AT&T Sells Out of Initial Batch of iPhone 3Gs Pre-Orders

[nfl46]

Signaling a likely repeat of Apple's iPhone sell-outs of the past two years, AT&T is already warning that those making iPhone 3G S pre-orders that they won't get their handsets on launch.

The US carrier's internal sales system is asking staff to tell customers that any pre-orders made on Saturday the 13th or later won't ship on launch and instead will reach retail locations between 7 and 14 days after the order is made, overshooting the release date.

Those who delayed their pre-orders long enough but who still want an iPhone 3G S the same day will have to wait at an AT&T (or Apple) store until regular availability starts at 8 a.m. rather than the 7 a.m. early access time touted earlier this week, Boy Genius hears. Any pre-orders, however, will receive an e-mail once their device is in stock.

While unfortunate for those who hadn't already set aside money for the faster, more feature-laden Apple smartphone, the sell-out bodes well for early sales, which will include not only retail pick-ups but, unlike last year, online pre-orders. Some had feared that high upgrade fees for customers who bought a previous iPhone too soon to qualify for a full discount would deter many from queuing up in the same way they had in 2008.

Besides Apple and AT&T outlets, Best Buy and Walmart locations should also have the iPhone 3G S for sale on June 19th, albeit with regular store hours.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/13/att_already_sold_out_of_launch_day_iphone_3g_s_pre_orders.html

I guess people have no choice but to wait in line now -- long lines -- again.

[iGary]

I guess it was worth the 2 hours it took me to order one right after the keynote.

[RKilbane20]

I dont think anybody will have trouble finding one on the 19th with all the stores selling them. I have 1 bestbuy 1 walmart 1 apple store and probably 15 att stores in a 10 mile radius of my house.

[niuniu]

Russia on the other hand will probably still have a stockpile of unsold 3GS's this time next year :D

[tayshon]

Glad I order mine already.:D

[Auzburner]

No surprise here, really. It's great to signal how well things are selling. I'm just hoping to god this won't effect my order of two iPhone 3G S' made around 5PM Friday night (last night)...

[newyorksole]

Do you guys think there will be as much mayhem for the 3G S as there was for the 3G? Like I remember there being huge lines for up to like 2 weeks of people trying to get phones. But now that pre ordering is available and 4 stores are selling them I don't think there will be as much chaos.

[Hints-The-Name]

I pre ordered mine on the 10th to pick up at apple and I pre ordered again today another one but in white so I have 2 saved for me. Hopefully I get the white but if not I wont be to disappointed

[Stankonia]

Assuming they fill preorders on a first-come-first-serve basis, I wonder where I will stand since I ordered on the 10th, but the order status page says the 12th since it took a few days to process. Hopefully I still count as the 10th

[capitanbuzo]

I believe if you order in store (AT&T), they just put your name on the box and you have 7 days to pick it up. Good thing I was first to order at my local store.

[themoonisdown09]

I guess it was worth the 2 hours it took me to order one right after the keynote.

I wish I knew that you could pre order them that early. I didn't know about pre ordering until Tuesday morning, so I hurried and called AT&T and got it taken care of. I should be fine because less than 20 hours had gone by since they had been announced.

I'm pretty sure that people who pre ordered within the first couple days from AT&T will, in fact, receive them on the 19th.

[Kadman]

I guess it was worth the 2 hours it took me to order one right after the keynote.

...or the 45 seconds I spent on Friday ordering mine. ;)

[iGary]

I wish I knew that you could pre order them that early. I didn't know about pre ordering until Tuesday morning, so I hurried and called AT&T and got it taken care of. I should be fine because less than 20 hours had gone by since they had been announced.

I'm pretty sure that people who pre ordered within the first couple days from AT&T will, in fact, receive them on the 19th.

I'm sure orders in before today will be fine, like the article stated. :)

...or the 45 seconds I spent on Friday ordering mine. ;)

No pain, no gain. :D

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/13/atandt-sells-out-of-initial-batch-of-iphone-3gs-pre-orders/)

BoyGeniusReport (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/06/13/didnt-pre-order-an-iphone-3g-s-you-might-have-to-wait-about-two-weeks/) claims that the initial batch of iPhone 3G S shipments have already been allocated to pre orders, so if you haven't ordered yet, you will have to wait. To make a long story short, if you did not pre-order an iPhone 3G S from AT&T yet, (we’re not talking about Apple because we don’t have information on their pre-ordering/stock levels, etc) your iPhone 3G S won’t be shipping to you/your store until “7-14 days” after the order date. It seems that all AT&T’s pre-order stock is depleted leaving only iPhone 3G Ss for dying-in-line purchasing on this coming Friday, and all pre-orders going forward won’t be fulfilled until after the June 19th launch date.There is a chance that Apple stores will have a larger supply of the iPhone 3G S on launch, as they did with the iPhone 3G during its launch.

Article Link: AT&T Sells Out of Initial Batch of iPhone 3Gs Pre-Orders (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/13/atandt-sells-out-of-initial-batch-of-iphone-3gs-pre-orders/)

[themoonisdown09]

I don't know how to rate this article. I could rate Positive because that means that the iPhone 3GS is doing really well, but I could rate Negative because people who pre order today and on will not receive it on launch day.

What to do...

[Eddyisgreat]

Thanks for mentioning this Arn. Now the 3g owners who insist this is nothing more than an a place holder for their 2010 jeezeus phone can go away. :D

[Master Atrus]

Well I have to admit that I'm surprised. I knew people would buy it, but given what AT&T has been up to lately and what they are holding back ... I'm in shock.

[jamesryanbell]

This is no surprise really.

[razorianfly]

In the US, this may be the case. In the UK, O2 themselves are not offering
pre-orders. Carphone Warehouse are, but if you have any sense, you won't
go with them anyway.

Bring on the queues. :cool:

R-Fly

[Diversion]

I pre-ordered mine at 11am yesterday morning.. I wonder if I made the cut? The order e-mail I received is pretty vague about whether or not the phone will be available for pickup this coming Friday.

Edit: And no where does it say which store I am to go to, to pick up my 3GS! Lolwut?

[ahcl20]

Bet this won't happen in the UK. Especially as we are asked to pay £420 AND a monthly contract for a 16 GB one...

[pika2000]

See, another reason that I won't expect AT&T to drop any prices or improve their services. I mean why should they do that if people are still lining up and giving money to them?

[pavelbure]

I didn't know we could pre order them. so last night I called just to be sure and was told that Friday is the last day to guarantee a phone on launch day. good thing I took the time to drive out and get 2 of them.

[Fluffy Bunny]

I pre-ordered mine at 11am yesterday morning.. I wonder if I made the cut? The order e-mail I received is pretty vague about whether or not the phone will be available for pickup this coming Friday.

Edit: And no where does it say which store I am to go to, to pick up my 3GS! Lolwut?

I pre-ordered on the Apple site and received two confirmation emails. The first one did not list the store location, but the second email did. The thing that concerns me about pre-orders is that on the Apple pre-order page it says something like "pre-authorization does not guarantee a phone on the 19th. First come first serve" (paraphrased).

[noodle654]

Hm...I ordered on the 10th...hopefully I dont have to wait 7-14 days.

[JBaker122586]

Yup, now I'm almost glad I spent two and a half hours dealing with morons in different AT&T stores pre-ordering one on Thursday night.

I hope the article is accurate, and that I do get it on Friday.

[nfl46]

Well, too bad for the people who thought the new iPhone wouldn't do well. LOL. Even with the high prices, people still want the new iPhone! LOL!

[anubis]

Glad I preordered mine direct from Apple the day of the announcement

[ejfontenot]

So any idea how to tell if you made the cut. I ordered mine thru AT&T premier services yesterday at about 1:30 pm ET. It was free shipping to me at the office and said delivery would be on Friday. Gotta make sure I bring my mac into work so I can activate it, if I get it...

[sjo]

Well, too bad for the people who thought the new iPhone wouldn't do well. LOL. Even with the high prices, people still want the new iPhone! LOL!

without knowing how many att is getting in the first patch this really doesn't tell anything about how well the new iphone is selling or not selling. these companies are just using this kind of no-news to generate hype. apple &co hiring actors in some european countries to stand in "queues", palm supplying each story with only few handsets initially....

[TRAG]

This can't be good. 5 minutes away from AT&T, 90 minutes away from nearest Apple Store …

[crisss1205]

Ordered mine last Monday!

(Pic from AT&T's website)

[NateDMB]

I can't believe that AT&T would let this happen AGAIN!!!!

[mmccaskill]

So I did the online the order but I was required to make a reservation at the Apple Store (probably since I have the existing 3G iPhone). Do in-store reservations count? Also on launch day, will there be separate lines for reservations and non-reservations? Do I have to go that day?

[Parky]

Bet this won't happen in the UK. Especially as we are asked to pay £420 AND a monthly contract for a 16 GB one...

The UK prices are as follows :-

iPhone 3G S 16GB £184.98 on the cheapest tariff and free on the most expensive.

You are talking about buying an iPhone when you still have a contract running on your existing iPhone.
O2 therefore need to get you to pay for the iPhone outright as they will not subsidise you again.

[Hot Karl]

Given the historic problems with ordering from AT&T, could somebody explain why anybody orders from AT&T directly? Since Apple sells and ships itself, why are people ordering from AT&T?

Not intended to flame, I just wanted to see if I was missing something.

[ghostee]

Given the historic problems with ordering from AT&T, could somebody explain why anybody orders from AT&T directly? Since Apple sells and ships itself, why are people ordering from AT&T?

Not intended to flame, I just wanted to see if I was missing something.

I'm sure this is not the majority, but there was a chance at 35% cashback through bing.com if you ordered from AT&T, which I'm sure caused some people to order there instead of from Apple.

[Maccoo]

I will wait until the lines are over and then be able to go to an Apple Store to buy.:)

[Xenious]

Glad I preordered mine direct from Apple the day of the announcement

Exactly, no way would I order from AT&T unless I absolutely had to. In fact I placed my order 15min after the keynote ended. ;) I was in total shock that I even saw a pre-order button while browsing the updated Apple site.

[Mr Maui]

Leaves a chance for others to discover the early bugs. :D

[arlecchino]

Honestly, I don't know why anyone would order an iPhone from AT&T. Their store reps are mostly unhelpful. I stopped by the local AT&T after work the release date of the original iPhone 2 years ago. The AT&T store reps seemed to take such glee in telling me they sold out and wouldn't have any more for a while (a very "HA HA!" attitude). Two days later (a Sunday as I recall), I stopped down at the local Apple store and walked out with an iPhone (and the store had plenty in stock). I suspect it will be the same thing this time around, and if I'm wrong, so what... I'll wait...

So screw AT&T... I do as little of my shopping there as possible and will be happy when the AT&T/Apple contract is up.

[slapppy]

Oh wow, that was a bit of a surprise for me!!! ;)

[alansmallen]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? I WAS JUST ABOUT TO ORDER!!!


Ahhh

[Rot'nApple]

Signaling a likely repeat of Apple's iPhone sell-outs of the past two years, AT&T is already warning that those making iPhone 3G S pre-orders that they won't get their handsets on launch.

The US carrier's internal sales system is asking staff to tell customers that any pre-orders made on Saturday the 13th or later won't ship on launch and instead will reach retail locations between 7 and 14 days after the order is made, overshooting the release date.

While unfortunate for those who hadn't already set aside money for the faster, more feature-laden Apple smartphone, the sell-out bodes well for early sales, which will include not only retail pick-ups but, unlike last year, online pre-orders. Some had feared that high upgrade fees for customers who bought a previous iPhone too soon to qualify for a full discount would deter many from queuing up in the same way they had in 2008.

Besides Apple and AT&T outlets, Best Buy and Walmart locations should also have the iPhone 3G S for sale on June 19th, albeit with regular store hours.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/13/att_already_sold_out_of_launch_day_iphone_3g_s_pre_orders.html

I guess people have no choice but to wait in line now -- long lines -- again.

Palm's product intro done come and gone with little to no fanfare...

With talks of pre-order sold out and people having "no choice but to wait in line now...-- long lines -- again."

I guess the boys at Apple don't have to worry about "Preness" envy! :eek: :D :D :D :apple:

[Bigskygangsta]

I got mine the day of the keynote at this little electronic store in downtown harlem. It's struck me as odd that Apple would put the S on 3G that looks hand written!

And WTF... it has taken four days to charge the sucker and it still hasn't fired up yet. Hassam, the store owner, said it may take a few days, so I'll be patient. No biggie, a 32 gig for only $149... I got patience!!

