Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Apple Removes '2 Year Contract Required' Note on Ads

sososowhat said:
There's got to be a way for those of us already under contract with AT&T to upgrade to an iPhone. It doesn't make sense to me that there wouldn't be a way to just buy one.
Click to expand...

You can upgrade to any phone at any time... you just have to pay the full $$, but if you want the subsidy you just have to extend your contract 2 years [but supposedly, at&t isn't subsidizing the iphone]
 
Personally, the 2 year contract requirement doesn't make much sense. The iPhone can only be used on AT&T, right? So why force a contract when you can't go anywhere else, anyway? The only reason is if AT&T (or Apple) has no faith that the quality of the iPhone will keep the customers. That doesn't seem to be the case.

Now I'm sure people will crack the phone to use on other carriers, but the number of people doing that will probably be insignificant (totally guessing on that, btw).

So, basically, it wouldn't surprise me to see no contract requirement. It's redundant, and removing it would only attract even more people.
 
I kind of read this as a marketing ploy to get more people to show up at the store on launch day. They might have taken it off because some people are getting confused and thinking that it means they have to be a new AT&T customer. Either way, I don't think you'll be able to get one without signing some sort of 2 year deal with AT&T.

Also, there's no way they'll sell unlocked iPhones or tell you how to unlock them. There's a reason why Apple signed an exclusive deal with AT&T.
 
Dimwhit said:
Personally, the 2 year contract requirement doesn't make much sense. The iPhone can only be used on AT&T, right? So why force a contract when you can't go anywhere else, anyway? The only reason is if AT&T (or Apple) has no faith that the quality of the iPhone will keep the customers. That doesn't seem to be the case.

Now I'm sure people will crack the phone to use on other carriers, but the number of people doing that will probably be insignificant (totally guessing on that, btw).

So, basically, it wouldn't surprise me to see no contract requirement. It's redundant, and removing it would only attract even more people.
Click to expand...

Good point. Perhaps I'm just being optimistic, but you could be right. Having said that, why put the line about a contract on the advert in the first place. Do you think it was some kind of mis-communication at the ad company?
 
Names changed too?

I think they also changed the names of the people being called. Didn't they all say John Appleseed when they were first posted. Now there are a variety of names.
 
Dimwhit said:
Personally, the 2 year contract requirement doesn't make much sense. The iPhone can only be used on AT&T, right? So why force a contract when you can't go anywhere else, anyway? The only reason is if AT&T (or Apple) has no faith that the quality of the iPhone will keep the customers. That doesn't seem to be the case.

Now I'm sure people will crack the phone to use on other carriers, but the number of people doing that will probably be insignificant (totally guessing on that, btw).

So, basically, it wouldn't surprise me to see no contract requirement. It's redundant, and removing it would only attract even more people.
Click to expand...

Good point, and I hope it's true.... AT&T would be out some money. AT&T would want you to sign a two year contract to ensure residual income. I would be surprised if they didn't insist on this.
 
Eric1285 said:
I kind of read this as a marketing ploy to get more people to show up at the store on launch day. They might have taken it off because some people are getting confused and thinking that it means they have to be a new AT&T customer. Either way, I don't think you'll be able to get one without signing some sort of 2 year deal with AT&T.

Also, there's no way they'll sell unlocked iPhones or tell you how to unlock them. There's a reason why Apple signed an exclusive deal with AT&T.
Click to expand...

It really depends on other networks. I took my GSM Cingular phone to Italy. Took the SIM card out of the crappy phone and put it into my phone. Worked like normal even though it was "tied" to Cingular.

Besides two years from now I doubt today's iPhone will still be what it is now. There will be some way to unlock your phone. Cingular has previously helped subscribers unlock their phone if they were traveling internationally.
 
Add $150 and buy a nice sim-free phone in your favorite Apple Store...

I know, I can wish ;)
 
Rather than get hopes up, I'll assume the lawyers simply decided it was a detail they didn't have to state in the ads, so they removed it to avoid drawing attention to that and away from the good stuff.

