer will receive the difference in price....although there is a small catch. You WILL have to pay a restocking fee on the original iPhone.

[mixmacface]

Back it up a minute...

What is an "iPhone"?

it's a. . erm. . well, if you. . [brain explodes]

[macthetiger85]

(Picking up brain pieces), It's a paperweight.

it's a. . erm. . well, if you. . [brain explodes]

[jerryfanyang]

(Picking up brain pieces), It's a paperweight.

It WAS a paperweight that COULD be on "different" papers. But the new one will only be on one paper which keeps rolling green paper from your wallet into something you will never use.

[sellitman]

I just got back from my AT&T store, where I purchased a 16GB iPhone. I had an 8GB iPhone up until about 2 weeks ago when I sold it on eBay preparing for the announcement on June 9th. When the day rolled around and they announced that the 3G would not be coming out until July freaking 11th....I knew I couldn't go that long without my precious iPhone. I just went to my store to purchase another one upon hearing this news of the trade in, and here (please take with a grain of salt) is what my local At&T rep said:

The iPhones purchased after May 27th DO qualify for a trade in and the customer will receive the difference in price....although there is a small catch. You WILL have to pay a restocking fee on the original iPhone.

I plan on keeping my old iPhone. With the 2.0 software upgrade and the much needed search function for the address book I don't see the need to upgrade my phone. I get AT&T wireless at all airports, McDonalds, and Starbucks so I'm almost always connected fast. I own a Tom Tom so the GPS doesn't do it for me. Plus it has no voice feature. I don't get the big deal about this new iPhone. Is it just me?

[muzakmaniac75]

I plan on keeping my old iPhone. With the 2.0 software upgrade and the much needed search function for the address book I don't see the need to upgrade my phone. I get AT&T wireless at all airports, McDonalds, and Starbucks so I'm almost always connected fast. I own a Tom Tom so the GPS doesn't do it for me. Plus it has no voice feature. I don't get the big deal about this new iPhone. Is it just me?

Yep, it's just you...

[Cousin Dirk]

The iPhones purchased after May 27th DO qualify for a trade in and the customer will receive the difference in price....although there is a small catch. You WILL have to pay a restocking fee on the original iPhone.
You mean you have to give your old iPhone back if you want to get a new one?! What kind of country do you live in?

[backfromtejas]

I just got back from my AT&T store, where I purchased a 16GB iPhone. I had an 8GB iPhone up until about 2 weeks ago when I sold it on eBay preparing for the announcement on June 9th. When the day rolled around and they announced that the 3G would not be coming out until July freaking 11th....I knew I couldn't go that long without my precious iPhone. I just went to my store to purchase another one upon hearing this news of the trade in, and here (please take with a grain of salt) is what my local At&T rep said:

The iPhones purchased after May 27th DO qualify for a trade in and the customer will receive the difference in price....although there is a small catch. You WILL have to pay a restocking fee on the original iPhone.

Wait, you just walked into an AT&T store and bought an iPhone, recently?

How did you do that? They're sold out almost everywhere around me. I've been trying my hardest to find one.

[design-is]

lol, nice post for the sake of it :D

[flyinmac]

lol, nice post for the sake of it :D

And a nice one it is :p

[jimleszczynski]

Huh.. So does that mean I can now go out and buy a iPhone now! :)

Then exchange for 3G ?

I'm dying here....

Friken July 11th...

[matticus008]

I have no idea...
Just commenting that usually the taxes are the major part of the expense.
Figured $80 sounded about normal.
Have you never looked at your own cell phone bill? License plate renewals on cars are different because they assess all your vehicle taxes on that one annual statement--you're not paying taxes and fees on the registration, but on your car.

Taxes and fees on the iPhone plan come to about $10. So if you go with the $69.99 plan and of course assuming you're in the US, your monthly bill will be about $80, depending on what state you live in.
You mean you have to give your old iPhone back if you want to get a new one?! What kind of country do you live in?
Yeah, if you want to trade up to the 3G for free (well, less than free, after rebate)...you think they'd give you $200 AND a free iPhone 3G just because you bought an iPhone in the past two weeks?
<quote>Huh.. So does that mean I can now go out and buy a iPhone now! :)

Then exchange for 3G ?
Why would you want to? You'd have to find one, pay $400 plus tax (that you won't get back), then wait for the 3G, trade in, possibly pay the restocking fee and get your refund, or wait another two months for the rebate check (depending on which method they use).