[Mr Maui]

I got mine the day of the keynote at this little electronic store in downtown harlem. It's struck me as odd that Apple would put the S on 3G that looks hand written!

And WTF... it has taken four days to charge the sucker and it still hasn't fired up yet. Hassam, the store owner, said it may take a few days, so I'll be patient. No biggie, a 32 gig for only $149... I got patience!!

Did he sell you a slurpie as well with that fake. :p

[jhCanuck]

It is one thing for AT&T to state that they have "sold out" the first day's supply of new iPhones.
BUT how many iPhones are they talking about?
How do sales actually compare with last year?

How is the $99 iPhone doing?

Is this announcement merely a smoke-and-mirrors routine -- caused by a deliberate shortage in the pipeline?

The announcement poses more questions than it answers...

[BMac702]

So are we screwed if we wait in line early at an Apple Store on the 19th or Apple will have stock like they did the past 2 years?

[Eddyisgreat]

So are we screwed if we wait in line early at an Apple Store on the 19th or Apple will have stock like they did the past 2 years?

Obviously if you are 1st-75th in line you'll probably have a decent shot at getting one. If they have any less than that i'd be surprised, but I also don't expect any store to have like, say, 100. HOWEVER I didn't go to any of the iphone launches just guestimating on other products.

[Bigskygangsta]

Did he sell you a slurpie as well with that fake. :p

The slurpie looked goood, but I passed on it. I was very dissapointed with the compass that comes with the 3GS!!! It's small and cheap. Hassam laughed. I kept the phone and told Hassam to keep the lousy compass.

[drewsky5]

Given the historic problems with ordering from AT&T, could somebody explain why anybody orders from AT&T directly? Since Apple sells and ships itself, why are people ordering from AT&T?

Not intended to flame, I just wanted to see if I was missing something.

I wouldn't order from AT&T, except I have an account set up through the school I go to, and I have to go directly through AT&T to make changes to my account (including buying a new iPhone, apparently)

[RAS admin]

I have decided to get me an iPhone 3GS (notice it is already in my sig).

I am already an AT&T customer from way back Cingular got bought. I am not under any contract. I have a Motorola Razr.

Some questions for a newbie:

1. What is the cheapest plan I can get with the data plan and 200 txt messages? I'm paying $55/mo. now and don't want to pay much more than that.

2. Is there a way to setup the plan through the Apple online store? When I tried going through the online process it says "No voice plan changes." There is nowhere to change my minutes plan.

3. How do I go about transferring all my contacts from my Razr? When I switched from my Nokia to the Motorola, the guy at the Cingular store hooked up a cable between the two phones and transferred all the info. Is there a way to do this by myself with the iPhone?


I'm thinking it is probably best to go to an AT&T store where I can buy the phone, change voice plans, and then transfer all my contacts.

[eme jota ce]

After the miserly low stocks the AT&T stores had at the last launch, combined with the deceitfully dishonest information they provided to the hundreds and hundreds of us they kept waiting in line; in contrast to the smooth and respctful treatment I received a Couple days later in the Apple store's longer but faster line... There's no way I'd order from AT&T.

I'm upgrading from 3G to 3Gs and relying on Apple to get it to me on the 19th.

[Ombatay]

I'm browsing the apple website, and it still states, "order now and receive by the 19th". AT&T is the only one coming out and saying, no, no, not yet, but if we order directly from apple.com, it should still arrive by the 19th, no?

[Andronicus]

I'm browsing the apple website, and it still states, "order now and receive by the 19th". AT&T is the only one coming out and saying, no, no, not yet, but if we order directly from apple.com, it should still arrive by the 19th, no?

Correct.

[Gundampilotspaz]

I ordered mine on the 11th and the manager said I would not be getting mine on the 19th. But they give you the tracking information so I hope he is wrong. :(

[grisjuan]

Why order from AT&T? They do know the account details better than Apple in my limited experience and their service is not always terrible.

For example, about 2 months after the 3G release, we went to an Apple store to get a 3G for my girlfriend and add it as a 2nd line on my account - this involved setting up a new family plan.

The Apple store employee spent more than 30 minutes trying to set this up. He finally told us it had succeeded. But the charges on our first bill ended up wrong. A call to AT&T customer service straightened it out and the AT&T person was friendly and knowledgeable. So that's at least one data point for dealing directly with AT&T since the account is with them and not Apple.

[Gundampilotspaz]

Why order from AT&T? They do know the account details better than Apple in my limited experience and their service is not always terrible.

For example, about 2 months after the 3G release, we went to an Apple store to get a 3G for my girlfriend and add it as a 2nd line on my account - this involved setting up a new family plan.

The Apple store employee spent more than 30 minutes trying to set this up. He finally told us it had succeeded. But the charges on our first bill ended up wrong. A call to AT&T customer service straightened it out and the AT&T person was friendly and knowledgeable. So that's at least one data point for dealing directly with AT&T since the account is with them and not Apple.

And, I explained in another post here, the AT&T employees also saved me $200 by gaming the system and getting me the subsidized price. All they did was add a new line to my family plan and gave me a 15% student discount on my service. So the $9.99 for the added line basically vanishes thanks to the new discount and I get to use the upgrade that comes with that line for the iPhone 3G S.

[Pete99]

What sort of numbers are we talking about here? 10,000's? 100,000's? .........

[TRAG]

This can't be good. 5 minutes away from AT&T, 90 minutes away from nearest Apple Store …

Success! An hour ago, I called AT&T. A friend of my family works there. She let me use my cousin's upgrade and I'll let my cousin use mine this December. Now I'm only paying $299 instead of $499. :D AND, she told me that if I had called her earlier I could have gotten it a day or two before release date. She would have just called me up there. Oh well, I show up a 7 AM and I have a new iPhone 3G S⃣ !

[twoodcc]

well it looks like i won't be preordering an iphone then

[diabolic]

What sort of numbers are we talking about here? 10,000's? 100,000's? .........

I'd imagine they planned on having more initially available this time after what happened last year with the 3G. While some people think they create shortages on purpose, Apple and AT&T don't want people walking away without a phone.

[HiRez]

Does anyone know what time they go on sale on Friday? Just whenever the stores normally open?

Even though I have 3 Apple Stores close to me, I think I'm going to avoid them as the lines will be long. I'm thinking maybe going to one of the small AT&T stores off the beaten path a bit might be a better bet. They'll have fewer available phones but I bet many fewer people trying to get in too.

[ryanmcv]

Everyone should read this official AT&T FAQ -- It answers many of your questions.

http://www.att.com/Common/merger/files/pdf/iPhone/Customers_FAQs.pdf

[threeonezero]

See you at the Grove in Los Angeles Friday morning for coffee and bagels!

[Chupa Chupa]

Call me cynical but I'm wondering if Apple planned this from the start... allow a limited # of pre-orders and then suddenly show "sold out." People panic and get to the store ASAP. After all if too many people pre-ordered vs. going to the store lines would be minimal and the StupidPress, Apple Haters, etc., would report "demand for the new iPhone is down judging by the lines here." (In StupidPress World anecdotal sightings = fact.) This is Apple playing the StupidPress as only they know how -- like a maestro on a Stradivarius.

I'm still not seeing huge supply issues. I'm betting there will be plenty of iPhones in-store just as there were for the past two generations. Sure there will be spot shortages, but generally if you want one you'll get one within a day.

Also keep in mind the end of the fiscal quarter is coming up and I'm sure Apple will want to sell as many iPhones as possible to pad the numbers. I'm talking break out quarter.

[TRAG]

Does anyone know what time they go on sale on Friday? Just whenever the stores normally open?

Even though I have 3 Apple Stores close to me, I think I'm going to avoid them as the lines will be long. I'm thinking maybe going to one of the small AT&T stores off the beaten path a bit might be a better bet. They'll have fewer available phones but I bet many fewer people trying to get in too.

Maybe they will open an hour early. The AT&T down the steet from me will start to give out re-ordered iPhones at 7AM and start to sell first-come first-serve at 8AM. Why not call the Apple store and ask them. They will answer any question.

[KoNeko]

I feel bad for registering to ask this, but I just preordered my phone a matter of hours ago from my AT&T Store. Do you think it would be safe to assume that I can claim my treasured device on the 20th since those preordering it yesterday receive it exactly 7 days later? Or do you think the 7-14 day shipping period is actually something to go by?

I'm hoping the 7-14 day period is just listed so people can't complain...

[Chupa Chupa]

she told me that if I had called her earlier I could have gotten it a day or two before release date.


She was yanking your chain. I guarantee you the ATT stores will not receive inventory until a day before launch precisely to stop rouge employees breaking the embargo. Heck Apple didn't even want unboxing pictures up yet.

[Gerry R]

how is it possible to run out of preorders?

[diabolic]

I'm still not seeing huge supply issues. I'm betting there will be plenty of iPhones in-store just as there were for the past two generations. Sure there will be spot shortages, but generally if you want one you'll get one within a day.

Last year they had more than spot shortages. Every store sold out of their initial shipments of the 3G and they had lines waiting whenever new shipments came in.

It took them a few weeks to catch up with everyone who wanted one. There were definitely supply issues last year.

[Chupa Chupa]

Does anyone know what time they go on sale on Friday? Just whenever the stores normally open?

Even though I have 3 Apple Stores close to me, I think I'm going to avoid them as the lines will be long. I'm thinking maybe going to one of the small AT&T stores off the beaten path a bit might be a better bet. They'll have fewer available phones but I bet many fewer people trying to get in too.

Apple is opening at 8AM. ATT is opening at 7AM, but for pre-orders only. Regular hours otherwise.

I know it sounds counter intuitive but a long line at Apple goes a lot quicker than a short line at ATT. I bought my 2G from ATT in a mall that also had an Apple store. I used your same logic. I was #16 in the ATT line. The Apple line was about 100 long. To my amazement it took me an hour to get to the top of the line and get my phone. When I finally left there was NO line at Apple, and yes, they still had both models available.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/10/apple_stores_to_open_8_a_m__att_stores_7_a_m_for_iphone_3g_s.html

[TRAG]

She was yanking your chain. I guarantee you the ATT stores will not receive inventory until a day before launch precisely to stop rouge employees breaking the embargo. Heck Apple didn't even want unboxing pictures up yet.

Well yeah. To clarify, she did say a day before and not two. She did say I could have gotten it THAT day. June 18.

[diabolic]

I know it sounds counter intuitive but a long line at Apple goes a lot quicker than a short line at ATT.

Also, each Apple store will have a lot more iPhones than each AT&T store will.

[currentinterest]

I ordered 2 3G s 32GB phones from at&t a few days ago. Hoping to get them on the 19th, but would not be surprised if it took longer. One reason I can't complain, however, is that I bought my 3G last August and for some reason at&t gave me the full discount, I paid $299 each for both (one is for another line on my account).

[patrickdunn]

Glad I ordered on the 8th. I guess that means I'm guaranteed like the guy at AT&T said.

[Exegesis48]

Best Buy is now doing pre-orders in store as of this morning (13-Jun-09). I just went in and pre-ordered mine (she said I was the very first pre-order). They require you to pay for a $50 gift card, which she said was just to hold my place in line, and that I was free to use the gift card however I choose. I'm just going to use it toward the purchase of my new 3G[S] on Friday!

YAY! \o/

[TRAG]

Best Buy is now doing pre-orders in store as of this morning (13-Jun-09). I just went in and pre-ordered mine (she said I was the very first pre-order). They require you to pay for a $50 gift card, which she was just to hold my place in line, and that I was free to use the gift card however I choose. I'm just going to use it toward the purchase of my new 3G[S] on Friday!

YAY! \o/

Wow. That's great. Best of luck with your new iPhone. :cool:

[TroyBoy30]

funny, I have no issues with att. Haven't for the last 15 years. My local store is blocks away where the closet apple store is 30 miles. The sales reps are great as well as the service. I walked in Tuesday, pre-ordered and was out in 5 minutes. I was told the phone would come to the store in my name and I had 7 days to pick it up.

[golden3159]

And, I explained in another post here, the AT&T employees also saved me $200 by gaming the system and getting me the subsidized price. All they did was add a new line to my family plan and gave me a 15% student discount on my service. So the $9.99 for the added line basically vanishes thanks to the new discount and I get to use the upgrade that comes with that line for the iPhone 3G S.

You didn't pay attention much in math did you? 15% off of 9.99 doesn't "vanish" at all.

