Apple Posts Details for iPhone 3G Launch

[MacRumors]

Apple has posted guidelines about what to bring and expect at the iPhone 3G launch at U.S. Apple Retail stores.

The Apple Retail Store is the perfect place to get your iPhone 3G. When you arrive, a Concierge in an orange shirt will direct you to the iPhone bay where you can take advantage of our free Personal Setup. A Specialist will help you choose an iPhone 3G, review coverage maps, select a rate plan, and — best of all — have your new iPhone 3G ready to make calls, browse the web, and receive email right on the spot.

In order to purchase and activate your iPhone 3G, you will need:

- Credit card
- Social security number
- Valid, government-issued photo ID
- Your current wireless account number and password or PIN (if you’re new to AT&T)

Apple reminds users to sync their existing iPhones before coming into the store and that sales start at 8:00 a.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis. Stock will be replenished daily and Apple will offer a daily online status check of inventory after the launch.

An important note for business customers, Apple warns that corporate accounts must contact AT&T directly and that these will not be processed at Apple stores. While Apple posts no caveats for current AT&T non-iPhone owners, one reader has been told by Apple Retail stores that current non-iPhone AT&T customers ineligible for upgrade should visit AT&T stores.

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[BMP1199]

I'll be ready!

 

[Sky Blue]

I'm reaaadddy

 

[Peel]

...and — best of all — have your new iPhone 3G ready to make calls, browse the web, and receive email right on the spot.

I like how they spin it so that requiring you to go through the activation in-store becomes a benefit instead of a hassle

 

[Feverish Flux]

I like how they spin it so that requiring you to go through the activation in-store becomes a benefit instead of a hassle

Actually, Apple is offering to help customize your iPhone in-store: set up e-mail, set up your wallpaper, set up MobileMe, etc. This is not being offered at AT&T.

So while I partly agree, there are some benefits with getting it at the Apple Store if you do not know how to use the phone...

 

[elbirth]

Actually, Apple is offering to help customize your iPhone in-store: set up e-mail, set up your wallpaper, set up MobileMe, etc. This is not being offered at AT&T.

So while I partly agree, there are some benefits with getting it at the Apple Store if you do not know how to use the phone...

they also mention a free iPhone workshop you can attend, which is kinda cool for new users.

 

[hitnrun7]

I'm actually really glad i decided a month ago NOT to get the iPhone 3g. Instead i bought the RAZR2. My reasoning? Rogers in Canada is literally going to screw its customers (once again....). If it was affordable i would but the plans are just crazy, $115\month and you don't even give me unlimited anything specifically data?

So if i really want one later on, i'll just get it through a reseller that has unlocked it, etc, etc.

 

[macsensei]

So if I'm a non iphone AT&T user, who is not elgible for an upgrade. Do i go to the apple store to get the 8GB for $199 instead of $399.

 

[billystlyes]

Some of these stories are getting repetitive. Most of this information can easily be found on Apple's site.

 

[Fulgham]

I am going to assume that this is a US only topic. The apple store in Canada will NOT be handling the iPhone 3g? (Mac Rumors... I do love you ... but please remember that you have an international audience)

 

[Peel]

Actually, Apple is offering to help customize your iPhone in-store: set up e-mail, set up your wallpaper, set up MobileMe, etc. This is not being offered at AT&T.

So while I partly agree, there are some benefits with getting it at the Apple Store if you do not know how to use the phone...

Oh I know. I think it's a good thing too that you get the extra support at the Apple Store. I just like the way that they took what could be a painfully time consuming operation forced on them by AT&T and turned it into an opportunity to be helpful

 

[okrelayer]

now im wondering if going to the apple store instead would be a better idea. someone said the apple store is going to get alot more inventory. I guess i have a day or two to think it over.

 

[gcmexico]

FYI..just called Apple store, the person who the contract will be under has to be there to purchase the iphone...my fiance is getting the iphone, she got pre-approved at att&t but can't get the day off on Friday...I called to see if I can get the iphone and set it up for her with the pre-approved receipt...they said nope...hopefully they won't sell out by the time she comes home!!

 

[pashazade]

you will need:

- Credit card
- Social security number
- Valid, government-issued photo ID
- Your current wireless account number and password or PIN (if you’re new to AT&T)

/QUOTE]

I don't understand, why do I have to bring a 'Social security number' we
don't have those in th UK?

 

[JML42691]

It sounds like with all these steps Apple is making every last effort to make sure they are prepared for the crowds.

