Apple Confirms 8am Retail Launch of iPhone 3G

[MacRumors]

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


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/07/07/184345-retail.png

Despite some mixed signals (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/07/iphone-3g-store-displays-demo-units-apple-retail-launch/) at their retail meeting last night, Apple has now updated their retail website at http://www.apple.com/retail, indicating that the iPhone 3G will be launched at 8 a.m. at Apple Retail stores on July 11th.

AT&T had previously announced an 8 a.m. launch time for the iPhone 3G launch, but we had not had official word from Apple. 8 a.m. is earlier than either of the retail shops typically open.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/07/apple-confirms-8am-retail-launch-of-iphone-3g/)

[stownsend3]

Can't wait for friday!

[ijohnw]

This is totally awesome! I cannot wait....

gotta get my sleeping bags packed!

[j.dunning]

Good To Hear!

[LVdustin]

omg...yyyyessss!! yyesss!!! omg, cant wait!

[eatmoreramen]

*deleted*

[Zwhaler]

Crap, I don't think I will be able to make it at 8am. I hope they don't run out of 16GB ones :(

[Astro8973]

but when will we be able to download the 2.0 firmware? I hope i dont have to wait until 8 am on friday.

[PoitNarf]

Just about 85 hours to go on the east coast :D

[ndriver182]

So I guess this means overnight waiting on Thursday? Ugh.

[ijohnw]

So I guess this means overnight waiting on Thursday? Ugh.

I think that is my plan now...party in front of apple thursday night! anyone else?

[danvdr]

Are there any Apple Store employees over 25 y.o.?

[sam10685]

It's sad when I find out what time I'm opening on Friday from MacRumors before I find out from my Apple Store haha

It's also sad when you're an Apple employee posting on this site when you're not supposed to.

[sixth]

just give us the damn firmware already..god...

[Di9it8]

It's sad when I find out what time I'm opening on Friday from MacRumors before I find out from my Apple Store haha
Isn't that the reason MacRumors exists!!:D

[Surely]

but when will we be able to download the 2.0 firmware? I hope i dont have to wait until 8 am on friday.

It would be great if it was available after midnight on Thursday, but 8am Friday morning is fine too.

The firmware and the App Store- that's what I'm looking forward to.


It's also sad when you're an Apple employee posting on this site when you're not supposed to.

Harsh.

[abz786]

so what time would this be for Canadians say in Alberta
Mountain Standard Time ????

[joeshell383]

So I guess this means overnight waiting on Thursday? Ugh.

There would be overnight waiting even if it launched at 6 PM. This is better, so the overnight waiters can leave at 8 AM instead of 6 PM. And I am not a waiter.

[Macmaniac]

Let the battle begin!

[nickspohn]

It's also sad when you're an Apple employee posting on this site when you're not supposed to.

Wooosh!

[SAMTATSICPRO]

I'm gonna get drunk for a bit... then go wait in line buzzed... LOL then work and play with the iphone.... :)

[speedbumpnv]

Any word on @home activation for existing iphone users (similar to the O2 policy)?
I need to know if I can buy and dash so I wont be too late to work.

[davemac00]

Midnight THursday rather, 00.01am Fri...

And absolutely hideous prices & plan charges by Vodafone NZ, truly awful

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/blog.asp?postid=5329

[whyamihere]

::sigh:: this is great and all, but still waiting to see if it even matters to those of us porting over from another carrier. i have t-mobile (contract just ended last month) and i have yet to see a definite statement that the apple store employees will have the ability/know how to port over new customers to ATT.

[macnerd77]

It's also sad when you're an Apple employee posting on this site when you're not supposed to.

I feel the same way man. I was an applecare rep in elk grove call center. and i always snuck on to this web site
:-)
:apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple:

[berkleeboy210]

I'll be coming home from Vacation Thursday afternoon. Good thing I get in reasonably early (4PM east coast) so I can sleep a little before heading out to the line.

This should be a yearly tradition!

[CptBob]

If i will be a new ATT customer can I go to an Apple Store to buy and activate? Or would it be better to go to an ATT Store?? Thanks everyone!

-Rob

[theotherrogue]

Sweet, I'll be there at 7:59am. :)

[deannnnn]

I'm going out of town this weekend so I'm going to get the new iPhone on Monday when I come home. I guess that officially makes me a non-Apple fanboy. lol =)

[Dalien]

ok probally a silly question... about year or more ago i had bad credit and they was asking for something like $500 deposit... my credit histroy better now... but how is this done at Apple store if you need to place deposit and they dont accept cash transaction... I put everything on Credit Card?

[mac6666b]

With prices like that am sure people in that country min wage is way better than the one in the US. like $20.00 an hour cool.. the day i will pay $85 for 120mins.. is when i become the next steve Job

[davemac00]

With prices like that am sure people in that country min wage is way better than the one in the US. like $20.00 an hour cool.. the day i will pay $85 for 120mins.. is when i become the next steve Job


Hahaha, min wage in NZ is $10.50 about US$8 soo not even close

[Zubin]

What about Canadian stores?

[MrCrowbar]

I'm going out of town this weekend so I'm going to get the new iPhone on Monday when I come home. I guess that officially makes me a non-Apple fanboy. lol =)

Yes. Please leave this forum. :p

Naw, you can stay. :D
I'm still mighty happy with my 1G iPhone. If only the headset (earbuds with the mic) weren't built to last exactly 3 months... Does anyone know where I can buy replacement earbuds in bulk? Had my iPod nano (2G) earbuds replaced 3 time within warranty. Anyone know if I have warranty on the headset if bought standalone?

[BklynKid]

Oh boy I'm all giddy, I cannot wait!

[naroola]

so what time would this be for Canadians say in Alberta
Mountain Standard Time ????

It's 8AM local time. Just because they are launching the iPhone 3G at 8AM in NY doesn't mean it would be launched at 6AM mountain time in Alberta.

[island]

Are there any Apple Store employees over 25 y.o.?

Yeah, just not cool enough to be on the website I guess. ;P

[mm1250]

I dont' see what the big excitement is all about. The new 3G isn't all that better besides faster internet and GPS. I'm sticking with my version1 iPhone for another 2 months than will buy a lightly used 3G for $99 on ebay or something.

[tbobmccoy]

Wait a second.... family talk members MUST by 2 iPhones? What if I only want 1 and have another one as a normal phone? WTF? This can't be right.

[Dimwhit]

Wait a second.... family talk members MUST by 2 iPhones? What if I only want 1 and have another one as a normal phone? WTF? This can't be right.

I was just about to post the same thing. Almost word for word. I wonder what this is supposed to mean. AT&T told me a while ago that I could have one iPhone and one non-iPhone on my family talk plan. :confused:

[Greg McBride]

omg...yyyyessss!! yyesss!!! omg, cant wait!