After the contract you will have paid about $204 plus taxes. You didn't save a penny. In fact, you actually lost money.

I'm so sick of all these kiddies thinking their gaming the system.

[cdinca]

I don't understand the title of this thread. All this says is that at&ts deadline to order from apple for launch was Friday. So they order the preorders plus extra for non preorders. Would have happened no matter how many or how few they sold.

[TD7]

Great timing. I just got a call from ATT this morning saying that my upgrade eligibility issue had been sorted out and that i could come in to pre-order at the proper price. When I did so, i was told that they were backordered (confirmed on the ATT order status website for my order), and that i would not have a phone on launch day, but rather within 7-14 days afterwards. When i pushed the rep, he said it should be there over the wknd though. Last year ATT had limited stock but received refreshes every day after launch, so I would guess that ppl who preordered today should get their phone in the next batch coming sat or sun..

[NewSc2]

So... can we still pre-order it on Apple's website?

[joro]

They also updated their preorder page if you go through to place an order on the AT&T website.

[Banyan Bruce]

Bet this won't happen in the UK. Especially as we are asked to pay £420 AND a monthly contract for a 16 GB one...


...can't see queues happening this time, not at these silly prices. There is a recession on you know.

The OS 3.0 upgrade looks very cool, although O2 have managed to take the shine off this with tethering charges. Good old O2, they know how to look after your customers.

(Oh yes, business users apparently don't have to pay a tethering charge...just we regular monthly bill payers, who are unlikely to go out of business in the next 18 months.) :confused:

[tivoboy]

I have decided to get me an iPhone 3GS (notice it is already in my sig).

I am already an AT&T customer from way back Cingular got bought. I am not under any contract. I have a Motorola Razr.

Some questions for a newbie:

1. What is the cheapest plan I can get with the data plan and 200 txt messages? I'm paying $55/mo. now and don't want to pay much more than that.

2. Is there a way to setup the plan through the Apple online store? When I tried going through the online process it says "No voice plan changes." There is nowhere to change my minutes plan.

3. How do I go about transferring all my contacts from my Razr? When I switched from my Nokia to the Motorola, the guy at the Cingular store hooked up a cable between the two phones and transferred all the info. Is there a way to do this by myself with the iPhone?


I'm thinking it is probably best to go to an AT&T store where I can buy the phone, change voice plans, and then transfer all my contacts.

I did this setup with my ATT plan, I was an original "charter" GSM subscriber.

I bought the iphone at the apple store, then went home to setup. When I got to the account and plan selection, I had to call in. I had the 1250 minutes 39.99$ a month plan.

Somehow the ATT rep managed to keep me on that plan, put something like 4000 minutes in my roll-over account, and then added the 20$ data plan (at the time it was unlimited data and 200 SMS)

Now, I hope to do the same thing with my last legacy account, will probably do the same thing. Get the phone, go home activate and try to keep the legacy plan in some way and ADD the 30$ data plan and 5$ a month SMS plan. YES, it will be much more (since the charter plans ALSO have unlimited incoming SMS) but I'm worth it (ha ha, I mean The iphone 3gs is worth it!!!!) :-)

[Chupa Chupa]

FWIW it looks like the Apple Store is still guaranteeing Phones for Friday delivery.

[Fluffy Bunny]

I feel sorry for the poor souls who voted negative on this. It's not because they wanted a phone on launch and didnt get it, it's because they just want to be haters against a great product. But that is ok, because their anger makes me feel even better!!!! Keep it up haters, you are feeding my Ultraman blinking chest light!!!!!!

[iJeysson]

Why is everyone ordering from AT&T...? Order it from apple stores, AT&T locations always run out, each store has a budget on how many iPhone they can order..

I ordered my 3G S iPhone at apples website and it told me that it was going to be ready on the 19th..

I recommend for everyone to order it from apple.com. I know there isn't a lot of apple locations but they can mail it to you.

[Ombatay]

Can you buy the phone on the apple website, and have it be picked up at the store on June 19th or is the buy option for shipping only? I won't be free until the early afternoon, and don't want to miss the delivery guy.

I think worse than standing in line all day not knowing if you'll get one, would be to know that you have a shiny new 3GS sitting in some UPS guys truck, and you can't pick it up until monday...

[AtlasBoy]

Well I have to admit that I'm surprised. I knew people would buy it, but given what AT&T has been up to lately and what they are holding back ... I'm in shock.


We don't know how many there were. If it was a small number, it's not that surprising. If there were say hundreds of thousands, i'm shocked too.

[RAS admin]

I bought the iphone at the apple store, then went home to setup. When I got to the account and plan selection, I had to call in. I had the 1250 minutes 39.99$ a month plan.

Thanks. I have a 39.99 plan too, but then I also have a 9.99 media basic package which I have never used. I wanted to go through the Apple online ordering process but wasn't sure if that 9.99 media basic package would automatically be dropped. I would hope so since it would be absolutely useless when I have a $30 unlimited data plan.

EDIT: Nice. I just got rid of my media basic package. Should have done it years ago....

Now, I just need a way to transfer all my contact info from the Razr.

[Fluffy Bunny]

...can't see queues happening this time, not at these silly prices. There is a recession on you know.


Well, I believe you. Your great grand pappy said the horseless carriage was going nowhere. Plus you have been a member here since...um, June 2009.

[AtlasBoy]

how is it possible to run out of preorders?

There are only x number of phones available for the 1st day. AT&T has taken pre orders for their allotment. They continue to take pre-orders for delivery after the 19th. As of now, Apple is still taking pre-orders for the 19th.

I'm sure their building like crazy in China to fill the pipeline up with phones.

[AtlasBoy]

I feel bad for registering to ask this, but I just preordered my phone a matter of hours ago from my AT&T Store. Do you think it would be safe to assume that I can claim my treasured device on the 20th since those preordering it yesterday receive it exactly 7 days later? Or do you think the 7-14 day shipping period is actually something to go by?

I'm hoping the 7-14 day period is just listed so people can't complain...

Give AT&T a call this week and ask them when you can pick it up.

[AtlasBoy]

Last year they had more than spot shortages. Every store sold out of their initial shipments of the 3G and they had lines waiting whenever new shipments came in.

It took them a few weeks to catch up with everyone who wanted one. There were definitely supply issues last year.

Yep. I remember that. They even had a page on Apple.com that you could check at night to see what stores would have phones the next day, and they would sell the lot of them in one day.

[gt1948]

Ordered mine tuesday (6/9) morning at 9am when the AT&T store opened. They started a list in the store and I was numero uno :D:D:D:D

Any idea when AT&T will send us email notification? Stores open at 7am friday morn for preorder sales. My status at AT&T site still shows in progress.

[macerroneous]

The suspense is killing me. I hope it lasts.

[TRAG]

The suspense is killing me. I hope it lasts.

When I wanted a MBP, I went to the Apple Store in Baton Rouge, the only Apple Store in Louisiana at the time. To my surprise, it was iPhone 3G day. The line was literally snaked throughout the store and out of the store about 2/3 the length of of a football field. And that was at 10 AM. At 4 PM it was abut half of that. It wasn't inside the store until about 8:30. I didn't even get a laptop, I just hanged out at the mall. :rolleyes: The next day, no line at all.

[marksman]

I wonder how many people returned their pre phone to pre order the new iPhone.

[AmpCoder]

Interesting, I was able to go into my local AT&T Corporate Retail store earlier today and pre-order for delivery on the 19th. I even called the manager of the store and even though they are now telling everyone that it is a 7-14 day wait, my order will be available on the 19th for sure.

[Xiph0s]

I wonder how many people returned their pre phone to pre order the new iPhone.

lame.

[MacLover4491]

this is again fake shortage. they are trying to do to make it sound like the new iphone is doing really well. Cant trick me. Im staying with my 3g until next year.

[Roessnakhan]

I wonder how many people returned their pre phone to pre order the new iPhone.

I'm sure there's at least one person out there stupid enough to return an equally good device and pay the ETF fee for Sprint just to setup an AT&T account and get an iPhone.

[MadMacxxx]

Not surprised either, thats why I ordered on the 8th.

[aricher]

So... can we still pre-order it on Apple's website?

I ordered mine on Apple's site yesterday for home delivery on release day, free shipping as well!

[FelixDerKater]

I just made a reservation a few minutes ago on Apple's website, and just received a confirmation that I can pick up my 3Gs on the 19th at the local store.

[FelixDerKater]

x

[Fluffy Bunny]

I just made a reservation a few minutes ago on Apple's website, and just received a confirmation that I can pick up my 3Gs on the 19th at the local store.

Did you read the fine print?
"* Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis"

[kugino]

Did you read the fine print?
"* Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis"

yeah, i'm sure there will be a lot of people who will wander into the store thinking they had reserved one...only to find out that it's first-come first served event.

i suppose apple's doing this to gauge demand at various stores and supply them accordingly, but it's still a weird way to do it, IMO. but, i'll be at my nearest store, queued up at 6:00 am on friday like the rest of the crazies...

[iPhoneNYC]

I'm glad the new iPhone is selling so quickly. But I don't think its such a big deal if you have to wait a week or two for the next batch. With the big number of sales on June 19 there will probably be very slow activation so it may be better to do in minutes the next week which will take frustrating hours on the 19th.

[pastlife]

omg i need an iphone to live otherwise i have no reason to exist

that being said i preordered a white 16 GB

[Goona]

without knowing how many att is getting in the first patch this really doesn't tell anything about how well the new iphone is selling or not selling. these companies are just using this kind of no-news to generate hype. apple &co hiring actors in some european countries to stand in "queues", palm supplying each story with only few handsets initially....

Apple never hired any actors.

[iPhoneNYC]

I purchased my 1st gen in early july- maybe 10 days after the original release. There were no lines, instant activation. But if you remember, Apple was already on its third version of software fixes ten days later. Its fun to have the first one and its pretty easy to have one soon after.

[terryzx]

People need to BOYCOTT AT$T completely and demand unlocked access to other carriers. ONLY THEN will there be fair rates.

[Kid Red]

I guess a bunch of iphone haters came to the site and voted negatively?

[Goona]

this is again fake shortage. they are trying to do to make it sound like the new iphone is doing really well. Cant trick me. Im staying with my 3g until next year.

Yeah just like they created a shortage last summer to make it seem like the
3g was doing well, when it actually did poorly.

[KoNeko]

Man, I'm seeing all sorts of sites that suggest that I may have to wait a ridiculous period of 4 days after launch (the 23rd) to get my phone, which would be absolutely crazy. I'm hoping I get it on the 20th since I preordered it on the 13th...

I almost wish I could cancel my preorder and preorder at a nearby best buy, but for some reason, my credit card was already charged!

[AmpCoder]

Man, I'm seeing all sorts of sites that suggest that I may have to wait a ridiculous period of 4 days after launch (the 23rd) to get my phone, which would be absolutely crazy. I'm hoping I get it on the 20th since I preordered it on the 13th...

I almost wish I could cancel my preorder and preorder at a nearby best buy, but for some reason, my credit card was already charged!

That was more than likely just an authoriziation, you can go to BestBuy and pre-order if you want to and just not pick up the other iPhone you pre-ordered.

[eldervovichka]

I would not mind getting the new phone, but my 3G is just fine and we will have to wait until next year. By then we might get back over to Verizon (one can dream right)!! Have fun standing in line!

Jeff

[Synthetickiller]

I'm glad I ordered when I did. :p

[BLOND37]

I pre-ordered on the Apple site and received two confirmation emails. The first one did not list the store location, but the second email did. The thing that concerns me about pre-orders is that on the Apple pre-order page it says something like "pre-authorization does not guarantee a phone on the 19th. First come first serve" (paraphrased).

actually fluffy you didnt pre-order.. you reserved like i did... pre-order means bought and paid for...

[BLOND37]

yeah, i'm sure there will be a lot of people who will wander into the store thinking they had reserved one...only to find out that it's first-come first served event.

i suppose apple's doing this to gauge demand at various stores and supply them accordingly, but it's still a weird way to do it, IMO. but, i'll be at my nearest store, queued up at 6:00 am on friday like the rest of the crazies...

right- thats what i was thinking - to guage interest etc..its funny though .. i "reserved" a phone (not pre-ordered).. it does say first come first served etc. but it also says come to the apple store any time on the 19th. i bet thats gonna cause problems with some people.