 

[hitnrun7]

I am going to assume that this is a US only topic. The apple store in Canada will NOT be handling the iPhone 3g? (Mac Rumors... I do love you ... but please remember that you have an international audience)

lets face it, America is the majority, Canada may be on top but we still have a smaller population therefore making us somehow less important... No one ever wants to talk about Canada. Also keep in mind that there are other countries being left out as well, it would be near impossible to cover all of them.

 

[arn]

I don't understand, why do I have to bring a 'Social security number' we
don't have those in th UK?

These are instructions for U.S. stores.

arn

 

[Fulgham]

I'm actually really glad i decided a month ago NOT to get the iPhone 3g. Instead i bought the RAZR2. My reasoning? Rogers in Canada is literally going to screw its customers (once again....). If it was affordable i would but the plans are just crazy, $115\month and you don't even give me unlimited anything specifically data?

So if i really want one later on, i'll just get it through a reseller that has unlocked it, etc, etc.

All well and good ... except for the fact that Motorola has to be making some of the worst phones available today. If I were you I would have waited until eiteir August or September. (Mostly because the Samsung iPhone wannabe is coming out on bell and they already announced it will have a $30/mth unlimited data plan... which Rogers should have to compete with).

Although I should hold my head up high and refuse to bend over and take it from Rogers... I just really really want said iPhone... i will not be one of those who refrain from buying it out of protest.

 

[/dev/toaster]

you will need:

- Credit card
- Social security number
- Valid, government-issued photo ID
- Your current wireless account number and password or PIN (if you’re new to AT&T)

/QUOTE]

I don't understand, why do I have to bring a 'Social security number' we
don't have those in th UK?

Personally, I would have been more concerned about the lack of AT&T in the UK. Those international roaming charges will kill ya.

 

[SAMTATSICPRO]

iam iReady to iget my iPhone!!!

 

[Fulgham]

lets face it, America is the majority, Canada may be on top but we still have a smaller population therefore making us somehow less important... No one ever wants to talk about Canada. Also keep in mind that there are other countries being left out as well, it would be near impossible to cover all of them.

I totally hear you ... I just wanted to whine about my Country being left out. I know there is tonnes of other Countries who are kinda ignored... I'd just like MacRumors to throw in a tag or something when an update applies only to a specific region.

Also... The West Edmonton Mall store opened this weekend... Didn't get any MacRumor coverage

 

[TXCraig]

you will need:

- Credit card
- Social security number
- Valid, government-issued photo ID
- Your current wireless account number and password or PIN (if you’re new to AT&T)

/QUOTE]

I don't understand, why do I have to bring a 'Social security number' we
don't have those in th UK?

How are you going to visit an AT&T store? They don't have them in the UK either! Consider youself lucky you don't have a social secuirty number!

 

[hitnrun7]

All well and good ... except for the fact that Motorola has to be making some of the worst phones available today. If I were you I would have waited until eiteir August or September. (Mostly because the Samsung iPhone wannabe is coming out on bell and they already announced it will have a $30/mth unlimited data plan... which Rogers should have to compete with).

Although I should hold my head up high and refuse to bend over and take it from Rogers... I just really really want said iPhone... i will not be one of those who refrain from buying it out of protest.

A) i love Motorola anyway (have had them for god knows how long), and HATE the instinct...

B) I'm not refusing to buy it in protest, i just simply cannot afford it.

C) I really want to see the day rogers offers something that good, personally i dont even need a data plan (wifi, and i mainly use the thing as a PHONE), but apparently rogers doesn't comprehend that...

 

[KingYaba]

In order to purchase and activate your iPhone 3G, you will need:

- Credit card
- Social security number
- Valid, government-issued photo ID
- Your current wireless account number and password or PIN (if you’re new to AT&T)

What the ****? Apple does not need my Social Security number! Yet another reason not to purchase the iPhone.

 

[Peel]

now im wondering if going to the apple store instead would be a better idea. someone said the apple store is going to get alot more inventory. I guess i have a day or two to think it over.

It was that way last year. I started out standing in line at the AT&T store (it's only a couple blocks from my work), and after an hour or so of a horribly slow moving line we heard word from the store manager that the store only got 100 8GB units, and that by the time they got to my location in line there would prolly only be 4GB phones left. So I went to the Apple Store where (by 7:30) there was no line, and they were zipping people in and out of the store like crazy. The person I talked to there said they weren't certain but thought they had been given a supply of 3000 units.

So if history repeates itself, the Apple Store will be the place to go.