Wow, I've seen excitement on this forum before. But, this may officially be the first iGasm that I have seen.

[meagain]

I dont' see what the big excitement is all about. The new 3G isn't all that better besides faster internet and GPS. I'm sticking with my version1 iPhone for another 2 months than will buy a lightly used 3G for $99 on ebay or something.

And more hours on battery life. Better sound.

[Iron Chef]

Wait a second.... family talk members MUST by 2 iPhones? What if I only want 1 and have another one as a normal phone? WTF? This can't be right.

Same question is on my mind. I am on an at&t family plan that has a total of 4 non-iphones and 1 iphone. I am planning on upgrading my iphone to 3G and sell my original phone. Does this mean I can't be on my family plan unless we have at least 2 iphones?

I cant believe how many variables AT&T and Apple are adding. Its really ridiculous how complicated they are making this.

[iRebecca27]

Are there any Apple Store employees over 25 y.o.?

yes, but they are all in the genius bar

[UnseenLlama]

I was just about to post the same thing. Almost word for word. I wonder what this is supposed to mean. AT&T told me a while ago that I could have one iPhone and one non-iPhone on my family talk plan. :confused:

MacRumors didn't copy the entire sentence from AppleInsider:

"Customers subscribing to a new AT&T FamilyTalk plan will need to purchase at least two iPhone 3Gs with the plan, unless a first-generation iPhone is already owned by one of the family members that will be using the plan. In that case, the new phone is sold and activated and the old iPhone is ported over to the new plan."

Actually, everything I've read about the ATT store says only one per person. I was planning on buying 2, one for the wife and one for myself as we already have the FamilyTalk plan. If I upgrade to the family talk plan, I would gladly pay for two iPhones.

[Clix Pix]

<whine> 8:00 in the frickin' MORNING????????!!!!!!!!!

OK, so last year I was cool with things. I could deal with a 6:00 PM launch.

Maybe I'll just skip this 3G launch and go buy my new iPhone whenever I get up and propel myself over to the Apple store some time during the day.....

[Iron Chef]

MacRumors didn't copy the entire sentence from AppleInsider:

"Customers subscribing to a new AT&T FamilyTalk plan will need to purchase at least two iPhone 3Gs with the plan, unless a first-generation iPhone is already owned by one of the family members that will be using the plan. In that case, the new phone is sold and activated and the old iPhone is ported over to the new plan."

Actually, everything I've read about the ATT store says only one per person. I was planning on buying 2, one for the wife and one for myself as we already have the FamilyTalk plan. If I upgrade to the family talk plan, I would gladly pay for two iPhones.

Looks like I won't be upgrading to a 3G then. I'm the only iPhone user on my family plan. ********.

[UnseenLlama]

Looks like I won't be upgrading to a 3G then. I'm the only iPhone user on my family plan. ********.

If you look though, it says "subscribing to a new FamilyTalk plan". I would think that if you have an existing FamilyTalk plan, you would simply by the new iPhone and add the $10 a month for data. I think the statement is referring the particular iPhone FamilyTalk plan. Confused yet? :D

[Jheff!]

- FamilyTalk plan buyers must purchase at least 2 iPhones, or have an existing iPhone to be used in the plan.

This is only if you are buying a new family plan for the first time. We already have a family plan so it doesn't apply, right?

[qbcall11]

I think they are talking about "NEW" Family Talk subscribers, not current ones

[UnseenLlama]

- FamilyTalk plan buyers must purchase at least 2 iPhones, or have an existing iPhone to be used in the plan.

This is only if you are buying a new family plan for the first time. We already have a family plan so it doesn't apply, right?

That's how I read it.

[ThomasG33K]

I think it is ridiculous if people stand in line days before the announcement. Sure its cool but not to fall on your knees and worship cool. If i could afford to get an iPhone 3G, id get up at like 4 am, go to most isolated store and wait.

[Jheff!]

That's how I read it.

Sorry, I didn't see your previous post expanding on that.

[rlmccormick]

I was just about to post the same thing. Almost word for word. I wonder what this is supposed to mean. AT&T told me a while ago that I could have one iPhone and one non-iPhone on my family talk plan. :confused:

I currently have a family plan with my iPhone and two non-iPhones on the plan. I can't imagine ATT requiring that all family members have the same phone.

[Xtremehkr]

Tomorrow is Tuesday, it would be fitting to release Mobile Me tomorrow, hint hint hint.

It should come out at least a couple days before the new iPhone shouldn't it?

[rlmccormick]

If you look though, it says "subscribing to a new FamilyTalk plan". I would think that if you have an existing FamilyTalk plan, you would simply by the new iPhone and add the $10 a month for data. I think the statement is referring the particular iPhone FamilyTalk plan. Confused yet? :D

I imagine confusion stems from the fact that the ATT announcement gave a price for a FamilyTalk plan where all family members have only an iPhone but no specifics about FamilyTalk with one iPhone and some combination of others. I don't believe that ATT is implying that all new FamilyTalk plans must be iPhone only.

A year ago I recall being confused about Family plans with the iPhone. Back before the launch ATT/Apple posted plan pricing for the iPhone alone but it wasn't clear what it would cost if you had a FamilyTalk plan and you simply wanted to add the iPhone. It of course turned out that the additional was simply $20/month but that wasn't evident from the material given prior to launch time.

I think all this confusion will subside by Friday. Well, most of it anyway ;)

[O and A]

Wait so I can't sign up for a family plan unless i purchase 2 iphones???

Thats ridiculous. All i want is 1 iPhone and 1 normal phone on my plan. Would I be better off going to an at&t store?

[SirOmega]

I imagine confusion stems from the fact that the ATT announcement gave a price for a FamilyTalk plan where all family members have only an iPhone but no specifics about FamilyTalk with one iPhone and some combination of others. I don't believe that ATT is implying that all new FamilyTalk plans must be iPhone only.

I agree. I was confused when they posted those plans, as the plan included 2 iPhone lines ($30/mo data each + $70 voice plan).

**** like this will make the lines run slow. Between confusion and all the variables that go into a cell phone contract, I have a feeling it will be rough. I might just sit this revision out. Maybe I'll wait for the 32GB 3G iPhone next spring when the new 128Gbit flash chips are released...

[happydude]

I feel the same way man. I was an applecare rep in elk grove call center. and i always snuck on to this web site
:-)
:apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple: :apple:

yeah, i used to be a mac specialist at the michigan ave store and posted more than a few times. good thing the steve wasn't looking over my shoulder . . . though it definitely is true how they keep almost everyone in the dark. we didn't know about the intel change over (officially, obviously macrumors, etc. had it pinned down ahead of time) until the day it was announced in the keynote. apple has one serious secrecy shroud built!