[BLOND37]

this is again fake shortage. they are trying to do to make it sound like the new iphone is doing really well. Cant trick me. Im staying with my 3g until next year.

it is really? i'm so gullible...lol

[BLOND37]

Can you buy the phone on the apple website, and have it be picked up at the store on June 19th or is the buy option for shipping only? I won't be free until the early afternoon, and don't want to miss the delivery guy.

I think worse than standing in line all day not knowing if you'll get one, would be to know that you have a shiny new 3GS sitting in some UPS guys truck, and you can't pick it up until monday...

LOL... yea that would really s*ck..lol

[Roessnakhan]

Glad I got this message now :o

[BLOND37]

Call me cynical but I'm wondering if Apple planned this from the start... allow a limited # of pre-orders and then suddenly show "sold out." People panic and get to the store ASAP. After all if too many people pre-ordered vs. going to the store lines would be minimal and the StupidPress, Apple Haters, etc., would report "demand for the new iPhone is down judging by the lines here." (In StupidPress World anecdotal sightings = fact.) This is Apple playing the StupidPress as only they know how -- like a maestro on a Stradivarius.

I'm still not seeing huge supply issues. I'm betting there will be plenty of iPhones in-store just as there were for the past two generations. Sure there will be spot shortages, but generally if you want one you'll get one within a day.

Also keep in mind the end of the fiscal quarter is coming up and I'm sure Apple will want to sell as many iPhones as possible to pad the numbers. I'm talking break out quarter.

i'd love to know what kind of numbers (amount of phones) apple stores are getting...

[BLOND37]

Apple is opening at 8AM. ATT is opening at 7AM, but for pre-orders only. Regular hours otherwise.

I know it sounds counter intuitive but a long line at Apple goes a lot quicker than a short line at ATT. I bought my 2G from ATT in a mall that also had an Apple store. I used your same logic. I was #16 in the ATT line. The Apple line was about 100 long. To my amazement it took me an hour to get to the top of the line and get my phone. When I finally left there was NO line at Apple, and yes, they still had both models available.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/10/apple_stores_to_open_8_a_m__att_stores_7_a_m_for_iphone_3g_s.html

ohh so apple wont be letting people who didnt pre-order/reserve into the store before 10am...?
so anyone in line at 8am should have a phone assuming they preordered or reserved?

[BLOND37]

So I did the online the order but I was required to make a reservation at the Apple Store (probably since I have the existing 3G iPhone). Do in-store reservations count? Also on launch day, will there be separate lines for reservations and non-reservations? Do I have to go that day?

thats what they SHOULD DO - two lines...

[chancee]

Apple is about to get stuck with a boatload of iphone 3gs's thanks to the lame upgrade policy of AT&T. Expect to hear lots of 'news' in the media regarding high-demand for the phones, sold out stores, lines around the block, etc.

Don't fall for it. If stores wind up sold out or AT&T stops taking pre-orders... it's all designed that way to make people feel like they're missing out. Go with your original instinct that $500 is an ass rape by AT&T to upgrade to a marginally better handset.

[GeeDuhb]

Alright, I have read here many times over the years, but this thread finally made me want to join, to express a few things.

First of all, if true (about pre-ordering after today and not getting a phone on the 19th), this kinda makes me mad. I went into the AT&T store on Thursday (the 11th) to pre-order. After having to wait a long time because of how incompetent the ATT employees are (yes, I agree with all of those who said they are) the lady finally got to the point where she could pre-order...yet at this time I was told it said it was back ordered, so I feared I would not get a phone on launch day. I ended up doing the direct fulfill stuff anyway, being told I could cancel it at any time before it shipped. I went home and saw that the apple site still had them available for pre-order, with free shipping to your house on the 19th...I then pre-ordered one from there too.

To make a long story short, I went back yesterday to ATT to cancel the pre-order, and it took forever. They found out they could not cancel (after even the store manager told me I could the day before) and at this minute, it still has not been solved (because they told me they could do it, they said they would deal with it and call me.)

So yes, I am happy that I pre-ordered and will have it delivered to my house (I hope) on the 19th, but still, why did it say back ordered before? Oh well, so goes life.


Now to address a few other posts from this thread

I'm browsing the apple website, and it still states, "order now and receive by the 19th". AT&T is the only one coming out and saying, no, no, not yet, but if we order directly from apple.com, it should still arrive by the 19th, no?

I am hoping myself it will...seeing as they are coming directly from apple though, I would assume they will have plenty of stock.

You didn't pay attention much in math did you? 15% off of 9.99 doesn't "vanish" at all.

After the contract you will have paid about $204 plus taxes. You didn't save a penny. In fact, you actually lost money.

I'm so sick of all these kiddies thinking their gaming the system.

When you try to rip someone without reading what they say carefully, you really make yourself look like an arrogant A-Hole...NOTE:

And, I explained in another post here, the AT&T employees also saved me $200 by gaming the system and getting me the subsidized price. All they did was add a new line to my family plan and gave me a 15% student discount on my service. So the $9.99 for the added line basically vanishes thanks to the new discount and I get to use the upgrade that comes with that line for the iPhone 3G S.

Assuming his service is anywhere between $70-$100, if you do the math correctly, you will see that he was saving well over 10 bucks a month.

We don't know how many there were. If it was a small number, it's not that surprising. If there were say hundreds of thousands, i'm shocked too.

From what I have seen and heard, I would say that it is safe to assume we are probably looking at over 100k. I talked to the people at the store I went to, they said they had been jam-packed with people trying to pre-order on Tuesday and Wednesday. When I went back on Friday to cancel my preorder, they were taking restaurant-type "reservations" to talk to someone. When I walked in, I had 6 people in front of me, all talking about the iPhone, and there were 5 associates working with people. 6 more people had come in by the time I got to a counter. Although this is just a sample from one store (and yes, there are 3 more stores within a 5 mile radius to this one,) I think this thing is going to be pretty big.

Sorry for the essay for my first post :p .

[GeeDuhb]

Glad I got this message now :o

NICE! Just curious...when did you place your order? I would love to see one of those myself!

[att27]

I don't know if anybody has posted this yet but I work at an at&t store and the first batch of pre-orders is not the first shipment... we have been given instructions from corporate to tell customers that pre-order that the first batch of pre-orders are only guaranteed to be in between launch day and 7 days thereafter. the second batch of pre-orders starting to be sold today is 7 - 14 days after launch. there will be iPhones available to those who choose to wait in line on the day of launch and only those who wait in line for however many we get in are guaranteed an iPhone 3g s on launch day. all the pre-orders are coming in on a separate shipment with the customers name on it, so if that shipment does not arrive on the 19th, depending on the store, those customers will not receive their iPhones on the launch day. I'm slightly tired so I hope this was somewhat coherent.

[senorfrog97]

I'm sure this is not the majority, but there was a chance at 35% cashback through bing.com if you ordered from AT&T, which I'm sure caused some people to order there instead of from Apple.

Yep. I almost jumped at the $200 32GB 3gs myself w/ the bing cashback deal.

[BLOND37]

Alright, I have read here many times over the years, but this thread finally made me want to join, to express a few things.

First of all, if true (about pre-ordering after today and not getting a phone on the 19th), this kinda makes me mad. I went into the AT&T store on Thursday (the 11th) to pre-order. After having to wait a long time because of how incompetent the ATT employees are (yes, I agree with all of those who said they are) the lady finally got to the point where she could pre-order...yet at this time I was told it said it was back ordered, so I feared I would not get a phone on launch day. I ended up doing the direct fulfill stuff anyway, being told I could cancel it at any time before it shipped. I went home and saw that the apple site still had them available for pre-order, with free shipping to your house on the 19th...I then pre-ordered one from there too.

To make a long story short, I went back yesterday to ATT to cancel the pre-order, and it took forever. They found out they could not cancel (after even the store manager told me I could the day before) and at this minute, it still has not been solved (because they told me they could do it, they said they would deal with it and call me.)

So yes, I am happy that I pre-ordered and will have it delivered to my house (I hope) on the 19th, but still, why did it say back ordered before? Oh well, so goes life.


Now to address a few other posts from this thread



I am hoping myself it will...seeing as they are coming directly from apple though, I would assume they will have plenty of stock.



When you try to rip someone without reading what they say carefully, you really make yourself look like an arrogant A-Hole...NOTE:



Assuming his service is anywhere between $70-$100, if you do the math correctly, you will see that he was saving well over 10 bucks a month.



From what I have seen and heard, I would say that it is safe to assume we are probably looking at over 100k. I talked to the people at the store I went to, they said they had been jam-packed with people trying to pre-order on Tuesday and Wednesday. When I went back on Friday to cancel my preorder, they were taking restaurant-type "reservations" to talk to someone. When I walked in, I had 6 people in front of me, all talking about the iPhone, and there were 5 associates working with people. 6 more people had come in by the time I got to a counter. Although this is just a sample from one store (and yes, there are 3 more stores within a 5 mile radius to this one,) I think this thing is going to be pretty big.

Sorry for the essay for my first post :p .

i think so too (being big)..i think it started off slow last week, and a lot of people complaining about not getting special upgrade pricing but i think this week, its gonna get big..

T-5 days

[KoNeko]

That was more than likely just an authoriziation, you can go to BestBuy and pre-order if you want to and just not pick up the other iPhone you pre-ordered.

Well, I don't know much about credit cards (I gave my dad the money he needed to put on his account or whatever, lol), but he was annoyed because he was apparently charged the $424 immediately and is gonna get charged a $35 overdraft fee or something. So, I think they may have actually charged the account. I really hope I can just cancel it and pick up my beautiful, white 3G S at Best Buy.

[PharmD]

Geez, now I'll have to go to Best Buy like three hours before it opens instead of one or two.

[zizo79]

I placed my order on June 11th ..hopefully I will get one by the 19th...if not $195(after cashback) for a 32GB 3GS is not too bad !!

[minik]

Glad I got this message now :o

I received the same message and I pre-ordered mine on June 11 late at night.

[zizo79]

I received the same message and I pre-ordered mine on June 11 late at night.

I pre-ordered at 9:54 pm exactly on June the 11th ..but no email yet...Was your order saying processing all the time ? and what time did you receive that message ? thanks

[carrako]

I ordered mine from apple.com on the 8th after the keynote. Still have the "Not shipped yet" status on my order.

So when they say.. "delivers by the 19th"... is that a guarantee or just a estimate?

[PsyD4Me]

Order Date: Jun 8, 2009 at 06:19 PM PDT


Still no email and all it says:

Not yet shipped
IPHONE 3G S BLACK 32GB-USA
Custom configured
Ships: Delivers by June 19th..

has anybody else experienced non-updates on their orders?

[minik]

I pre-ordered at 9:54 pm exactly on June the 11th ..but no email yet...Was your order saying processing all the time ? and what time did you receive that message ? thanks

Technically, I pre-ordered mine on 6/11 night but received my order acknowledgment email at June 12, 2009 2:55:22 AM PDT. That's the only email I received so far. However, Apple order status page showed 'prepared for shipment' and the cancel items' link was grayed out.

PHONE 3G S WHITE 32GB-USA
MB718LL/A ........ $499.00

[PsyD4Me]

Technically, I pre-ordered mine on 6/11 night but received my order acknowledgment email at June 12, 2009 2:55:22 AM PDT. That's the only email I received so far. However, Apple order status page showed 'prepared for shipment' and the cancel items' link was grayed out.

PHONE 3G S WHITE 32GB-USA
MB718LL/A ........ $499.00

can you check if your CC was charged?

[pavelbure]

Go with your original instinct that $500 is an ass rape by AT&T to upgrade to a marginally better handset.

i'm going with my instict of customers, "ass raping" as you put it, a company that subsidized their 3g phone and then want another phone before paying off their 1st.

simple math people, please use it.

[jps0611]

but I'm confused. I got an error when they tried to verify my address. It then asked me to enter my mac id. Did that, it asked me which store I'd like to pick i up at and that was that. No credit card info given, no email confirmation received. All I got was this screenshot. What gives? Did I reserve an iphone or not? Did any of you get this page and no email confirmation?

EDIT: D'oh...Just got the email confirmation saying I can go to the store on the 19th to pick up the iphone.

JPS

[Surklyn]

You didn't pay attention much in math did you? 15% off of 9.99 doesn't "vanish" at all.

After the contract you will have paid about $204 plus taxes. You didn't save a penny. In fact, you actually lost money.

I'm so sick of all these kiddies thinking their gaming the system.


Wow talk about someone who doesn't know math!!! Man are you stupid. 15% of original contract is $10.50. (that's at $70/month) That more than covers the gentleman's $9.99 for the extra line.

