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Apple UK Special Event: September 18th 2007

i don't think that it would be possible to teach the staff all the little bits and pieces about new iPhones in 90 minutes. Not just how to use them, because I would say that no staff members there have ever been allowed to touch an iPhone to get a proper feeling for how they work. And then there will be all the contract details to learn. I know in the US, they had 3 plans, but did the store employees know much about the contracts. Or were they just like ask ATT?? And I assume they'd have to set up all the displays in this time too, which wouldn't take 90 minutes, but if you include that with all the other things the staff are going to have to do.

I'd love for the phone to be available straight away, and I know its completely possible that it could happen, but realistically I can't see it happening. But we'll soon see. I'm soo excited, and I cant wait for it to be released!
 
Here's the homepage I dream of seeing on Tuesday - who's with me! :D
 

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That would be a good price for the phone by itself, but will the O2 contract be able to provide users with enough inclusives, especially the data allowance for a reasonable monthly amount? Think that's where the iPhone may come unstuck in the UK, especially if there's no 3G capability.
 
cervaro said:
That would be a good price for the phone by itself, but will the O2 contract be able to provide users with enough inclusives, especially the data allowance for a reasonable monthly amount? Think that's where the iPhone may come unstuck in the UK, especially if there's no 3G capability.
Click to expand...

Yes I agree. I can't help thinking that there is going to be a sting in the tail somewhere.

This is a very special product that many will be desperate to acquire and use. In those circumstances I can't see it being released with an unlimited (or at least very generous) data plan at anything other than a premium price.

Look, for example, at the sort of prices that were charged for the sim-free (or even contracted) Nokia 8800 not so long ago, not to mention the rather peculiar Bang and Olufsen.

So my guess (and I hope I'm wrong) is that there will be a catch price-wise either with the cost of the hardware or with the cost of the data plans.
 
Project said:
Hopefully O2 get their **** together when it comes to data plans. I think its about £10 a month for 20MB at the moment. Embarrassing. If they dont sort it, I will unlock the iPhone and use it with T Mobiles Web N Walk
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Why is everyone assuming that by the time the European version hits shelves it will be unlockable. If estimates are true and Apple receive more revenue from new subscribers over the duration of the plan from the network then Apple are likely to agressively tackle the issue and most likely will fix the baseband bug which enables current iPhones to be unlocked perhaps to a hardware level. Then all unlock methods are screwed.

As for a 3G version. Who knows. However, with o2 upgrading their masks to EGPRS, it's not ludicrous to suggest possibly not. 3G is also power hungry, even with the latest chips so that would involve some substantial alterations to the iPhone.

Also, I was on o2 once. I'd rather torch myself than deal with their CS.
 
cookiemoose said:
Why is everyone assuming that by the time the European version hits shelves it will be unlockable.
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Want to bet?

The chances of Apple making a new phone with different hardware for the EU launch are slim. Its very likely to be the exact same phone that is shipping in the States, but with perhaps some modified firmware. The current hack might not work, but should easily be modified to unlock here.
 
now why would apple staff need training?

since it's last minute before the announcement, i can only assume that apple want to keep something secret until last possible moment

as it's in london, it must be a britain/europe specific announcement

what is there that's top secret, and hasn't been released in britain that requires apple staff to learn something new?

iPhone

c'mon y'all know it's true...i only hope they'll make an announcement relevant to the rest of the world
 
cookiemoose said:
Why is everyone assuming that by the time the European version hits shelves it will be unlockable.
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Well, because they're assuming that the operators Apple is partnering on do not want massive fines or to have their licenses revoked.

The laws in most countries in the EU, including the UK, imply the phone must be unlockable by the operator they're locked to, if not sold unlocked (and some countries require sold unlocked.) And European (both transnational and national) authorities tend to be quick to jump on people who try to find loopholes around those kinds of regulations, so there's pretty much nothing Apple can do about the situation.

The iPhone, as sold in Europe, has to be unlockable. If sold throughout Europe, it'll have to be sold in some countries unlocked. End of story.
 
peharri said:
Well, because they're assuming that the operators Apple is partnering on do not want massive fines or to have their licenses revoked.

The laws in most countries in the EU, including the UK, imply the phone must be unlockable by the operator they're locked to, if not sold unlocked (and some countries require sold unlocked.) And European (both transnational and national) authorities tend to be quick to jump on people who try to find loopholes around those kinds of regulations, so there's pretty much nothing Apple can do about the situation.

The iPhone, as sold in Europe, has to be unlockable. If sold throughout Europe, it'll have to be sold in some countries unlocked. End of story.
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Yep, although carriers can charge for the unlock. Orange for example charge £20
 
Genghis Khan said:
now why would apple staff need training?

since it's last minute before the announcement, i can only assume that apple want to keep something secret until last possible moment

as it's in london, it must be a britain/europe specific announcement

what is there that's top secret, and hasn't been released in britain that requires apple staff to learn something new?

iPhone

c'mon y'all know it's true...i only hope they'll make an announcement relevant to the rest of the world
Click to expand...

Well, assuming Apple announces the UK iPhone, it will no doubt fuel a lot of questions from customers coming into the store. The staff will need to be up to speed on the release date, pricing, carrier, tariffs, etc. Everyday consumers who may have heard something on the news or on a website about this announcement aren't necessarily going to read forums like this so Apple employees will need to be able to answer those kind of queries with definitive facts rather than vague rumours.