[extraextra]

"FamilyTalk plan buyers must purchase at least 2 iPhones, or have an existing iPhone to be used in the plan."

Huh, what does this mean? What if I have 3 phones (existing AT&T customer) and I just want to upgrade my phone to an iPhone?

Edit: nevermind, went back through the thread and read more details!

[naroola]

I believe that Apple and AT&T are opening shop at 8AM instead of 6PM because deep down they know Friday is going to be messy. :D

[mathewr]

If you look though, it says "subscribing to a new FamilyTalk plan". I would think that if you have an existing FamilyTalk plan, you would simply by the new iPhone and add the $10 a month for data. I think the statement is referring the particular iPhone FamilyTalk plan. Confused yet? :D

so confused

[nachotaco]

You guys aren't looking at the source of this message...

It is coming from Apple not AT&T

If you are a new customer and want to sign up for a family plan at an APPLE store then you must buy a second iPhone 3G...

I am pretty sure APPLE stores won't have anything other than iPhone 3G's to sell to new AT&T customers...

:D

P.S. I just now joined MacRumors to make this post...

[technosexual]

It's also sad when you're an Apple employee posting on this site when you're not supposed to.

Have a spare copy of the employee handbook, do we?

[breese2001]

For some reason, I'm getting the impression that you are, indeed, required to have 2 iPhones on a FamilyTalk plan with the iPhone 3G.

Is anyone else a little hesitant about this?

:mad:

[SirOmega]

If you are a new customer and want to sign up for a family plan at an APPLE store then you must buy a second iPhone 3G...

I am pretty sure APPLE stores won't have anything other than iPhone 3G's to sell to new AT&T customers...

Great observation.

Hmmm. Yea, the community should have caught that one before. I feel stupid.

What Apple is saying, in other words, is don't bring in some random GSM phone (unless its an iPhone) to activate along side your new iPhone3G on a family plan. Apple doesn't have the tools to activate a non-iPhone phone.

[addipar23]

Now that it's "official", I wonder where the best place to buy would be if I'm not the account holder. I am an authorized user as per AT&T's standards, but would the Apple store have access to that kind of info? I just piggy backed on my mom's account so I wouldn't have to open a new account. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Zubin]

Does anyone know if Rogers is allowing a family plan for 2 or more iPhones? If so, would the plan share minutes and, possibly, data?

[pcturnedmac]

I'm hearing more rumors about a 32 gig iPhone, possibly in the next 6 months. Anyone else know about this? I was set on getting an iPhone this Friday, but when I heard this, my heart sank as I felt like I was falling to another ploy to Steve.

[t0mat0]

No joy for the UK yet:
http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/ ...
Anyone heard as to whether this is a U.S. only time?

Because i'd bet, if there are spaces free, it'd be darn useful to book a presonal shopping appointment - http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/personalshopping/ - It's free, and basically, they give you a personal shopper experience - would be great to do if you know when you're available!

[pugnut]

Now that it's "official", I wonder where the best place to buy would be if I'm not the account holder. I am an authorized user as per AT&T's standards, but would the Apple store have access to that kind of info? I just piggy backed on my mom's account so I wouldn't have to open a new account. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I would head to the ATT store.

[addipar23]

I would head to the ATT store.

That's kind of what I figured. Thanks for your advice. Have fun on Friday!

[gugy]

This is what I am confused:

"FamilyTalk plan buyers must purchase at least 2 iPhones, or have an existing iPhone to be used in the plan."

I am getting a family plan with one iPhone 3G and one regular phone for my wife. According to this statement, I can only get a family plan if I buy 2 iPhones? That does not make any sense.

[caitlin]

Still haven't found anywhere information about an Edge iPhone and a 3G iPhone in the same plan.

How are they going to work that out? Surely I'm not the only one in the situation.

[gcmexico]

who thinks they will sell out...shzit I can't be there at 8:00 am!!!

[Kwill]

I'm going out of town this weekend so I'm going to get the new iPhone on Monday when I come home. I guess that officially makes me a non-Apple fanboy. lol =)

Then again, you could purchase an iPhone while out of town as a souvenir of your trip. ;)

[SirOmega]

I'm hearing more rumors about a 32 gig iPhone, possibly in the next 6 months. Anyone else know about this? I was set on getting an iPhone this Friday, but when I heard this, my heart sank as I felt like I was falling to another ploy to Steve.

Next 6 mo? No.

Its been said before, the internals of the iPhone (and iPod touch) limit the number of flash memory chips that can be placed on the board. From what everyone says (I've never cracked open my iPhone to verify) there are 2 areas for the chips to be installed on the iPhone. Right now, the largest flash memory chips (not cards, chips), are 64Gbit, or 8GB. Samsung and Intel are expecting to ship their first 128Gbit (16GB) flash memory chips next spring (2009). Its then when Apple could use those chips in the iPhone and Touch to provide for 32GB iPhones and 64GB iPod Touches.

Now the problem with buying a 3G iPhone now is that when the 32GB iPhones come out, you'll have to pay the "early upgrade" price, probably $599. I'm not too eager to pay $300 now (minus whatever I can sell my current iPhone for) and then another $600 later (minus whatever I sell my 16GB iPhone3G for at that time). Even if I managed to get $200 for my current iPhone and $300 for the 16GB iPhone3G next spring, I'm still $400 out of pocket. In one year. Plus there is a chance of whatever the 2009 edition iPhone will have that I might want to upgrade to.

[Sekots]

I don't think this has been asked before but what if the Apple store that I go to is in a mall, then does it still open at 8 even though the mall isn't open yet?

[jbernie]

- FamilyTalk plan buyers must purchase at least 2 iPhones, or have an existing iPhone to be used in the plan.

Sweet, that saves me over $400. No iPhone for me unless I get the itch to buy one without a contract and I don't see that happening. Will wait till I move countries in about 2 years and look at getting one then.

[rickdollar]

::sigh:: this is great and all, but still waiting to see if it even matters to those of us porting over from another carrier. i have t-mobile (contract just ended last month) and i have yet to see a definite statement that the apple store employees will have the ability/know how to port over new customers to ATT.

I'm floating in the same lost ship as you. I can't imagine Apple employees being able to port numbers. But you never know. We better find out by Friday.

[SirOmega]

I don't think this has been asked before but what if the Apple store that I go to is in a mall, then does it still open at 8 even though the mall isn't open yet?