I am sick and tired of idiots like you not reading peoples posts correctly. But on the plus side.. at least we can make fun of how stupid you are. Stop talking.

[Fluffy Bunny]

Apple is about to get stuck with a boatload of iphone 3gs's thanks to the lame upgrade policy of AT&T. Expect to hear lots of 'news' in the media regarding high-demand for the phones, sold out stores, lines around the block, etc.

Don't fall for it. If stores wind up sold out or AT&T stops taking pre-orders... it's all designed that way to make people feel like they're missing out. Go with your original instinct that $500 is an ass rape by AT&T to upgrade to a marginally better handset.6

Speaking of propaganda, I like the way you only post during one period....when an iphone is being launched. And funny thing, it's always to bad mouth something. Please, don't be a hater, the anger is not good for your health. I'll be sporting a new 3GS, the worlds greatest mini PC, in 5 days. What will you be doing?

[Chupa Chupa]

ohh so apple wont be letting people who didnt pre-order/reserve into the store before 10am...?
so anyone in line at 8am should have a phone assuming they preordered or reserved?

I think anyone can buy from Apple at the 8AM opening. Only ATT is open to only pre-orderers.

[Chupa Chupa]

I ordered mine from apple.com on the 8th after the keynote. Still have the "Not shipped yet" status on my order.

So when they say.. "delivers by the 19th"... is that a guarantee or just a estimate?

Guarantee... unless there is an issue beyond FedEx's control. You'll also have to stick around to sign for it.

[AtlasBoy]

Apple is about to get stuck with a boatload of iphone 3gs's thanks to the lame upgrade policy of AT&T. Expect to hear lots of 'news' in the media regarding high-demand for the phones, sold out stores, lines around the block, etc.

Don't fall for it. If stores wind up sold out or AT&T stops taking pre-orders... it's all designed that way to make people feel like they're missing out. Go with your original instinct that $500 is an ass rape by AT&T to upgrade to a marginally better handset.

Do you really believe that? If so, your not thinking clearly. This phone is going to be sold WORLDWIDE. Apple plans to ship to over 80 COUNTRIES this summer. Even if no one upgraded their 3G (which ain't gonna happen), Apple will sale TONS of phones to new customers and 1st gen owners. It is not possible for them to build too many phones right now as they will use them somewhere in the world. They will gauge demand and adjust their build schedule as needed. Apple will not get stuck with any phones.

As for AT&T, let me say up front that I think they charge too much for their monthly plans. I would like to pay less each month. But I knew the price and I CHOSE to do it. With that said, everyone that entered into a contract with AT&T to get a subsidized phone agreed to a 2 year contract. To be mad now that they are holding you to it is not rational. People CHOSE to enter into that contract - get over it. Ether pay the price for the new phone or don't. But to be upset at AT&T is stupid.

It's also very interesting to me (trying to be nice here) that people keep making comments like "marginally better handset" when they have never seen / held / used the new phone. Many people are making comments that they can't support with facts. I'm guessing that once this phone is on the street for a few weeks, people will be saying there is a big difference in this phone and they will fly off the shelf. Keep in mind that MANY people will be eligible for an upgrade in July, and another huge group in December - just in time for Christmas. I'm thinking a lot of these people will upgrade. I 'm kinda glad it works out this way because it spreads the load out over the year and helps avoid the activation issues / long lines etc. from last year.

[Goona]

Apple is about to get stuck with a boatload of iphone 3gs's thanks to the lame upgrade policy of AT&T. Expect to hear lots of 'news' in the media regarding high-demand for the phones, sold out stores, lines around the block, etc.

Don't fall for it. If stores wind up sold out or AT&T stops taking pre-orders... it's all designed that way to make people feel like they're missing out. Go with your original instinct that $500 is an ass rape by AT&T to upgrade to a marginally better handset.

Yeah right. :rolleyes:

[DELLsFan]

Thanks for mentioning this Arn. Now the 3g owners who insist this is nothing more than an a place holder for their 2010 jeezeus phone can go away. :D

No, this is yet another opportunity; a placeholder for 3G owners to direct chagrin to AT&T (and others) with a certain finger on their hands. :D

Personally I don't see a desperate need to upgrade to the 3GS phone if you already own the 3G. I DO see future 3GS owners weeping and gnashing their teeth about this time next year - when not only will there be a front facing camera, but a matte backing ... to start. Oh, and if we're lucky, the next phone might be able to operate on Verizon's network by then.

Sure ... laugh it up, 3GS owners! :rolleyes:

[Roller]

I don't know if anybody has posted this yet but I work at an at&t store and the first batch of pre-orders is not the first shipment... we have been given instructions from corporate to tell customers that pre-order that the first batch of pre-orders are only guaranteed to be in between launch day and 7 days thereafter. the second batch of pre-orders starting to be sold today is 7 - 14 days after launch. there will be iPhones available to those who choose to wait in line on the day of launch and only those who wait in line for however many we get in are guaranteed an iPhone 3g s on launch day. all the pre-orders are coming in on a separate shipment with the customers name on it, so if that shipment does not arrive on the 19th, depending on the store, those customers will not receive their iPhones on the launch day. I'm slightly tired so I hope this was somewhat coherent.

The AT&T FAQ says: "For customers who preorder through a store, we’ll notify them via e-mail when their device is ready to pickup. On June 19, we’ll open our stores early, at 7:00 a.m. local time, for those who preordered through an AT&T store and received a notification that their device is ready."

I suspect that most of the people who pre-ordered through a store will get their iPhone on the 19th (which is what my store manager told me), but the only way to be sure is if they receive an email confirming that. I'll be upset if the first batch of pre-orders isn't filled that day. Either way, though, I expect my iPhone to have my name on the box, since my credit card will be charged when it ships - I don't want to have to show up at 7 AM to make sure that someone who didn't pre-order gets it.

[caligurl]

Best Buy is now doing pre-orders in store as of this morning (13-Jun-09). I just went in and pre-ordered mine (she said I was the very first pre-order). They require you to pay for a $50 gift card, which she said was just to hold my place in line, and that I was free to use the gift card however I choose. I'm just going to use it toward the purchase of my new 3G[S] on Friday!

YAY! \o/

crud! i'd like to buy from BB so i get my reward zone points..... especially since we're buying 2 phones... but i'm kind of nervous about cancelling my first day pre-sale order from apple... PLUS at at&t i now show up as not upgrade available (since the pre-order!)

[caligurl]

Glad I got this message now :o


i just checked.... ME, TOO! for both of our phones! (so i guess it's really too late to do the best buy thing.... but it looks like i'll have my phone around noon on friday and i won't even have to stand in line or fight any crowds or drive an hour to the nearest at&t/best buy or 1.5 hours for apple) but the coupons from the points on 2 phones woulda been nice!

[caligurl]

Oh, and the next phone might be able to operate on Verizon's network by then.



i thought at&t had a five year exclusive contract.... doesn't that mean there's another 2 years before verizon, or anyone else, can get the iphone?

[panzer06]

No, this is yet another opportunity; a placeholder for 3G owners to direct chagrin to AT&T (and others) with a certain finger on their hands. :D

Personally I don't see a desperate need to upgrade to the 3GS phone if you already own the 3G. I DO see future 3GS owners weeping and gnashing their teeth about this time next year - when not only will there be a front facing camera, but a matte backing ... to start. Oh, and the next phone might be able to operate on Verizon's network by then.

Sure ... laugh it up, 3GS owners! :rolleyes:

Well my 3G gets such horrible battery life that I find it almost useless. I am hoping the new 3GS has improved battery life.

I've discussed the problem with Apple and they say the fact that I use it as my primary business device and receive well over 100 e-mails a day and spend quite a bit of time talking on the phone greatly reduces battery life. When I explained my old blackberry lasted 1-2 days between charges vs. 4-6 hours on this iPhone, they countered with "but that blackberry does not have the screen size nor the internet capabilities of the iPhone".

Can say I disagree. Just want to make it a full day without having to carry the charger around with me.

Cheers,

[ejfontenot]

I dont know if it means much, by my CC has been charged for the phone (pre-ordered from ATT premier services on Friday). But the ATT order status website appears to be under maintenance, so no idea if the status of that has changed.

[Diversion]

I pre-ordered on the Apple site and received two confirmation emails. The first one did not list the store location, but the second email did. The thing that concerns me about pre-orders is that on the Apple pre-order page it says something like "pre-authorization does not guarantee a phone on the 19th. First come first serve" (paraphrased).

I pre-ordered via the AT&T website and never recieved an email about where to go.. Suppose i'll have to call support and see what's going on.

[minik]

can you check if your CC was charged?

Yes, it's not listed on the activity transaction yet, but my available credit amount was lowered.

[GeeDuhb]

Woot! Just checked the status again this morning on apple.com, and mine is also prepared for shipment! AWESOME! These things will probably ship tomorrow morning.

Now the question is, will they have a hold on them until Friday, or could we possibly get them early? If so, I wonder if we will be able to activate them before the 19th...

[KristenM]

The AT&T FAQ says: "For customers who preorder through a store, we’ll notify them via e-mail when their device is ready to pickup. On June 19, we’ll open our stores early, at 7:00 a.m. local time, for those who preordered through an AT&T store and received a notification that their device is ready."

I suspect that most of the people who pre-ordered through a store will get their iPhone on the 19th (which is what my store manager told me), but the only way to be sure is if they receive an email confirming that. I'll be upset if the first batch of pre-orders isn't filled that day. Either way, though, I expect my iPhone to have my name on the box, since my credit card will be charged when it ships - I don't want to have to show up at 7 AM to make sure that someone who didn't pre-order gets it.

They're puttin that there to save their butts in case they forget someone. When I ordered on Thursday the guy at the At&T store said the same thing. That they are getting two shipments in. One for everyone who ordered before a certain date and the phone will have names on them. The other is first come first serve for later preorders and those who didn't preorder.

[PsyD4Me]

Prepared for Shipment

Product Qty.
IPHONE 3G S BLACK 32GB-USA
Custom configured
Ships: Delivers by June 19th


oooo yeaaahhh!


does anyone know when if this would arrive before noon?

[zizo79]

Prepared for Shipment

Product Qty.
IPHONE 3G S BLACK 32GB-USA
Custom configured
Ships: Delivers by June 19th


oooo yeaaahhh!


does anyone know when if this would arrive before noon?when did you order ? and where from ?

[GeeDuhb]

Prepared for Shipment

Product Qty.
IPHONE 3G S BLACK 32GB-USA
Custom configured
Ships: Delivers by June 19th


oooo yeaaahhh!


does anyone know when if this would arrive before noon?

From my experience ordering from apple, stuff is almost always delivered through FedEx. So you will most likely get your phone around the normal time that FedEx deliveries happen in your area.

when did you order ? and where from ?

These are orders through apple.com, to be delivered to your house.

[sjo]

Apple will not get stuck with any phones.


well depends of course what you mean by "get stuck". with 1g iphone at least o2 in the uk got stuck with tons of phones and was forced to sell them at discount before the 2g was launched. this time around it seems that apple got stuck with 2g phones and are now selling them at discount. not to mention the russians who got stuck with order of 100s of thousands of iphones they never gonna sell... or maybe it's those that apple is now unloading at $99 a piece in the us markets?

[casmith07]

glad I got there early.

What was that about people not wanting the iPhone 3G S and it not selling as well? :rolleyes:

[Goona]

glad I got there early.

What was that about people not wanting the iPhone 3G S and it not selling as well? :rolleyes:

Funny thing is they said the same thing about the 3g.

[andy721]

I knew they would sell out pre-orders... That's another way they get you, but yet will have enough after pre-orders. Do you see the pattern here?
I am not looking forward waiting in the line June 19th. Just to get it activated sense you can't do it online :(

Here's a pic of my order.

[SlappyJoe]

Can someone clarify something for me?

I'm a new ATT customer who will be buying a Family Plan with one iPhone and one regular phone that I get for free due to being a new customer. If I order from the Apple store, I can get the iPhone and family plan but will I get that free regular phone? Will they give me a voucher or anything for it? Or will I have to go to the ATT store to get the phone? Am I just safer purchasing at the ATT store in this situation?

I've preordered an iPhone at the Apple store already, but if I can't get a discount on that second regular phone through them then I just won't bother picking it up.

Thanks!! :)

[casmith07]

Funny thing is they said the same thing about the 3g.

They don't realize that it's the most desirable phone/device on the market. Verizon tried to say the same thing when Apple approached them 3 years ago for the deal...now look at Verizon, stuck trying to offer cheap clones to satisfy customers when they KNOW nothing can touch the iPhone.