However, I'm thinking that if the phone is not subsidized (which I don't think we know for certain) then a contract commitment must get you SOMETHING--probably a rate discount, just like when you sign a longer contract for an ISP, cable TV, or apartment rental. That might be something AT&T needs to do in order to get the monthly cost below some level Apple wanted. I can see Apple wanting a full data plan to be unusually cheap--cheaper than with those other unsubsidized phones--since Apple wants to bring advanced Internet functionality to a wider, less hard core audience. Maybe a contract commitment is a way that can happen. And if that's all it is--a monthly reduction rather than subsidizing the hardware--then I can see it being optional. Just like with your ISP or cable TV. Commit to a shorter time if you want, but pay more per month. I wouldn't be shocked to see that as an option.

Or, since the iPhone is supposedly showing signs of far more success than AT&T originally expected, maybe Apple has been able to persuade them to ditch the contract.
 
ive kinda been waiting for something like this...heres why.

if att were to offer the iphone on a 2 year contract, but not give any "new customer" deals on the price of the phone, and sell it at the retail price of 499 and 599 to everyone...then whats going to stop people from signing up with att, buying a phone like the samsung blackjack at the "new customer" discounted price AND buying the iphone, then just selling the blackjack on ebay to make a little money back. brand new blackjacks go for around 200$....thats a big time price relief for a lot of ppl. sooo, if you dont sign up for the 2 year contract, you cant get a steeply discounted blackjack to sell....

what do ya think?
 
I actually work at a RadioShack, where we carry Cingular/AT&T phones and service. A rep from AT&T stopped by our store the other day and I asked him about the 2-year contract requirement for the iPhone. He said it will NOT require a 2-year contract at signup, and is meant to be "open and accessible to all customers, current and new, in the same manner as any other AT&T phone." That to me pretty much confirms that iPhone setup with Cingular will be quite flexible.
 
Dimwhit said:
Personally, the 2 year contract requirement doesn't make much sense. The iPhone can only be used on AT&T, right? So why force a contract when you can't go anywhere else, anyway? The only reason is if AT&T (or Apple) has no faith that the quality of the iPhone will keep the customers. That doesn't seem to be the case.

Now I'm sure people will crack the phone to use on other carriers, but the number of people doing that will probably be insignificant (totally guessing on that, btw).

So, basically, it wouldn't surprise me to see no contract requirement. It's redundant, and removing it would only attract even more people.
Click to expand...

It makes complete sense to require a 2 year contract. Even if the phone isn't subsidized by Apple, ATT has signed on to give Apple a cut of the profits. They want that contract then! End of story.

Now why anyone thinks you have to be a new customer is beyond me. The phone is not subsidized. If you want to buy a new iPhone and extend your contract 2 years, ATT is more than happy to oblige. And don't forget, they're probably already buying your current phone for you. You realize the crappy phones they give for free cost them hundreds of dollars. For many cell phone providers they don't make a dime of profit off the user until a year into their contract. That's why they charge money for data plans (which actually cost them less money than you using the actual voice communication). They need the cash.

Now, if the phone was subsidized, then they probably wouldn't let you upgrade until your current phone that is subsidized was mostly paid for. Usually about a year. But that 2 year contract they will require is normal for new customers, and for current customers it'll cover any subsidized phones they currently have and allow them to upgrade to the iPhone with a new contract renewal.
 
jaz419 said:
ive kinda been waiting for something like this...heres why.

if att were to offer the iphone on a 2 year contract, but not give any "new customer" deals on the price of the phone, and sell it at the retail price of 499 and 599 to everyone...then whats going to stop people from signing up with att, buying a phone like the samsung blackjack at the "new customer" discounted price AND buying the iphone, then just selling the blackjack on ebay to make a little money back. brand new blackjacks go for around 200$....thats a big time price relief for a lot of ppl. sooo, if you dont sign up for the 2 year contract, you cant get a steeply discounted blackjack to sell....

what do ya think?
Click to expand...