Probably yes. Most malls open early (times may vary) for "mall walkers", typically old people who want to walk around in an enclosed environment. I'd call your Apple store and ask to confirm the time, then call the mall management company and ask what time they open the doors for mall walkers, and then if they have plans for Friday because of Apple. Then ask if they kick people off the property before a certain time. ;)

One problem I see with this is that if a mall has multiple entrances, multiple lines may form overnight (if security allows them to), which would lead to angry line sitters when it came time to form one line at the Apple store.

I'm floating in the same lost ship as you. I can't imagine Apple employees being able to port numbers. But you never know. We better find out by Friday.
The iTunes based activation ported numbers last time. And they're supposedly using iTunes 7.7 to activate the phones in store, so Apple staff and AT&T staff should have the same capabilities. Now whether or not they have the same skills... I'd give the edge to Apple (they always seem to be trained better).

[extraextra]

This is what I am confused:

"FamilyTalk plan buyers must purchase at least 2 iPhones, or have an existing iPhone to be used in the plan."

I am getting a family plan with one iPhone 3G and one regular phone for my wife. According to this statement, I can only get a family plan if I buy 2 iPhones? That does not make any sense.

Yeah I was confused too but this post makes sense:

You guys aren't looking at the source of this message...

It is coming from Apple not AT&T

If you are a new customer and want to sign up for a family plan at an APPLE store then you must buy a second iPhone 3G...

I am pretty sure APPLE stores won't have anything other than iPhone 3G's to sell to new AT&T customers...

:D

.

[cliffrouse11bas]

It seems to me that most of the ATT Workers are far less knowledgeable than Apple Employees.

[twoodcc]

again, i'm surprised by this. but it's probably better to do it at 8am than at 6pm

[gugy]

Yeah I was confused too but this post makes sense:

Thanks,
Now I guess it makes sense.

What a relief! :eek::D

[retroneo]

Wow this is cool.

It's the first time an Apple product has been available in 20 other countries first - and then the USA last!

It will be cool for the people in the US though, they will get 27 hours of rolling launches leading up to their launch to build the excitement!

[Sekots]

Probably yes. Most malls open early (times may vary) for "mall walkers", typically old people who want to walk around in an enclosed environment. I'd call your Apple store and ask to confirm the time, then call the mall management company and ask what time they open the doors for mall walkers, and then if they have plans for Friday because of Apple. Then ask if they kick people off the property before a certain time. ;)

One problem I see with this is that if a mall has multiple entrances, multiple lines may form overnight (if security allows them to), which would lead to angry line sitters when it came time to form one line at the Apple store.

Ok cool thanks, I will probably call them both later in the week like you said.

[natejohnstone@g]

I'm hearing more rumors about a 32 gig iPhone, possibly in the next 6 months. Anyone else know about this? I was set on getting an iPhone this Friday, but when I heard this, my heart sank as I felt like I was falling to another ploy to Steve.

Dude, of course the iPhone will go up to 32GB pretty soon. Then it will be 64GB and have an 8MP camera, and then the next one will allow you to fly...

If the 16 vs. 32GB is a huge issue for you because you just really want 32GB and an "upgrade" in 6 months isn't an option, I'd suggest waiting. This was basically the reason I've waited until now (8GB just wasn't enough to serve as my main iPod, but 16GB is fine for me).

Apple tends to go for a "minor refresh" every 6 months or so with a "new version" every year or so on all it's iPod lineup lately. This will likely remain the case, so if the fact that in 6 months you won't have the newest version is bothersome to you, then you should either 1) plan to "upgrade" twice a year, 2) not buy the iPhone to save yourself the aggravation, or 3) (recommended) Suck it up and be happy with your awesome device.

[rlmccormick]

Then again, you could purchase an iPhone while out of town as a souvenir of your trip. ;)

I'm one of those unfortunate people heading out of town this weekend. Unfortunately I'm heading to Branson MO where, according to ATT, there are NO ATT stores that are selling the iPhone. OH THE HUMANITY!!

[natejohnstone@g]

Okay, so I have no :apple: Store in my area, and only one AT&T b&m that's pretty far away. But there is an AT&T mall kiosk near me. I talked to them and they ARE getting the iPhone3G on launch day (and did last year too). The guy had no idea, however, how many iPhone's they'd be getting in.

Does anyone know if mall kiosks tend to get more/less iPhones than stores, and do you think that a mall kiosk would tend to sell out earlier or later than a store?

I don't have the luxury of waiting all night or even going at 8am, so this is a pretty big issue.

Thanks!

[SolRayz]

If apple failed to increase the audio level on the earpiece aswell as the external speaker, what is the point of upgrading really.

[bobbleheadbob]

I'm still on the fence about upgrading. I don't really need to, but I want to. Except the extra ATT fees are really bumming me out: the $18 changing fee and the $25 per month or so I'd be paying for SMS and 3g data. I really can't even figure out how much my bill would go up. I feel like I'm 50/50 right now, although I'll probably just break down on Friday and go over and get one. I'm a sucker for :apple: and new gear.....:(

[kjs862]

I am probably going to be setting my alarm for 6 a.m. and getting there at 6:30.

[nickbates]

If apple failed to increase the audio level on the earpiece aswell as the external speaker, what is the point of upgrading really.

Uh, how about for the 3G and for GPS. :rolleyes:

[Lepton]

I think they are talking about "NEW" Family Talk subscribers, not current onesNot only that, but I believe they are talking about purchases made AT the Apple Stores, which only sell iPhones. If you want a non-Apple phone, try AT&T. Currently, I'm on the Family Plan with one iPhone and one Razr. No problem.

[infowarfare]

Wow this is cool.

It's the first time an Apple product has been available in 20 other countries first - and then the USA last!

It will be cool for the people in the US though, they will get 27 hours of rolling launches leading up to their launch to build the excitement!

Heh, you made me realize that parts of Hawaii and New Zealand are technically within the same Polynesian Triangle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Map_OC-Polynesia.PNG), yet, because of the way the International Date Line (http://www.worldtimezone.com/wtz-pacific12.php) falls, New Zealand will be getting the iPhone 3G first and Hawaii will be getting it very last. I feel for those in Hawaii. (though I guess I will be getting it third to last living in California right now). :(

[beatledud]

So a friend of mine just went to the apple store to have her MBP repaired this evening. While there it was announced to the store that 8am would be the opening time. She then asked if people could camp out in front of the store, and was told NO. This is interesting since our Apple Store is in Kenwood mall in Cincinnati area. I guess they won't be paying security after all to keep the store open for people to stand in line.

[craigverse]

I am probably going to be setting my alarm for 6 a.m. and getting there at 6:30.

Ditto. =]

[jeffh]

I'm switching over with my wife from Verizon, and want to port both phone numbers and get my wife a non-iPhone. Here is my plan.