[Banyan Bruce]

Yeah just like they created a shortage last summer to make it seem like the
3g was doing well, when it actually did poorly.

How do you create more demand? Imply there is little supply. It's the oldest trick in the marketeers book. It's not wrong, in fact if you want to sell something at an inflated price, it's a great ploy.

Hope you all have a good time in the queues. I'll wait till Dec and get mine at a cheaper price and without the hassle of waiting for those registration and software downloads on day one.

My 3G is fantastic and the OS 3.0 software update sounds sweet, so I hope the sun shines next week; wishing you well. :)

[treyjustice]

i went to AT&T and they said they were on back order and that i could not get the new iphone because i had an iphone 3G. they would not even let me buy it outright with no contract!!!!

I then went to my local apple store and they sold me two iphone 3GS at the "early" upgrady price of 399!!!!

and not on backorder I am guranteed one FRiday morning :D

[treyjustice]

oh also the apple store in south lake center in texas had 650 reservations for the iphone 3GS as of saturday morning!!!!

[andy721]

Can someone clarify something for me?

I'm a new ATT customer who will be buying a Family Plan with one iPhone and one regular phone that I get for free due to being a new customer. If I order from the Apple store, I can get the iPhone and family plan but will I get that free regular phone? Will they give me a voucher or anything for it? Or will I have to go to the ATT store to get the phone? Am I just safer purchasing at the ATT store in this situation?

I've preordered an iPhone at the Apple store already, but if I can't get a discount on that second regular phone through them then I just won't bother picking it up.

Thanks!! :)

Well I know when I goto activate mine at the AT&T store it will be ready for use, fully 100%. I don't know where you are getting your false information from but not everyone is going to suffer. Except waiting in line.

[GeeDuhb]

oh also the apple store in south lake center in texas had 650 reservations for the iphone 3GS as of saturday morning!!!!

Yeah, this is exactly why I don't understand people saying this is a PR stunt, and just to stir up more demand.

PEOPLE, I think that you are underestimating this and there are truly a lot of phones being pre-ordered. The reason that AT&T probably said pre-orders are now sold out, is because all phones are claimed that they have been told they are receiving (both pre-orders and phones that will be shipped to stores to go on sale day one.)

I think there are just quite a few skeptical, bitter (cause they can't get a new iPhone 3GS a year after they were given $200 off for signing a 2 year contract for a 3G), Apple haters.

[rstansby]

Given the historic problems with ordering from AT&T, could somebody explain why anybody orders from AT&T directly? Since Apple sells and ships itself, why are people ordering from AT&T?

Not intended to flame, I just wanted to see if I was missing something.

I couldn't agree more. I know some people don't live near an Apple store, but now that they ship the only disadvantage is waiting a couple hours until fed ex arrives (instead of getting the phone when the AT+T store opens).

[GeeDuhb]

Well I know when I goto activate mine at the AT&T store it will be already to use fully 100%. I don't know where you are getting your false information from but not everyone is going to suffer.

Where are you getting your information that you can't activate them online?

[rstansby]

Well I know when I goto activate mine at the AT&T store it will be already to use fully 100%. I don't know where you are getting your false information from but not everyone is going to suffer.
When I bought my iPhone (2G) I just signed up for a single account and then called AT+T and switched to the family plan, they gave us the "free" phone for my wife. YMMV

[jinxer5000]

So I ordered a 16GB iPhoneGS on Wednesday of last week and decided that I wanted a 32GB version on Friday which I went in and ordered. I was told that both will be available to me this coming Friday.

Now I don't need 2 so would it be smarter to return the 16GB one while I'm there or take both and turn around and sell it?

[andy721]

When I bought my iPhone (2G) I just signed up for a single account and then called AT+T and switched to the family plan, they gave us the "free" phone for my wife. YMMV

I never had an iphone in my life, I had AT&T forever say since 2000 maybe earlier.

My contract ended June 12th, 2009. Was eligible for upgrade for the iPhone but instead of paying back-order of 399-699 whatever.
But I guess before june 13-14 pre-order ran out but will have more after the 17th-19th...

So my total is $212.93. My monthly bill is higher. :( I was shelling out 105 a month but now it'll be 145 I believe, from this photo I took of my pre-order.

[woodekm]

I guess ALOT of people have learned a lesson from the last launch debacle. You wont see my A$* sitting in a chair ten hours before the store open THIS time. (actually I never have done THAT). But I have been burned by thinking I can get one in the afternoon after the lines die down.

I learned a lesson this time. Thank God I can stagger my two phone contracts for a new phone every year Apple comes out with a new one. I also get a co. discount, so I cant go to Apple and buy.

[CharlesInCharge]

I preordered my 3Gs from Apple directly (there are two Apple stores each 20 minutes from my home). I have a first generation iPhone (4 GB) and since I cannot hold a tenth of my music on the phone, my 2 year contract is up in August and coupled with the fact that iPhone OS 3.0 is pretty useless for a first generation iPhone, I decided to upgrade.

I have two questions:

1. Since MMS isn't available at launch, will AT&T charge extra on top of regular text packages for MMS?

2. Does anyone have a ballpark figure of what tethering may cost once it's rolled out? I plan on discontinuing my Comcast internet and solely use tethering depending on the price.

[korath]

All I can say is that I look forward to being in line this year, instead of managing the line like I did for the 2G iPhone launch :D

[casmith07]

How do you create more demand? Imply there is little supply. It's the oldest trick in the marketeers book. It's not wrong, in fact if you want to sell something at an inflated price, it's a great ploy.

Hope you all have a good time in the queues. I'll wait till Dec and get mine at a cheaper price and without the hassle of waiting for those registration and software downloads on day one.

My 3G is fantastic and the OS 3.0 software update sounds sweet, so I hope the sun shines next week; wishing you well. :)

That's fine if you're happy with what you've got, but that doesn't make you a better person than everyone else.

[SombreroMan]

I preordered my 3Gs from Apple directly (there are two Apple stores each 20 minutes from my home). I have a first generation iPhone (4 GB) and since I cannot hold a tenth of my music on the phone, my 2 year contract is up in August and coupled with the fact that iPhone OS 3.0 is pretty useless for a first generation iPhone, I decided to upgrade.

I have two questions:

1. Since MMS isn't available at launch, will AT&T charge extra on top of regular text packages for MMS?

2. Does anyone have a ballpark figure of what tethering may cost once it's rolled out? I plan on discontinuing my Comcast internet and solely use tethering depending on the price.

1. I've never been charged extra for MMS by AT&T in the past

2. I believe data + tethering plans for other smartphones with AT&T cost $70. I expect it to be the same for the iPhone.

[woodekm]

I was shelling out 105 a month but now it'll be 145 I believe, from this photo I took of my pre-order.


The guy behind the counter (ATT) told me he had just got back from training and they were going to re-adjust the plans they currently have, soon.

Dont know if that means cheaper plans, but I can only assume it at least means included MMS plans.

I NEVER text, but since most of my friends have iPhones, I'm finding myself texting more and more every month (and I have NO text plan). I cant believe it, and never thought I'd say it, but there are defiantly times when texting is better than a call. I'm not even supposed to have a cell when Im at work, so its nice to read and forward messages (if it wasn't for the IRRITATING beep beep feedback these phones give off around speakers!).

[SlappyJoe]

Well I know when I goto activate mine at the AT&T store it will be ready for use, fully 100%. I don't know where you are getting your false information from but not everyone is going to suffer. Except waiting in line.

What false information? I just asked for clarification to see if I would need to go through ATT instead of Apple :confused:

[casmith07]

oh and for the record - if mine is preordered, why would I have to wait in line?

I'm just going to go to work like normal and go pick it up on my way home ready for the weekend. By then the lines should be nonexistant and if they're still crazy, I'll just get it Saturday morning.

my AT&T store already said I can come whenever - they have confirmed that I've paid for it and therefore no worries.

[andy721]

oh and for the record - if mine is preordered, why would I have to wait in line?

I'm just going to go to work like normal and go pick it up on my way home ready for the weekend. By then the lines should be nonexistant and if they're still crazy, I'll just get it Saturday morning.

my AT&T store already said I can come whenever - they have confirmed that I've paid for it and therefore no worries.

I might do the same as well, except for the work thing :D

[woodekm]

I was told to wait until I get an email to go to the ATT store and pick up mine.


Does that mean it could be friday? I actually thought it would be in a coupla' weeks or so. (I pre-ordered my phone last Wed).

If I get it Fri or Sat I'd be thrilled ! !

[andy721]

What false information? I just asked for clarification to see if I would need to go through ATT instead of Apple :confused:

I meant information but either one works.

[seedster2]

Well my 3G gets such horrible battery life that I find it almost useless. I am hoping the new 3GS has improved battery life.

I've discussed the problem with Apple and they say the fact that I use it as my primary business device and receive well over 100 e-mails a day and spend quite a bit of time talking on the phone greatly reduces battery life. When I explained my old blackberry lasted 1-2 days between charges vs. 4-6 hours on this iPhone, they countered with "but that blackberry does not have the screen size nor the internet capabilities of the iPhone".

Can say I disagree. Just want to make it a full day without having to carry the charger around with me.

Cheers,

I wont even consider the 3G S until I see proof of improved battery life. I cannot go through half a day without having to charge and that's without using any multimedia functionality. It's a complete joke when compared to other PUSH devices getting 1-2 days.

I wonder how many AT&T stores are actually receiving anyhow. Some of this babble is surely to generate media attention and get people out of their homes to get one right away. Of course it will sell well. I just don't understand the hysteria by some of the members here. It's almost as if their current phone will stop working on release day - willing to pay $500 with a contract and wait in line for several hours:confused:

[tivoboy]

If one does the "order" through the apple website, with a pickup at the apple store, is that a done deal?

I put in my charter plan phone number, and selected a data plan and boom, voila, it said here you go, we'll see on you day one and pickup at the apple store near you.

I got a confirmation with a store location, etc, and it says "see you there"

I HOPE that means that I can keep my phone plan and just add data plan.

[andy721]

I wont even consider the 3G S until I see proof of improved battery life. I cannot go through half a day without having to charge and that's without using any multimedia functionality. It's a complete joke when compared to other PUSH devices getting 1-2 days.

I wonder how many AT&T stores are actually receiving anyhow. Some of this babble is surely to generate media attention and get people out of their homes to get one right away. Of course it will sell well. I just don't understand the hysteria by some of the members here. It's almost as if their current phone will stop working on release day - willing to pay $500 with a contract and wait in line for several hours:confused:

You don't have to wait in line, if you want the activation on day one then wait, but I rather wait till there is no line then go.

[Banyan Bruce]

Well, I believe you. Your great grand pappy said the horseless carriage was going nowhere. Plus you have been a member here since...um, June 2009.

Had the first iPhone when it first came out, upgraded to 3G etc..but like most things one eventually has to stop look and ask, is this upgrade really worth over £400?

Personally I feel it isn't. The 3G is a pretty awesome tool (I love it) and OS 3.0 shows much promise. So upgrade for upgrade sake and pay 400 notes for the privilege? Not this time.
Many folks just don't have the cash these days and we've all become much wiser following the intro of 18-24 month contracts.

Yes I've only been here for a few days, but then again I've had the iPhone from the start and it's lived up to most of it's promise. My days of being just another sheep that follows the flock mindlessly are over. I can't afford that luxury anymore. :rolleyes:
As for queues...O2 have made this too expensive this time around and those first adopters and die hard Apple fans are not blind or stupid. The wise will await the demise of their contract and then buy cheaper without a contract in 6 months time, that'll be 6 months before the next iPhone hits the streets.

[Ombatay]

My girlfriend is going at 5-6 am to the downtown apple store to get herself a shiny new iPhone 3gs, I however, won't be able to make it until close to noon.

Her friend is going with her to keep her company, and partly to be my line placeholder, as she doesn't want one for herself.

For those familiar with the previous launches, does Apple issue numbers to the folks in line or so forth? So ideally when I showed up I could just take her number and so forth? Is this not kosher?

That said, I really hope they're not still in line when I show up around noon, and I don't want them to just hang around all day waiting for me to show up... so if that's the case, if I gave her cash could she buy it for me, and I could activate it whenever I either got to the apple store, or at home, or does it have to be activated right then and there in the store by the person signing the AT&T contract?

[Banyan Bruce]

That's fine if you're happy with what you've got, but that doesn't make you a better person than everyone else.