The extended opening hours are just to give the store a reasonable day's trading.
 
headspace said:
Well, assuming Apple announces the UK iPhone, it will no doubt fuel a lot of questions from customers coming into the store. The staff will need to be up to speed on the release date, pricing, carrier, tariffs, etc. Everyday consumers who may have heard something on the news or on a website about this announcement aren't necessarily going to read forums like this so Apple employees will need to be able to answer those kind of queries with definitive facts rather than vague rumours.

The extended opening hours are just to give the store a reasonable day's trading.
Click to expand...

Someone at Engadget said they worked at the store. They claimed they have a couple of dozen crates with seals on inside a room covered by CCTV. Apparently, there are strict instructions not to enter the room until 2.30pm that day. Make of that what you will...
 
applemax said:
Someone at Engadget said they worked at the store. They claimed they have a couple of dozen crates with seals on inside a room covered by CCTV. Apparently, there are strict instructions not to enter the room until 2.30pm that day. Make of that what you will...
Click to expand...

I saw that comment as well - which got me wanting it to be true!

Likely it's just a pack of lies, but would be fantastic if they came out the same day. *sigh*

-Leemo
 
I'm going to the event on Tuesday so I shall be back reporting on what I've seen :)

On a side note, am I the only bloody one here who doesn't want it out the same day?

You would lose the atmosphere from queuing up, the countdown to release, the fact that I don't get paid until Oct. 5th! Come on October 6th release :D!
 
If it's the same as the US model. It could be released on Tuesday.

If it's a November release I'd expect 16GB (via one Samsung 128Gb flash chip) and maybe 3G.

We might get both releases.

....wild speculation, roll on Tuesday!
 
RossoA said:
I'm going to the event on Tuesday so I shall be back reporting on what I've seen :)

On a side note, am I the only bloody one here who doesn't want it out the same day?

You would lose the atmosphere from queuing up, the countdown to release, the fact that I don't get paid until Oct. 5th! Come on October 6th release :D!
Click to expand...

Haha same here, I don't get paid until the thursday! However if it comes out on tuesday im gunna pursuade a relative to lend me £300 or watever, and i'm going straight up to regent street after work - should be able to get there by about 6.30pm :p
 
It'll be exactly the same as the US model, think of the uproar Apple would get from the people who whined over the price drop...

American: "I want 3G, NOW" *stomps feet*
Support Line: "It appears that you rang a few days ago about getting your $100 credit, which you then still rang us back and complained about, would you also like us to wipe your ass and lick your feet?"

They'd set themselves up for yet another whine fest

3G or no 3G I'm not bothered, it's not a big part of the equation for me, the way I look at it is that the iPhone has so many other good features, not having 3G really doesn't bother me, you get so much other high tech that many people are already taking for granted...
 
Schtumple said:
It'll be exactly the same as the US model, think of the uproar Apple would get from the people who whined over the price drop...

American: "I want 3G, NOW" *stomps feet*
Support Line: "It appears that you rang a few days ago about getting your $100 credit, which you then still rang us back and complained about, would you also like us to wipe your ass and lick your feet?"

They'd set themselves up for yet another whine fest

3G or no 3G I'm not bothered, it's not a big part of the equation for me, the way I look at it is that the iPhone has so many other good features, not having 3G really doesn't bother me, you get so much other high tech that many people are already taking for granted...
Click to expand...

AFAIK In the US 3g isn't really popular. EDGE is the big thing there. Nearly every phone in the US is EDGE and not 3G. Apple takes this to sell their product.

AFAIK In the UK 3G is extremely popular. 3G is the big thing here. Nearly every phone in the UK is 3G and not EDGE (except Blackberries). Apple takes this to sell the EU version of their product.

It's 'in your face' blindingly obvious that if Apple takes their customers seriously, they want to use internet and email over 3G rather than GPRS.

There's your answer.

Wake up Wednesday morning - I'm 100% sure you'll have a 16GB 3G iPhone in your hands.
 
wow not long now until tuesday! But i dunno i hope and kinda dont that they release it that day because if they release it that day i can get one straight away, but I would like to be part of a countdown and queing and what not.....
 
applemax said:
Someone at Engadget said they worked at the store. They claimed they have a couple of dozen crates with seals on inside a room covered by CCTV. Apparently, there are strict instructions not to enter the room until 2.30pm that day. Make of that what you will...
Click to expand...

If this were true, wouldn't other Apple stores around the UK have similar crates in readiness for an immediate launch?

There appears to be no evidence of that or special opening hours, so my guess is that it is a load of baloney!
 
CD3660 said:
If this were true, wouldn't other Apple stores around the UK have similar crates in readiness for an immediate launch?

There appears to be no evidence of that or special opening hours, so my guess is that it is a load of baloney!
Click to expand...

Maybe the launch is just for Regent Street then the stock trickles in to the other stores the next day.
 
CD3660 said:
Possible I suppose. At least that would give me notice to get down to my local store the next day.

Here's hoping you're right!
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Well remember when they announced the Intel iMac at MWSF 06 i think it was? It was only available at the store nearest Moscone West on that day. It didn't appear anywhere else for a few days.

Regent Street is Apple's best flagship store for Europe. The iPhone will be there on the day. Definitely.e
 
Screw all of you. I want an October release, then I'll have some money and I can hype it more than ever, and get to wait in t3h line.
 
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