Buy an iPhone from Apple, creating a new (single line) account and NOT porting my number (getting a new, temp, number). Go home and enjoy it. Then, call AT&T (or via website or in-store) and add another line to my account including a new phone for my wife (at a new line discounted price), not porting her number. That will switch it into regular Family Plan pricing, my iPhone data will be +$30, and then +$5 for each line for 200 SMS each.

Once we get her phone I will initiate the port of both of our numbers, and Verizon will be ditched (both lines at Verizon - in a family plan there too - are out of contract).

I've called AT&T twice about this and I don't see any issues with it.

[dvdlovr24]

Wait so I can't sign up for a family plan unless i purchase 2 iphones???

Thats ridiculous. All i want is 1 iPhone and 1 normal phone on my plan. Would I be better off going to an at&t store?

You would have to go to an AT&T store. Apple is not going to carry other AT&T phones in their store. That is why they are saying if you set up a new family plan in an Apple store you will have to get 2 iphones since they won't have any other phones. Makes perfect sense to me.

[DeuceDeuce]

Saaaaaawwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!

[spencers]

It is coming from Apple not AT&T

If you are a new customer and want to sign up for a family plan at an APPLE store then you must buy a second iPhone 3G...

I am pretty sure APPLE stores won't have anything other than iPhone 3G's to sell to new AT&T customers...

Hit the nail on the head

[ortuno2k]

I was hoping it was 06:00 PM because I'd have time to go to the Apple Store when I get out of work at 5:00. Now I run the risk of going to the store 10 hours after the phone has been on sale and find NO 16 Giggers in white :( :confused:

[MagnetWV]

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


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/07/07/184345-retail.png

Despite some mixed signals (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/07/iphone-3g-store-displays-demo-units-apple-retail-launch/) at their retail meeting last night, Apple has now updated their retail website at http://www.apple.com/retail, indicating that the iPhone 3G will be launched at 8 a.m. at Apple Retail stores on July 11th.

AT&T had previously announced an 8 a.m. launch time for the iPhone 3G launch, but we had not had official word from Apple. 8 a.m. is earlier than either of the retail shops typically open.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/07/07/apple-confirms-8am-retail-launch-of-iphone-3g/)


I have a question. What makes you a business client? I get a discount on my monthly bill from AT&T because of where I work. I do have a FAN number associated with my account. I don't consider myself a business client, because where I work has thousands of employs. We have no apple stores in the state that I live in, so this question really would not matter. Except I will be in Las Vegas on friday and thought I would try to pick one up in the apple store. Thanks:confused:

[drakeshipway]

i'm sorry if somone has already posted this but,
does the 8am opening apply to canadian stores too?

pce :apple:

[Le Big Mac]

um, never mind

[sanford]

just give us the damn firmware already..god...

yeah. amen. any interest i had in upgrading to a 3g iphone evaporated with the new materials I don't like, and very finally with what seems like an egregious hassle to get the phone and get it on my plan. my wife and i have the same 8/4GB combo you and yours have, and that's working great. i mean, wasn't the whole idea of buying the phone at apple or att and then taking it home and activating it via itunes to cut the hassle of buying a new cell phone, choosing a plan and then activating it? now we get the usual hassle, EVEN IF you buy the 3g at an apple store.

I get they want to stop unlocking to use with unauthorized carriers. But THEY should get these measures will stop about no one from breaking the locks on the 3g, distributing the jailbreak/unlock over the internet, and away they go. Sure, now you have to eat a $150 first month cancellation fee, but the phone is only $200, making it cheaper at $350 with the cancel fee than an EDGE iPhone was AFTER the price drop. How is this a deterrent? A $50 PRICE CUT over buying a $400 EDGE iPhone, never activating it with att, or activating and then canceling within the now eliminated 30-day grace period. I think the jailbreaking and unlocking crowd will consider this a gift -- if they even bother to pay the final att bill with $150 cancellation fee on it.

I do think it's interesting that Jobs managed to do three of four impossible things: change the relationship music retailers have with the labels; change the relation home video retailers have with the studios and their distributors; get his animation studios name OVER TOP of Disney's logo on Pixar film promotions and in the opening titles (even before Disney bought Pixar); but not even Jobs -- who you got to admit is good at getting his way even when it actually benefits consumers as much as business -- could change the dynamic with the American cell carrier industry.

[sheilaef]

I had great luck last year, getting the 8GB the evening they went on sale at the local Apple Store (no wait at 10:45 PM, they were open until midnight) after playing with it for about 30 minutes. I was on the fence then, too, until I actually had it in my hands. American Express matched my $100 Apple price drop two months later, so I ended up paying $399. I was happy with the $20 AT&T unlimited monthly plan, including the 200 text messages (that's what sealed the deal). I thought my husband and the kids would each want them, on our family talk plan, but they didn't. Go figure.
But now, let's see, 3G (which could come in handy if some really neat apps show up) but I don't tend to use it that much outside of wireless areas now, GPS (the maps work pretty good right now all around the SFBay area) that I'm not sure how much more I'll use.
Mostly, those reasonable AT&T fees have gone up. I've got a $250 Apple Gift Card that I've been sitting on since Christmas, I think I'll be holding onto it a little longer.
Unless, of course, I get it in my hands and decide otherwise. . .

[LinuxGigolo]

"FamilyTalk plan buyers must purchase at least 2 iPhones, or have an existing iPhone to be used in the plan."

This line alarmed me, as well, so I called ATT customer care and inquired about it. I do not currently have any iPhone and will be replacing my Cingular 8525 with an iPhone 3G. What the business customer care representative explained to me is that when I purchase the new phone, it will inherit the voice plan from my 8525 and the data plan will be switched to the iPhone 3G plan (which will actually save me $4/month before the service discount!!) She said that there is no requirement that I purchase more than 1 iPhone to simply activate and use it on my existing FamilyTalk plan.

[bstpierre]

::sigh:: this is great and all, but still waiting to see if it even matters to those of us porting over from another carrier. i have t-mobile (contract just ended last month) and i have yet to see a definite statement that the apple store employees will have the ability/know how to port over new customers to ATT.

I haven't read through the complete thread yet so maybe this has been answered. When I bought my original iPhone last year I was able to port my number over from Sprint. I am pretty sure the Apple employees will be able to do this time. The activation iTunes will have that built into it.

[Iron Chef]

Thanks to everyone who clarified the statement regarding having 2 iPhones in NEW family talk plans only.

Now here is my next question. My family plan is in my dad's name. Am I allowed to upgrade my phone without him being present? Or can I just give them his last 4 digits of his social security # and do what I need to do?