Seems like a lot of hassle compared to just waiting a month.

[bytethese]

Have you never looked at your own cell phone bill? License plate renewals on cars are different because they assess all your vehicle taxes on that one annual statement--you're not paying taxes and fees on the registration, but on your car.

That actually depends on your state. Taxes are paid on a car here in NY when it is purchased. License plates here cost about $50 for 2yrs and has nothing to do with the value of your car. If you want personalized plates, it's $100 for 2yrs. :) I have hear however that some other states you pay taxes on your car and put little stickers on your plates or something. NY you put a 2yr stick on your windshield.

Taxes and fees on the iPhone plan come to about $10. So if you go with the $69.99 plan and of course assuming you're in the US, your monthly bill will be about $80, depending on what state you live in.

It's about $15 in taxes in NY. I use the $59.99 plan and my bill is usually about $75. Around $80 if I go over on text messages. :)

[Hatchet]

Any chance I can get a refund if I purchased on May 21st?

My blackberry crapped out and had no choice. Saves me $20/month with the current iphone compared to the blackberry.

:(

[LEON739]

I called AT&T customer service line to confirm this as a store near me has some 1st Gen's remaining. As you can imagine, I got two answers but neither confirmed this. I certainly wouldn't be surprised if they were both wrong as I read the linked story but it's a fairly expensive mistake to make if this ends up to be false...

[mdwsta4]

i'm wondering about the refurbs too

[flyinmac]

Have you never looked at your own cell phone bill?

No...

If I didn't want the phone in the first place, why would I care what the bill is?

I do have a cell phone now, but only my wife calls me on it. And, she's the one who got it for me.

I don't look at any bills anymore. But, the cell phone is definitely the last thing on my mind.

[DisneyDale]

I asked the AT&T guys what the new phone would have and all he said was it was just some new software that I could download with the one I was buying, and that was it!

I just called the AT&T store were I bought the iPhone and he said I had to return it in 14 days - I advised him of the articles - he puts me on hold - then comes back and said yes, I can return it BUT no one knows how long I have to return it (I'll be in Europe when the new one gets released). He also was quick to advise me that there will be new service plans as well.

I never would have bought the phone if I had known about this website - a buddy of mine just sent me a link knowing that I had just purchased an iPhone.

Also, Apple has not had a phone to purchase (in SF area) for well over a month now. When I would ask them about the new phone, all they would say they had no news of a new phone and to check back daily for any arrival for an iPhone. UGH!

[matticus008]

That actually depends on your state. Taxes are paid on a car here in NY when it is purchased.
That's [i]sales[i/] tax, and every state that has one collects it at purchase. The taxes in question there are other amounts, like the DMV computer records fund and the pothole squad or all the other little fees that add up to the price of your registration renewal. From what you're saying, it sounds like New York doesn't itemize those things--which is possible. Each state is different.
It's about $15 in taxes in NY. I use the $59.99 plan and my bill is usually about $75. Around $80 if I go over on text messages. :)
Sounds about right
No...

If I didn't want the phone in the first place, why would I care what the bill is?
So what, then, was the point of your wildly misinformed response? Someone asks a question, looking for information, and you just pull "$80 in taxes" from nowhere, justified with the plainly untrue "taxes on things are usually more than the thing itself"? How could that possibly be helpful?

[thor79]

Well up until my dad checked his receipt and found out he purchased his iPhone on the 26th...he was going to take advantage of the free upgrade offer. I came to this site to get news on the iPhone since if there was going to be a new one released...my dad promised to give me the old one or upgrade and buy me a new one. Either way I was going to get an iPhone as long as a new one was released. We had been thinking he bought it the weekend before my birthday...around June 1st...but it turns out it was the Monday before that...just before the cut off date for the upgrade offer. I'm still getting his old one though when he buys a new one on the 12th though (he'll be returning from a cruise on the 11th).

