How to buy iPhone in Apple Store?

[RodySt]

Back in (march) 2008 it was possible to visit an Apple Store, buy an iPhone 2G for $499 (without signing a contract yet), go home and activate it at home via iTunes (and also submit your at&t contract).

If you did not activate it you basically had an iPhone for $499 if you unlocked it.

How's that process today with the 3g or 3gs? Is this still possible or do I have to sign a contract in the Apple Store itself?

 

[lavinci]

You tell them what model you want, they take it out, you tell them your AT&T account details and you pay for it there and activation. But, it has to be opened at the store so no taking it home and activating it.

 

[AiralynRose]

Only way to activate at home is to have it delivered to you.

 

[RodySt]

So has this sales policy has been changed then?

Because my current iPhone has been paid in the store and then taken home to activate without contract details or anything...

(actually, bought two at the same time without contract or activation in the store itself!)

 

[jmitch150]

So has this sales policy has been changed then?

Because my current iPhone has been paid in the store and then taken home to activate without contract details or anything...

(actually, bought two at the same time without contract or activation in the store itself!)

Where have you been the past two releases?

 

[chox99]

Where have you been the past two releases?

lol. he should've visit Macrumors more often..
Since it's subsidized you have to sign a contract to use it. Even if you order from online you still have to sign the contact to deliver it to you. OR you can pay the full price and use it with your old plan.

 

[SpaceKitty]

You tell them what model you want, they take it out, you tell them your AT&T account details and you pay for it there and activation. But, it has to be opened at the store so no taking it home and activating it.

Last Friday, I bought my iPhone at an Apple store. They scanned the bar code and handed me the unopened box after paying and I was on my way. I opened the box and connected the iPhone to my Mac and activated it at home.