[Gimzotoy]

This is the most confusing product launch I have ever encountered. I have no idea if I go to the Apple store if I'll be able to buy a phone, and I'm reading the news as it's posted. What happens with all the people who just know it's being released on Friday and go to pick one up? I'm glad I'm not an Apple store employee who's going to have to deal with all the angry customers when told they have to visit AT&T. Nothing like being a second-class buyer, eh?

Now it looks like I'll probably have to go to an AT&T store (yuck), but since they only get a few iPhones each I'm not even going to bother. Maybe I'll try in a few weeks once they get this smoothed out.

I'm pretty disappointed in how poorly this has been handled by AT&T and Apple with all the different cases for pricing and stipulations on where you must buy that you're just magically supposed to know ahead of time.

[rickshill]

Thanks to everyone who clarified the statement regarding having 2 iPhones in NEW family talk plans only.

Now here is my next question. My family plan is in my dad's name. Am I allowed to upgrade my phone without him being present? Or can I just give them his last 4 digits of his social security # and do what I need to do?

Im wondering the same exact thing, from what i hear, from the meeting on sunday at apple, it will be a sort of self serve process for current iphone owners, that will be herded to a section of imacs, asked to fill out a form in itunes and then sold a phone that is automatically activated by a dock placed next to every imac.

Worst case scenario, get an apple gift card for the amount plus the $18 plus tax so you never have to show ID for the purchase, and only need to enter the last 4 digits of your social when you select a plan for in store itunes activation, that way, no little zitted 18 year old can deny you the upgrade because you are not the account holder

Just What Ive Heard Thats Yet To Be Announced

Got the info from an apple store when i went to pick up my applecare ipod replacement for a genius

[ColonelSmith]

I hope there won't be too many campers. I like sleep so I'm planning on getting there around 7 to wait.

[kerotab]

Thanks to everyone who clarified the statement regarding having 2 iPhones in NEW family talk plans only.

Now here is my next question. My family plan is in my dad's name. Am I allowed to upgrade my phone without him being present? Or can I just give them his last 4 digits of his social security # and do what I need to do?

If you're an authorized user you can make changes without your dad. Our family plan is under my dad's name but i'm an authorized user. Just log in to your account online and go to profile info. scroll down and there's a box for authorized users where you can put your name in. You can only be authorized to make changes at At&T retail stores.

[quagmire]

What happens when my iPhone's account is in my dads name? I am an authorized user to the account. Would my dad have to be present still to upgrade and activate the iPhone? From the article I gather as I am already an AT&T customer I only need my ID to buy and activate the iPhone?

[chasgoose]

It seems to me that most of the ATT Workers are far less knowledgeable than Apple Employees.

In most things yes, but I am pretty sure that most AT&T workers are going to be more knowledgeable and more efficient and navigating the convoluted cell phone activation/contract process. AT&T doesn't make it easy and Apple Store employees will be doing activations for the first time on Friday, whereas AT&T employees activate phones and set up new contracts etc. every day.

That said I am still probably going to an Apple Store.

[VDA]

Awwww this is sooo cute. Just look at all the responses from all the first-time iphone wannabe owners -- they can hardly contain themselves!!

I am so relieved to know that there aren't ANY current iPhone owners jumping on the bandwagon because as we all know this is much ado about nothing -- oh yeah except for the addition of GPS which is linked to a ridiculously outdated ( and non-updated) Google Maps application...and oh yeah except for the addition of a scientific calculator which is, well, just plain laughable.

What else is there? I mean really, what else is there that COULD HAVE BEEN but what has instead, yet again, been left out?!!!

I can almost guarantee current owners will be disappointed in the "feel" of this so-called new version. But what's even more potentially troubling is that we'll know almost instantly if the screen quality has been compromised even in the slightest way to comply with Apple's new round of cost-cutting measures.

They'll be able to fool the masses...all of the time...but they won't be able fool us hardcore boys...NONE OF THE TIME!!

[geerlingguy]

But what's even more potentially troubling is that we'll know almost instantly if the screen quality has been compromised even in the slightest way to comply with Apple's new round of cost-cutting measures.

Uhhh... you do know Apple used the exact same screen on the 3G as the original, right?

I might buy a used 1G iPhone anyways, though; save a bunch on the plan over 2 yrs. - a friend might sell me his for like $125!

[kerotab]

What happens when my iPhone's account is in my dads name? I am an authorized user to the account. Would my dad have to be present still to upgrade and activate the iPhone? From the article I gather as I am already an AT&T customer I only need my ID to buy and activate the iPhone?

I don't think he needs to be there. I've never had to bring in my dad just so I can make changes to the plan and/or get a new phone. All they (AT&T) ask me is the last 4 digits of his SS#. It shouldn't be any different for the iphone.

[Cyan76]

I looked through the comments and couldn't find one that answered my own question. So here it is: My wife currently has an individual plan with ATT. I want to get an iphone and sign it up onto her plan as a new family talk plan. I plan on using an Apple gift card for the iphone, so going to an ATT store is out of the question. Should I be able to do this with regards to the "must buy 2 iphones for new family talk" revelation?

[RonMexico]

Awwww this is sooo cute. Just look at all the responses from all the first-time iphone wannabe owners -- they can hardly contain themselves!!

I am so relieved to know that there aren't ANY current iPhone owners jumping on the bandwagon because as we all know this is much ado about nothing -- oh yeah except for the addition of GPS which is linked to a ridiculously outdated ( and non-updated) Google Maps application...and oh yeah except for the addition of a scientific calculator which is, well, just plain laughable.

What else is there? I mean really, what else is there that COULD HAVE BEEN but what has instead, yet again, been left out?!!!

I can almost guarantee current owners will be disappointed in the "feel" of this so-called new version. But what's even more potentially troubling is that we'll know almost instantly if the screen quality has been compromised even in the slightest way to comply with Apple's new round of cost-cutting measures.

They'll be able to fool the masses...all of the time...but they won't be able fool us hardcore boys...NONE OF THE TIME!!

My view is, the 2 things missing hardware wise, were 3g and gps, Apple added both, along with better battery life, improved audio.

Now to me, the iPhone has everything it needs and I want, with hardware.

combine those with the appstore and firmware updates really anything is possible with this new iPhone.

I'm very excited and will be waiting in line, with current gen iPhone in hand :)

[ebrunn]

I'm sticking with my version1 iPhone for another 2 months than will buy a lightly used 3G for $99 on ebay or something.

:rolleyes: at thinking they will go for $99 used.

[vstephenson]

Could be that I am a miserable git (wife just said "yes" reading over my shoulder) but haven't we reached a tipping point.

When does a communities interest in a company's product(s) stop being an interesting point of information and help and become another cog in a marketing plan?

Please understand, I love this forum and its community but I am just real tired of seeing yet another iPhone snippet on pricing plans, store opening times or even now, the Point of Sale being used for merchandising OMG!