I think that person would do better selling the iPhone on eBay. If there isn't sufficient supply of the iPhone, look for the Wii or PS3 effect to quadruple or triple prices of the phone.

Anyway, if ATT wants to, they simply won't allow what you're suggesting. But they shouldn't care. The iPhone isn't subsidized, so the 2 year contract you're signing is worth it to them to subsidize the other phone. No different than a current customer upgrading. See my above post.
 
I'm sure Apple plays close attention to these boards and the sole fact that you are reading this means your a fan. If fanboys are disagreeing to purchase the biggest thing since the orignial iMac, there has to be something wrong.

The 2 year agreement was going to be a big hassle anyway, I called an Apple Store and asked exactly how this was going to work (where I would be signing the extended contract in the Apple store or at a near by AT&T store) and the rep had no idea. It would be beneficial for Apple and AT&T to remove that bogus agreement.

I would buy Apple Poop but not with a 2 year agreement.
 
The only REAL question left...

Well, as we get closer to the June 29th release there are really only two questions left to answer:

1. How much will the iPhone with unlimited data plan cost me per month?

2. How big of a chunk from my iPhone monthly bill goes directly into Apple's pocket?


I'm sure Apple and ATT are smart enough to price the phone/data plan $5 or $10 BELOW VERIZON in order to steal away customers from them. After all why would people leave a really fast network for a network that will be fast enough at best? There is a definite reason why Verizon turned Apple down. And it could be question #1.

Another reason Verizon probably turned down Apple, was the payment that Apple demanded be paid to them out of every month's iPhone bill. My gosh how much could it have been for Verizon to have said NO to this amazing technology? You know it is going to be a BIG NUMBER!

Wait till you see the stock move the day that this number is "Leaked" to the public. Right now it's still a secret. But how long can it remain so?

Al
 
Simple. The lawyers figure they are safe in that when they call up Crapular or show up at one of their stores they can inform them, then. So at least they have a chance at a sale vs. Someone like me seeing the ad and seeing that you NEED to sign a 2 year contract which automatically kills any potential sale. Its all marketing in the end.
 
New POLL Proposed

Hey all,

I would like to propose the following new 2 question poll:


1. How much do you think Apple/Att should charge for a basic voice and unlimited data plan?

2. How much do you think Apple's "Commission" will be for each month that an ATT client pays his iPhone bill? i.e. What's Apple's take per month? $2, $3, $5???

I am very interested in hearing your answers.

Al
 
kitten with yarn...

kcroy said:
Innovative company, product, advertisement, and calling plan!

I've got to quit reading these threads...it's like teasing a kitten with yarn!:eek:
Click to expand...

I couldn't have said it better. I had basically talked myself out of buying one of these things until they release whatever the 2nd Gen will be... but the more i read these posts the more I think... "oh come on...you know you want one" ...

I've had decent service with Altell (which does well in Southwest Missouri) but my contract has been up for over a year now. When I bought the razr they asked if i wanted to renew my contract. I responded with... "no I'm going to wait and see what company the rumored iphone is on before i get a new contract, so there's a good chance I'll switch" ... the customer guy at Altell was none to pleased with my answer.

darn "Apple's Ball of Yarn" tempting me to buy one of these things before I should....
 
it's still there on TV

Just saw the ad on Mythbusters at 1:34 am on Discovery channel. The 2 year contract note is still there.
 
bretm said:
Just saw the ad on Mythbusters at 1:34 am on Discovery channel. The 2 year contract note is still there.
Click to expand...

Watching "Traveler" ABC - Saw the new ad ("not watered down") sans the note, then saw the "never been an iPod..." - it still had the contract note.

They probably just don't have the new version [of the original ads] in their system yet. I looked again on Apple's site, and all 4 ads are now "missing" the note.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back