He knew about the buzz about the possibility of the Phone 3G being announced when he bought it. He needed a phone at the time though since his phone at the time could no longer be charged. He figured if a new one was going to be announced he could arrange some sort of upgrade. He needed a phone and wanted the "geekiest" phone so he went with the iPhone.

So you see...someone benefiting from another person eventually upgrading to the 3G...found this site and the news about the upgrade offer. Even if it doesn't apply to us....it still would have benefited us had he bought it a day later.

[jordans0nly]

Any chance I can get a refund if I purchased on May 21st?

My blackberry crapped out and had no choice. Saves me $20/month with the current iphone compared to the blackberry.

:(


I'm wondering the same thing, since I too, purchased an 8gb iPhone from ATT's site on the 21st as well. It's worth a try to try and get the new one for free, but highly doubt it'll work...

[Nadav]

Colbert talked about the iPhone again last night, and compared it to warm bread, nobody can hate it.

[stlbrian]

I got an iphone for xmas, and afterhaving some problems, I went to Apple on may 31st, and they swapped it out for a new one. So I fall within the may 27th window. They made me activate the new one, and gave me a receipt that shows I bought it on the 31st. Well june 14th was my return date. As soon as I saw the article about the upgrade after the 27th I called apple, this was probably the 11th or so. They told me they had no plans to offer a program like that, and it was through ATT. So I called ATT and they could not confirm that the plan was in place. SO I went to the apple store where I bought my phone, and they told me that there was nothing they could do outside the 14 day return period. So after a long conversation the sales manager agreed to return my phone with no restocking fee. So now I have my old crappy phone, an apple gift card, and july 11th circled on my calander. My thought is if you are one of the few who are in the may 27th window, and you bought it from the apple store you might be SOL, on the other hand if you got it form ATT you might be ok.

[wackymacky]

Ya, you get a refund for the price difference.

arn


So what, I cound have knowly made hundreds and hundreds of dollars by goojg around buying a few dozen 1st gen phones, knowing that Apple will give a huge load of cash to get them back!! Doesn't make sence!.

[flyinmac]

So what, I cound have knowly made hundreds and hundreds of dollars by goojg around buying a few dozen 1st gen phones, knowing that Apple will give a huge load of cash to get them back!! Doesn't make sence!.

Well, they'd still get your money. After-all, AT&T isn't going to hand over the difference in price if you never even activated them. So, they'd still get 2 years of funds out of you.

It wouldn't add up in your favor.

Basically, you'd have purchased a bunch of phones and gotten a bunch of wireless accounts you didn't need. Just to get some money back on the phone purchase? Doesn't make sense.

Now, if you're thinking you'd make money because you'd buy the phones second-hand, well that's not going to get you your refund. Only phones you purchased from Apple or AT&T during the designated time period.

So, I don't see how you'd make money on it. All you'd do is regain some of what you spent.

[chap25]

I bought my iPhone on June 29th '07, had some problems with it and Apple local store swapped it with a new phone in the second week of Jul '07. After having it for a while (11 months) the phone started making some mechanical noise while charging. I took it the store, they swapped my phone for a new iPhone (This was in the last week of June).

Do you think they might consider giving me an upgrade if I go back to the store. I do feel guity of thinking about doing this.

[umgolfer]

I would say no. I've had the same issues, even buying it at $600 on release day. I'm on my 3rd iPhone due to problems with them (major ones, not minor ones). I even bought the AppleCare. They said they would not give me a 3G one, and I really wouldn't expect them to. Hopefully this iPhone will be a keeper.

[matticus008]

Do you think they might consider giving me an upgrade if I go back to the store. I do feel guity of thinking about doing this.
Of course not.

Even if your phone breaks again and is still under warranty, you're just going to get a refurb replacement.

[maestro55]

That is a really good arrangement and very sweet of Apple to do this. Too bad I bought my iPhone in September of 2007 :P