Never said I was a better person etc and forgive me if that was even implied.
I am happy with my 3G, just wary of hype. :o

[ToM7]

i can buy the new iphone from at&t or apple store & pay the full price of the 16GB ? :):rolleyes:
it's possible already ?:apple:

[andy721]

Where are you getting your information that you can't activate them online?

It says you have to activate it in a local AT&T store. After you pre-order.

[andy721]

Never said I was a better person etc and forgive me if that was even implied.
I am happy with my 3G, just wary of hype. :o

You're being smug :)

[andy721]

My girlfriend is going at 5-6 am to the downtown apple store to get herself a shiny new iPhone 3gs, I however, won't be able to make it until close to noon.

Her friend is going with her to keep her company, and partly to be my line placeholder, as she doesn't want one for herself.

For those familiar with the previous launches, does Apple issue numbers to the folks in line or so forth? So ideally when I showed up I could just take her number and so forth? Is this not kosher?

That said, I really hope they're not still in line when I show up around noon, and I don't want them to just hang around all day waiting for me to show up... so if that's the case, if I gave her cash could she buy it for me, and I could activate it whenever I either got to the apple store, or at home, or does it have to be activated right then and there in the store by the person signing the AT&T contract?

AT&T is strict against having someone else sign contracts it has to be you not them, I did this before with AT&T member since 2000.

I would just quit your job and go get one or give your license & Social Security card with money to a guy that looks like you that you trust :D


* You have a GF? :D

[minik]

I guess ALOT of people have learned a lesson from the last launch debacle. You wont see my A$* sitting in a chair ten hours before the store open THIS time. (actually I never have done THAT). But I have been burned by thinking I can get one in the afternoon after the lines die down.

I learned a lesson this time. Thank God I can stagger my two phone contracts for a new phone every year Apple comes out with a new one. I also get a co. discount, so I cant go to Apple and buy.

From my experience, last 2 launches were smooth sailing for me. The original iPhone, I never had to wait more than 4 hours. Of course, I took the pre-order route this time and have it ships to my home.

[caligurl]

It says you have to activate it in a local AT&T store. After you pre-order.



this was on my order confirmation email from apple:

iPhone Number & Activation - As soon as your iPhone ships, we'll send you additional information, including your phone number. Once you have your iPhone, activating and syncing it is simple. Just download the latest version of iTunes, connect to your computer, and iTunes will guide you through the next steps.

i already have a phone number.... so they'll just be sending me info on how to activate via itunes.....

[AmpCoder]

It says you have to activate it in a local AT&T store. After you pre-order.

I was told that you can do either. If you wanted to take it home and activate it you can, or if you want them to activate it in-store so you can "walk out working" then you can.

[Ombatay]

AT&T is strict against having someone else sign contracts it has to be you not them, I did this before with AT&T member since 2000.

I would just quit your job and go get one or give your license & Social Security card with money to a guy that looks like you that you trust :D


* You have a GF? :D

What happens if she claims she's buying it as a gift?

And yes :p, she's almost as much of a mac-nerd as me, thanks to two years of brainwashing from me

[AtlasBoy]

well depends of course what you mean by "get stuck". with 1g iphone at least o2 in the uk got stuck with tons of phones and was forced to sell them at discount before the 2g was launched. this time around it seems that apple got stuck with 2g phones and are now selling them at discount. not to mention the russians who got stuck with order of 100s of thousands of iphones they never gonna sell... or maybe it's those that apple is now unloading at $99 a piece in the us markets?

I think Apple planned the 2g phones their selling at $99.00 in the US. I think they wanted to tap that market, so they made sure they had inventory to do so. Of course, this is just my best guess and I have nothing to back it up. I don't know anything about O2. Do you think they just over ordered the 1G or did they not know the 2g was coming? What happened in Russia? I had not heard that. Thats a BUNCH of phones to be stuck with. Maybe we could buy them cheap and sell them on eBay.

[AtlasBoy]

I knew they would sell out pre-orders... That's another way they get you, but yet will have enough after pre-orders. Do you see the pattern here?
I am not looking forward waiting in the line June 19th. Just to get it activated sense you can't do it online :(

Here's a pic of my order.

Wow - I did not realize that. So if you ordered from AT&T you have to go pick it up and get it activated? That su*ks. I bet the lines will be long. The pre orders from Apples website can ship to your house and activate on iTunes.

[AmpCoder]

Wow - I did not realize that. So if you ordered from AT&T you have to go pick it up and get it activated? That su*ks. I bet the lines will be long. The pre orders from Apples website can ship to your house and activate on iTunes.

I was told that you can either activate it at the store and "walk out working" or just take it home and activate it using iTunes yourself, but that may vary by store.

[andy721]

this was on my order confirmation email from apple:



i already have a phone number.... so they'll just be sending me info on how to activate via itunes.....

well, I guess they forgot to mention that. I never had an iPhone before so it's new to me on how to activate it. I been ordering phones from them and never had to go in the store to activate it except for my first phone from AT&T.

Then it all works out no lines YAY!:D

[AtlasBoy]

I preordered my 3Gs from Apple directly (there are two Apple stores each 20 minutes from my home). I have a first generation iPhone (4 GB) and since I cannot hold a tenth of my music on the phone, my 2 year contract is up in August and coupled with the fact that iPhone OS 3.0 is pretty useless for a first generation iPhone, I decided to upgrade.

I have two questions:

1. Since MMS isn't available at launch, will AT&T charge extra on top of regular text packages for MMS?

2. Does anyone have a ballpark figure of what tethering may cost once it's rolled out? I plan on discontinuing my Comcast internet and solely use tethering depending on the price.

I found this FAQ on AT&T's website.

"Will AT&T offer MMS and tethering? Later this summer, as part of the 3.0 software, AT&T will make multimedia messaging (MMS) available at no extra cost to customers with a text messaging bundle. And, in the future, AT&T will offer tethering capability for iPhone 3G S and iPhone 3G."

Here's the link. It's on page 2.
http://www.att.com/Common/merger/files/pdf/iPhone/Customers_FAQs.pdf

[GeeDuhb]

It says you have to activate it in a local AT&T store. After you pre-order.

well, I guess they forgot to mention that. I never had an iPhone before so it's new to me on how to activate it. I been ordering phones from them and never had to go in the store to activate it except for my first phone from AT&T.

Then it all works out no lines YAY!:D

Oh that explains it...I wondered why you kept saying that. The activation of the thing is the easiest part! You don't have to go to the store at all; you just plug it in to your computer, and the first time it syncs through iTunes it will walk you through it. I don't know where you saw it say that you had to activate it at a store, but that is not the case.

That would be craziness, to have people in line at ATT for pre-orders, those waiting in line to get one, AND people there to activate them.

[GeeDuhb]

I found this FAQ on AT&T's website.

"Will AT&T offer MMS and tethering? Later this summer, as part of the 3.0 software, AT&T will make multimedia messaging (MMS) available at no extra cost to customers with a text messaging bundle. And, in the future, AT&T will offer tethering capability for iPhone 3G S and iPhone 3G."

Here's the link. It's on page 2.
http://www.att.com/Common/merger/files/pdf/iPhone/Customers_FAQs.pdf

Yeah, AT&T actually did away with MMS charges a few years back, and just includes them as any other standard text. It was stupid for them to charge in the first place, because not only were you charged, but you had to use or pay for internet usage to get them...it was almost a "double negative."

[casmith07]

Oh that explains it...I wondered why you kept saying that. The activation of the thing is the easiest part! You don't have to go to the store at all; you just plug it in to your computer, and the first time it syncs through iTunes it will walk you through it. I don't know where you saw it say that you had to activate it at a store, but that is not the case.

That would be craziness, to have people in line at ATT for pre-orders, those waiting in line to get one, AND people there to activate them.

That's the plan at my local AT&T store -- two lines, with one starting at 6am for non-preorders and one for preorders. Preorders will be able to walk in starting at 7am to pick up their phone and have it activated. The rest of the morning/day, non-preorders will go to one counter, and the other preorder counter will be free and clear for those that wish to walk in on their lunch break and get theirs, etc.

I'm excited to look like a VIP :)

Never said I was a better person etc and forgive me if that was even implied.
I am happy with my 3G, just wary of hype. :o

It's Apple - the hype is real:p

I might do the same as well, except for the work thing :D

yeah the only thing is I have to go to the store because I'm transferring my wireless number, unless someone can confirm I can do all of that at home with iTunes?




this is a mess...tried to merge my posts but you can't delete :(

[AtlasBoy]

yeah the only thing is I have to go to the store because I'm transferring my wireless number, unless someone can confirm I can do all of that at home with iTunes?


:(

Check with AT&T. They told me you could signup for new service, get your credit check, port your number, have it shipped, and activate in iTunes - all without going into a store. I already have AT&T, so I did not do it, but thats what they said. It would be worth a call to skip the lines at the store. You should also check the ship date as it looks like it might be after next Friday. If thats ok, it seems like the easiest option.

[buckdutter]

Apple always gets more stock of their product. Keep in mind...Apple also gets $250 for customers who upgrade and $300 for new activations done in any of their stores form AT&T(this is on top of the $400 phone subsidy - so $650-$700 total). They would be stupid not to short AT&T's supply.

[casmith07]

Check with AT&T. They told me you could signup for new service, get your credit check, port your number, have it shipped, and activate in iTunes - all without going into a store. I already have AT&T, so I did not do it, but thats what they said. It would be worth a call to skip the lines at the store. You should also check the ship date as it looks like it might be after next Friday. If thats ok, it seems like the easiest option.

No, thats fine. I'll just pick it up in the store like I originally planned. I fully expect to get mine on Friday too, since I preordered it the day AT&T started selling preorders.

[BLOND37]

Order Date: Jun 8, 2009 at 06:19 PM PDT


Still no email and all it says:

Not yet shipped
IPHONE 3G S BLACK 32GB-USA
Custom configured
Ships: Delivers by June 19th..

has anybody else experienced non-updates on their orders?

you'll get in ON the 19th- why would it ship now? they'll prolly ship it over night or 2 day..

[BLOND37]

they are opening at 8am right on friday?

called mine last week - they didnt know..

i'm on the east coast (RI)

[andrew0122]

Man, I'm seeing all sorts of sites that suggest that I may have to wait a ridiculous period of 4 days after launch (the 23rd) to get my phone, which would be absolutely crazy. I'm hoping I get it on the 20th since I preordered it on the 13th...

I almost wish I could cancel my preorder and preorder at a nearby best buy, but for some reason, my credit card was already charged!

I was told that whenever my credit card was charged that meant that the iPhone had already shipped. . . I am also in the same boat. Didn't hear about the "Shortage" until I showed up at the store and ordered mine on the 13th as well.

I'm still thinking of showing up on the 19th with my 10 month old and hope I can talk them into giving mine. YES, I know it's bad, but I'm the only one to watch her and she'd be going with me anyway.

[andrew0122]

What happens if she claims she's buying it as a gift?

And yes :p, she's almost as much of a mac-nerd as me, thanks to two years of brainwashing from me

I have my wife in the same situation. . . Good Job. That's ALL she want to buy now.

I'm not complaining! :rolleyes::D :D:rolleyes:

[Michael73]

Signaling a likely repeat of Apple's iPhone sell-outs of the past two years, AT&T is already warning that those making iPhone 3G S pre-orders that they won't get their handsets on launch.

The US carrier's internal sales system is asking staff to tell customers that any pre-orders made on Saturday the 13th or later won't ship on launch and instead will reach retail locations between 7 and 14 days after the order is made, overshooting the release date.

Those who delayed their pre-orders long enough but who still want an iPhone 3G S the same day will have to wait at an AT&T (or Apple) store until regular availability starts at 8 a.m. rather than the 7 a.m. early access time touted earlier this week, Boy Genius hears. Any pre-orders, however, will receive an e-mail once their device is in stock.

While unfortunate for those who hadn't already set aside money for the faster, more feature-laden Apple smartphone, the sell-out bodes well for early sales, which will include not only retail pick-ups but, unlike last year, online pre-orders. Some had feared that high upgrade fees for customers who bought a previous iPhone too soon to qualify for a full discount would deter many from queuing up in the same way they had in 2008.

Besides Apple and AT&T outlets, Best Buy and Walmart locations should also have the iPhone 3G S for sale on June 19th, albeit with regular store hours.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/13/att_already_sold_out_of_launch_day_iphone_3g_s_pre_orders.html

I guess people have no choice but to wait in line now -- long lines -- again.