Have we gone a "little" over the top?

I will give MacRumors a break until July 12th I think as I can almost hear people close to bursting and I dont want to get caught in the gooey explosion

Just a thought

[AlphaAnt]

I have a question. What makes you a business client? I get a discount on my monthly bill from AT&T because of where I work. I do have a FAN number associated with my account. I don't consider myself a business client, because where I work has thousands of employs. We have no apple stores in the state that I live in, so this question really would not matter. Except I will be in Las Vegas on friday and thought I would try to pick one up in the apple store. Thanks:confused:

I have a similar discount due to my employer, so to avoid confusion I'm heading to an AT&T store for launch. They seem to be better equipped for corporate discounts, as they had the list of companies right there behind the counter when I went in for my advance credit check. What the register jockey didn't know, the store manager spouted what to do down to the keystrokes like it was an old hat. I don't think the manager at an Apple store will be that knowledgeable, regardless of how well trained the other employees are, so that's why I'm hitting up the AT&T store instead.

[ninethirty]

I contacted AT&T about this very same thing and I was told that you can shop in a retail AT&T store and give the FAN # when activating your new contract, or to just call AT&T and have the FAN # applied to your account. The discount does not apply to the hardware itself, but rather the monthly plan. So you should be fine to go to AT&T or Apple... just call AT&T afterwards.

I have a similar discount due to my employer, so to avoid confusion I'm heading to an AT&T store for launch. They seem to be better equipped for corporate discounts, as they had the list of companies right there behind the counter when I went in for my advance credit check. What the register jockey didn't know, the store manager spouted what to do down to the keystrokes like it was an old hat. I don't think the manager at an Apple store will be that knowledgeable, regardless of how well trained the other employees are, so that's why I'm hitting up the AT&T store instead.

[cliffordm22]

So I called my local ATT and they explained that I had to have 1 person with me to purchase 2 phones. Is it the same rule with the Apple stores? 1 per person?

[born4sky]

"FamilyTalk plan buyers must purchase at least 2 iPhones, or have an existing iPhone to be used in the plan."

This line alarmed me, as well, so I called ATT customer care and inquired about it. I do not currently have any iPhone and will be replacing my Cingular 8525 with an iPhone 3G. What the business customer care representative explained to me is that when I purchase the new phone, it will inherit the voice plan from my 8525 and the data plan will be switched to the iPhone 3G plan (which will actually save me $4/month before the service discount!!) She said that there is no requirement that I purchase more than 1 iPhone to simply activate and use it on my existing FamilyTalk plan.

thank you, I was just about to call them because I am in exactly same situation. Cant wait till this Friday I'll try to pick up one after 11:00.

[currocj]

I dont' see what the big excitement is all about. The new 3G isn't all that better besides faster internet and GPS. I'm sticking with my version1 iPhone for another 2 months than will buy a lightly used 3G for $99 on ebay or something.

Are you crazy? Try purchasing a beat up 1 year old iphone v1, it'll cost you no less than $375 on ebay. I suspect once they figure out how to unlock the 3G iphone it will go for +$500 easily for the 8gb, +$650 for the 16gb. You are comparing to the subsidized price, which is the wrong way to value a phone. Add to the fact that fewer iphone3Gs will be sold on ebay because of forced activation/subscription to service, the prices may even be higher...

[mmaguire]

Originally Posted by pcturnedmac
I'm hearing more rumors about a 32 gig iPhone, possibly in the next 6 months. Anyone else know about this? I was set on getting an iPhone this Friday, but when I heard this, my heart sank as I felt like I was falling to another ploy to Steve.

My phone is upgrade eligible and my wifes is not (Mar 09). Thus, based on all the family plan talk threads in this forum, I will upgrade mine now and then if the 32GB comes out later then I can upgrade hers next year. She doesn't need all the memory so I hope I can just switch numbers on the phones later if the new one has 32GB. Or wait for the 3rd generation iPhone when I'll be able to use it as a hoverboard and ride it to work.

[bperkins]

So just to be sure...I receive a service discount on my wireless plan each month on my individual account (personally paid, not company). I am a current iPhone user and I am eligible to upgrade to the new iPhone 3G. Will I also be able to go to the Apple Store to purchase since I have a service discount in place? I would go to an AT&T store, but I have an Apple Gift card I was planning on using.

I contacted AT&T about this very same thing and I was told that you can shop in a retail AT&T store and give the FAN # when activating your new contract, or to just call AT&T and have the FAN # applied to your account. The discount does not apply to the hardware itself, but rather the monthly plan. So you should be fine to go to AT&T or Apple... just call AT&T afterwards.

[ninethirty]

Yes, my understanding is that the discount is tied to your account, not what phone you own or even what plan you're on. If you already receive the discount, go to either store and upgrade to the new phone and maybe double check with AT&T either through first bill, or by calling that the discount is still there.

So just to be sure...I receive a service discount on my wireless plan each month on my individual account (personally paid, not company). I am a current iPhone user and I am eligible to upgrade to the new iPhone 3G. Will I also be able to go to the Apple Store to purchase since I have a service discount in place? I would go to an AT&T store, but I have an Apple Gift card I was planning on using.

[bperkins]

You rock.....that is excatly what I wanted to hear. I would prefer to buy from the Apple Store. If the discount was going to prevent me from going to the Apple Store, I was going to have it removed before Friday, go to Apple buy the iPhone and have it added back. ;)

Yes, my understanding is that the discount is tied to your account, not what phone you own or even what plan you're on. If you already receive the discount, go to either store and upgrade to the new phone and maybe double check with AT&T either through first bill, or by calling that the discount is still there.

[neobot85]

I am thinking about unlocking my phone and putting it up for sale on eBay. Am I going to need the phone on Friday with me in the store in order to prove that I own one? Or are they going to be able to tell from my account that I have one?

[Colnagofan]

Your summary has an error. The original article says the AT&T store CANNOT help business customers. You said business customers MUST go to an AT&T store.

[unclebob]

I've talked to 2 people through AT&T business support and both have confirmed that I will NOT be receiving my business discount on this iphone. I did not receive the discount on the previous iphone, but I figured since these plans are similar to the blackberry plans that I can get discounts on that I would receive my 20% off.

For those talking about getting discounts, are you just assuming or have you talked to anyone to confirm you will be getting these discounts?

[Nate Dogg]

I just spoke with the Apple store at MacArthur Mall in Norfolk Virginia and she said they did not know what time they would be opening on Friday...she said I should call back later to confirm a time. With the launch like 3 days away it seems so STUPID to not have a store opening time nailed down yet!!!:confused:

[Clix Pix]

I just called one of my local stores -- Tysons -- and they confirmed that yes, they will be opening at 8:00 AM because the new iPhones will be going on sale. I would expect that ALL the Apple retail stores will be doing the same, especially as Apple has announced this.