Anyone know what's happening over at BB? Are they taking pre-orders? Will their stores also have stock on launch day?

[diamond.g]

Anyone know what's happening over at BB? Are they taking pre-orders? Will their stores also have stock on launch day?

HoFo is claiming that BB is taking pre-orders. You may want to call and make sure.

I was looking at (as many as I could find) the direct fulfillment orders for my zipcode and noticed most of the white models had already gotten tracking numbers. While very few to none of the black units had one yet. Which is kinda annoying as I ordered mine on tuesday (first in my zipcode as far as I can tell) and have no tracking number yet.

[jinxer5000]

My 16GB (black) order that was made on the Wednesday the 11th still has a status of in progress on the ATT order status page. But, it does have a UPS tracking number attached to it now.

The 32GB (black) ordered on the 12th however hasn't changed. Let's hope it does soon.

[iPhoneNYC]

If previously history is correct, it is better for the consumer to buy from Apple than from ATT. The Apple Store is much friendly with return issues. ATT will take every possible to reject your claim and refer you to Apple.

[gt1948]

AT&T had a UPS tracking number on my new 32gb iPhone. It shipped Friday from who knows where coming to the the Volunteer State....

Happy camper :D:D:D:D

[bruinsrme]

If previously history is correct, it is better for the consumer to buy from Apple than from ATT. The Apple Store is much friendly with return issues. ATT will take every possible to reject your claim and refer you to Apple.

So if ATT refers you to Apple then what does it matter where you buy it from, since you'll end up at Apple anyway?

[AutobonProducti]

Is it shipping to your house?



AT&T had a UPS tracking number on my new 32gb iPhone. It shipped Friday from who knows where coming to the the Volunteer State....

Happy camper :D:D:D:D

[AutobonProducti]

I ordered my 3G S from attwireless the day after keynote, att never said anything about my phone shipping to a store, so I assume its going to my house, this happen to anyone else?

[Michael73]

HoFo is claiming that BB is taking pre-orders. You may want to call and make sure.

I was looking at (as many as I could find) the direct fulfillment orders for my zipcode and noticed most of the white models had already gotten tracking numbers. While very few to none of the black units had one yet. Which is kinda annoying as I ordered mine on tuesday (first in my zipcode as far as I can tell) and have no tracking number yet.

This could be a REAL NIGHTMARE! I've waited 2 years to get an iPhone and coincidentally, my nearly 5 year old Blackberry 7100 is dying. My wife and I have a family plan with T-Mobile which gets a corporate volume discount through my employer.

If I go into BB on Friday, I want to

Move providers to AT&T (Obviously)
Get a family plan - Probably the 1,400 Minute Unity Plan
Get a 32GB iPhone 3G S (Black) for me with AppleCare
Get the best FREE phone for my wife (w/ bluetooth, decent camera and aGPS, if possible) - NO DATA SERVICE FOR HER
Port my existing wireless numbers from T-Mobile to AT&T
Get my corporate volume discount for AT&T
Transfer all the sim card information on my wife's phone to her new one. Mine I'll just restore from me MobileMe account.
Get a bunch of accessories like holders, screen protectors and possibly bluetooth headsets


I'm getting the feeling like I'm completely nuts to try and do all this. Thoughts?

[AutobonProducti]

I think AT&T would hanlde that much better than best buy.



This could be a REAL NIGHTMARE! I've waited 2 years to get an iPhone and coincidentally, my nearly 5 year old Blackberry 7100 is dying. My wife and I have a family plan with T-Mobile which gets a corporate volume discount through my employer.

If I go into BB on Friday, I want to

Move providers to AT&T (Obviously)
Get a family plan - Probably the 1,400 Minute Unity Plan
Get a 32GB iPhone 3G S (Black) for me with AppleCare
Get the best FREE phone for my wife (w/ bluetooth, decent camera and aGPS, if possible) - NO DATA SERVICE FOR HER
Port my existing wireless numbers from T-Mobile to AT&T
Get my corporate volume discount for AT&T
Transfer all the sim card information on my wife's phone to her new one. Mine I'll just restore from me MobileMe account.
Get a bunch of accessories like holders, screen protectors and possibly bluetooth headsets


I'm getting the feeling like I'm completely nuts to try and do all this. Thoughts?

[Jamie 360]

My friend just received a newer 3g sim card from AT&T included with her Samsung phone. Would she be able to put that sim card in my 2G Iphone, just to make phone calls and use Wifi? She doesn't have any sort of a data plan so I'm wondering if it will work as long as she doesn't use Safari, etc.? :confused:

[Michael73]

I think AT&T would hanlde that much better than best buy.

You're right, but there's 2 problems with that...


AT&T doesn't have any of the new iPhone's left (and BB does - MAYBE)
When I called AT&T they had only 2-3 free phones they could offer my wife whereas BB online lists 25 free phones.

[blur35mm]

Pre-ordered my 2 3Gs phones 10am Saturday and just missed the cutoff. I may get lucky but not a big deal. Getting a good corporate discount so had to use AT&T store. Apple won't recognize the discount. Kind of weird though that people who wait in line will get a phone but people like me who pre-order won't? Doesn't make much sense frankly.

They may just get my phones next Friday and call me anyway. Sales rep was great. Very excited to get my first iPhone! :)

[gwerhart0800]

My friend just received a newer 3g sim card from AT&T included with her Samsung phone. Would she be able to put that sim card in my 2G Iphone, just to make phone calls and use Wifi? She doesn't have any sort of a data plan so I'm wondering if it will work as long as she doesn't use Safari, etc.? :confused:

If you put her SIM card in your older 2G iPhone, the phone will not be activated until it is synced via iTunes. When you do that, the iTunes/AT&T activation process will want to restart a 2 year contract and will want to change to the 2G iPhone data plan. If you don't agree to those terms, the phone is not activated. This is what happened for me when I received a hand-me-down 4Gig 1st Gen iPhone from a co-worker.

[blur35mm]

I get a corp discount as well, but you need to do this at the AT&T store. We get waived activation fees and discount on monthly service. Apple store cannot enter it in and I doubt Best Buy can as well. I was told I needed to do this at the AT&T store for maximum savings. Just FYI.


This could be a REAL NIGHTMARE! I've waited 2 years to get an iPhone and coincidentally, my nearly 5 year old Blackberry 7100 is dying. My wife and I have a family plan with T-Mobile which gets a corporate volume discount through my employer.

If I go into BB on Friday, I want to

Move providers to AT&T (Obviously)
Get a family plan - Probably the 1,400 Minute Unity Plan
Get a 32GB iPhone 3G S (Black) for me with AppleCare
Get the best FREE phone for my wife (w/ bluetooth, decent camera and aGPS, if possible) - NO DATA SERVICE FOR HER
Port my existing wireless numbers from T-Mobile to AT&T
Get my corporate volume discount for AT&T
Transfer all the sim card information on my wife's phone to her new one. Mine I'll just restore from me MobileMe account.
Get a bunch of accessories like holders, screen protectors and possibly bluetooth headsets


I'm getting the feeling like I'm completely nuts to try and do all this. Thoughts?

[gwerhart0800]

Pre-ordered my 2 3Gs phones 10am Saturday and just missed the cutoff. I may get lucky but not a big deal. Getting a good corporate discount so had to use AT&T store. Apple won't recognize the discount. Kind of weird though that people who wait in line will get a phone but people like me who pre-order won't? Doesn't make much sense frankly.

They may just get my phones next Friday and call me anyway. Sales rep was great. Very excited to get my first iPhone! :)

I submitted my order on Thursday (on-line) and the status has never been updated from the original ... "order received & expect to process it shortly" message. I am also an AT&T Premier customer via my work account. When I upgraded my original work iPhone to 3G, I went to the local AT&T store and placed the order. They called me a few days later to tell me it was in. This time, I am upgrading my personal iPhone (1st Gen 4GB). I am not in a hurry and waiting for AT&T to ship is not a problem. I really don't get the zero day, wait-in-line folks ... I have so little time, I am unwilling to waste it standing in line.

[Michael73]

I get a corp discount as well, but you need to do this at the AT&T store. We get waived activation fees and discount on monthly service. Apple store cannot enter it in and I doubt Best Buy can as well. I was told I needed to do this at the AT&T store for maximum savings. Just FYI.

I had my T-Mobile account for a long time before I had my corporate volume discount. Does anyone know if I could get everything set up at BB or an apple store (just get a regular rate plan with no discounts) and then go into an AT&T store or call AT&T and get the discount applied a few days / weeks later?

The reason I'm pushing the issues is because I think there will be a larger variety of free phones available for my wife to choose from at BB and because I buy so much stuff at BB that my local store knows me VERY WELL and I get awesome service.

[blur35mm]

Apple store told me that you can buy the phones at Apple store then take them to AT&T to activate for the savings.

I just did everything at AT&T so I don't have to deal with the mobs on day zero. I will get one and have patience. So I get it a few days after my friends...no biggie to me since I am saving so much cash. AT&T store is in a strip shopping center. Apple and another AT&T store are in the large mall here...no doubt it will be mobbed.



I had my T-Mobile account for a long time before I had my corporate volume discount. Does anyone know if I could get everything set up at BB or an apple store (just get a regular rate plan with no discounts) and then go into an AT&T store or call AT&T and get the discount applied a few days / weeks later?

The reason I'm pushing the issues is because I think there will be a larger variety of free phones available for my wife to choose from at BB and because I buy so much stuff at BB that my local store knows me VERY WELL and I get awesome service.

[GeeDuhb]

OH BOY! If you ordered through Apple.com, check your status! Mine shipped today!

[jinxer5000]

How much is the 16GB iPhone 3GS without a contract?

[diamond.g]

How much is the 16GB iPhone 3GS without a contract?

599 USD

[Diode]

How much is the 16GB iPhone 3GS without a contract?

$599 I believe.

[Bampei]

Ordered mine on the 10th at my local AT&T center. Still haven't gotten a shipping confirmation.

This will be my third iPhone. The first was replaced by the 3G and I had the original jailbroken for use while I spend every other six weeks overseas in the Western Pacific. All the prepaid Sim cards work just fine in it. The 3G phone will become my wife's, and I used her account to get the subsidy on the new 3GS. I'll take her Razr and have it unlocked overseas, then sell it (average price is $200 in most Asian countries for an unlocked Razr). The 3GS will become mine for use in the USA. (thought I'd love to see a reasonable unlock process that wouldn't require me to re-jailbreak with every OS upgrade like I do with my original iPhone).

To those who have said "buy at your Apple Store cuz it's better"... You should feel lucky that you HAVE an Apple store near you. Not all of us do... for me the closest is four hours away in Atlanta... so bully for you, but don't trash those of us who don't have the same benefits.

Looking forward to Friday!:D

[RAS admin]

I'll take her Razr and have it unlocked overseas, then sell it (average price is $200 in most Asian countries for an unlocked Razr).

$200? Damn! And here I was about to donate my Razr to "Cell Phones For Soldiers."

[mikejfrd]

If you pre-ordered from an ATT store, the phone will be there on Friday. I wouldn't worry about what the order status screen says; the phones will be there.

I ordered a 16gb from an ATT store, and then changed my mind and wanted to change the order to a 32gb. I know the manager of the store, and he told me that they can switch it out the day of the release. He said that they are not expecting to have a shortage at all.

[mrpither]

pre-ordered mine from at&t (corp discount) sunday evening. got an email requesting more info last nite but it was too late to call. called this morning and confirmed my info, and the rep told me i'd have my phone in 2-3 business days. fingers crossed...

[gwerhart0800]

I ordered on-line via my AT&T wireless account (corporate premier) on Thursday last week. I immediately received an e-mail containing:

"Thank you for your purchase on the AT&T Premier Online Store. We're pleased with your choice of AT&T as your wireless service provider.

We estimate your order will be shipped within 2 - 5 business days pending approval if applicable. We will notify you by email when it is approved and shipped."

I have not heard anything since.

I will call tomorrow if nothing changes.

[gwerhart0800]

The AT&T web order status page has not updated since I placed the order on 6/11. It still says that they will process my order shortly. I called the order status telephone # today and it sez that my 16GB, white 3GS is on back-order. When I placed the order, AT&T did not indicate that the phone was on back-order and the confirmation e-mail only said that "if" items were on back order, they could ship separately.

So, now the question is ... should I just cancel my attempt to order via AT&T on-line and go to one of the AT&T retail stores instead? I am not sure that Apple stores would handle the "premier" account stuff properly.