[katgirl]

"FamilyTalk plan buyers must purchase at least 2 iPhones, or have an existing iPhone to be used in the plan."

anyone know if Apple Stores will impose the same 1 phone per person rule as ATT stores? I would be a new ATT customer and want 2 iPhones on a family plan, but won't have the second person with me.

[cliffordm22]

I just called the local apple store and they didnt know if you could buy more than 1 per person!

[sanford]

Uhhh... you do know Apple used the exact same screen on the 3G as the original, right?

I might buy a used 1G iPhone anyways, though; save a bunch on the plan over 2 yrs. - a friend might sell me his for like $125!

Oh get the first-gen EDGE iPhone! My wife and I have a 4GB and an 8GB, respectively. Firmware 2.0 for the old iPhone will have the scientific calculator if you really need it on your mobile device. I couldn't care less about 3G since it all pales in comparison to the inbuilt Wi-Fi; EDGE or 3G is just a convenience in a pinch (for me). The materials, especially the aluminum back, are SO much nicer; I think you'll prefer the "flat" iPhone to the "bowed" 3G iPhone. No GPS, but tower triangulation works just great for me, even a hundred miles out in the sticks. It's not backwater-road-intersection-accurate, but it definitely shows you where you are on the Google Maps application. (Example: If I use at home from my sofa, it throws a target circle around the half of a block on which, with my house dead center in the target circle.) Caveat: Location tagging of photos from the inbuilt camera, I don't know this will work with triangulation; this feature may require a 3G iPhone w/ inbuilt GPS.

And, of course, all the first- and third-party apps on the new App Store, saving ones that require GPS and won't use triangulation, will work just fine, just as nice, just as fast, on a first-gen EDGE iPhone. I'd pay $125, take the $75 saved on the iPhone, plus all the money saved on the 2 years of service, and use that to buy App Store items you want or need.

[ThePDAJunkie]

By the way, this is something you all may not know. Under the
law only banks and the goverment are entitled to your social
security number. If ATT asks for this number you are not required
to give it to them. Just something to think about...

ThePDAJunkie

[bperkins]

I probably should clarify my previous comments. I have one other line on my account that is not an iPhone and that line receives the service discount. I just looked at my last bill and my iPhone does not receive the discount, but again the other line does. I thought this would change with the new iPhone....guess not.

I've talked to 2 people through AT&T business support and both have confirmed that I will NOT be receiving my business discount on this iphone. I did not receive the discount on the previous iphone, but I figured since these plans are similar to the blackberry plans that I can get discounts on that I would receive my 20% off.

For those talking about getting discounts, are you just assuming or have you talked to anyone to confirm you will be getting these discounts?

[neobot85]

I just called AT&T and they indicated that you will be able to apply a corporate discount. However, you'll need to go to an AT&T store to get your phone if you currently have a FAN number associated with your account. I was getting a discount with my RAZR, and when I upgraded to an iPhone, I lost the discount, but I still had the FAN number on my account, so I am considered a "business customer" (which means I wouldn't be able to get my phone at an Apple store).

My advice - if you're deadset on getting your phone at an Apple store, make sure you don't have a FAN number associated with your account. You can do so by logging into your AT&T account. The FAN number would be at the top right of the main page. If you see one, you can call AT&T and ask them to remove it. I'm going to go to a corporate AT&T store AFTER I get the new phone and then re-apply the discount.

[Benjic]

I'm not sure why no one seems to understand the Family Talk issue.

Here's how it works, You can open a FamilyTalk plan with one iPhone 3g, and as many other phones as you'd like, but in the event that you want to sign up for an iPhone specific FamilyTalk Plan, you must purchase 2 iPhones at time of activation, otherwise it would just be a regular FamilyTalk plan. I'm assuming that this will be the case for Apple Stores as they will ONLY have the iPhone 3G to supply new Multi-iPhone FamilyTalk customers with, as you cannot activate a line w/o a phone attached to it.

[bperkins]

Well we are receiving conflicting info....what a surprise huh? I just called and asked the same and I was told I COULD purchase from an Apple Store.

The rep said that I was not considered a business customer since I personally pay for my two lines of service. To be considered a business customer for one you would need to be part of a billing account number (BAN) that is tied to a Businesses Federal Tax ID. She stated that my BAN was listed as a personal account and tied to my SSN and that it did not matter that I had a FAN attached. I am going to take my chances and go the Apple Store since I have a gift card to pay for the iPhone.


I just called AT&T and they indicated that you will be able to apply a corporate discount. However, you'll need to go to an AT&T store to get your phone if you currently have a FAN number associated with your account. I was getting a discount with my RAZR, and when I upgraded to an iPhone, I lost the discount, but I still had the FAN number on my account, so I am considered a "business customer" (which means I wouldn't be able to get my phone at an Apple store).

My advice - if you're deadset on getting your phone at an Apple store, make sure you don't have a FAN number associated with your account. You can do so by logging into your AT&T account. The FAN number would be at the top right of the main page. If you see one, you can call AT&T and ask them to remove it. I'm going to go to a corporate AT&T store AFTER I get the new phone and then re-apply the discount.

[katgirl]

"FamilyTalk plan buyers must purchase at least 2 iPhones, or have an existing iPhone to be used in the plan."

FYI... I called my local Apple store and they said that they currently limiting iPhones to 5 per customer. For those like myself who would be new customers starting a family plan, it looks like Apple will make it more convenient than AT&T who is limiting to 1 per customer on Friday.

[DN7335]

"FamilyTalk plan buyers must purchase at least 2 iPhones, or have an existing iPhone to be used in the plan."

FYI... I called my local Apple store and they said that they currently limiting iPhones to 5 per customer. For those like myself who would be new customers starting a family plan, it looks like Apple will make it more convenient than AT&T who is limiting to 1 per customer on Friday.

Well I'm personally glad that AT&T is doing this, it makes it more fair for everyone who is out there standing in line on launch day. If you really need a phone for your family members on day 1, get them out there in line like I'm doing. Otherwise wait a few weeks and I'm sure by then you can go get as many as you need.

[bigboote]

By the way, this is something you all may not know. Under the
law only banks and the goverment are entitled to your social
security number. If ATT asks for this number you are not required
to give it to them. Just something to think about...

ThePDAJunkie

Yes, they'll just charge you a deposit of about $500 which you'll get back in a year. Apparently the Apple retail stores are not set up to skip the credit check and go straight to the deposit, but AT&T retail stores are (be ready to ask to talk to a manager if the clerk doesn't think that this is possible).