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iPhone 2.0 = In Store Activation?
- Thread starter gkarris
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I don't think that Apple will do in-store activations because it would be way too much of an operational bottle-neck in their already jammed-packed stores.
As for unlocking, I think Apple making non-exclusive deals all over the world is their solution to that.
The difference between the number of countires where the iPhone is currently sold and where the iPhone 2.0 is going to be sold is staggering.
Check out the map below:
http://apple20.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/05/12/apple-rings-up-four-new-iphones-deals-in-asia/
Cool map (are we all going Communist? 😱).
I was just referring to the fact that because of subsidies, and Apple trying to thwart unlocking (note that Eastern Europe and China, places where there are a ton of unlocked phones are not on board yet), Apple might make it so that you have to sign up and activate at the store. Sort of what they do now as far as warranties - they check to see if it has been properly activated.
No, they don't - I got one earlier as a backup... 😀
The impression I got from reading the recent articles about Apple not doing exclusive carriers was that they won't be demanding subsidies, either. Why would a wireless company pay a subsidy to Apple when their competition is also selling the iPhone?
But in regards to them forcing in-store activations, from an operational point-of-view, I can't see that happening.
There are days where even with every Specialist in the store ringing up sales on the EasyPays (taking 60-90 seconds per sale), the store can't keep up. To implement in-store activation (which would take what .. 5 - 10 minutes easily per sale, on the ones that work?) would bring the flow of the store to a screaming halt. 😱
But in regards to them forcing in-store activations, from an operational point-of-view, I can't see that happening.
There are days where even with every Specialist in the store ringing up sales on the EasyPays (taking 60-90 seconds per sale), the store can't keep up. To implement in-store activation (which would take what .. 5 - 10 minutes easily per sale, on the ones that work?) would bring the flow of the store to a screaming halt. 😱
^^^ tell me about the stores.
I remember the old days when I went there to check out the "New iPod" and admire the snow-white iMac G3's and I was the only one in the store. Now you can barely get inside. 😱
They could make it so that there is a seperate checkout for iPhones, I would imagine they'd make it easier since they may be selling the new Tablet with 3G and try to get people to sign up for data-only plans for that.
I remember the old days when I went there to check out the "New iPod" and admire the snow-white iMac G3's and I was the only one in the store. Now you can barely get inside. 😱
They could make it so that there is a seperate checkout for iPhones, I would imagine they'd make it easier since they may be selling the new Tablet with 3G and try to get people to sign up for data-only plans for that.
I suspect if the rumours are true that getting an subsidy if signing up with AT&T are true then you will probably have to sign a binding contract in store.
Phazer
Phazer
Why in the heck would Apple or AT&T do this? Activating through iTunes is much simpler and keeps store employees free to activate inferior products.
If you're trying to combat unlocking, there are other ways to do it. I also don't think Apple is too concerned because if they were, they would've done more by now.
Phones will still be activated through iTunes.
Subsidy will be issued in the form of a rebate after activation, simple as that.
Apple isn't going to waste their time signing people up for ATT.
Subsidy will be issued in the form of a rebate after activation, simple as that.
Apple isn't going to waste their time signing people up for ATT.
tersono
macrumors 68000
Here in the US you can order the phone online and they usually make you sign up and activate it online at the time of sale as well...
If it is a rebate, then this would work for everyone. If it is a credit on a future bill, then this complicates things for some people. In my case, I buy the phone but my employer pays the monthly bill directly. I would not be happy with a subsidy credit reducing my phone bill.
This has been a problem for me with AT&T in the past.
Yeah you're way wrong, I got one first time around, no service required, no your facts Jack!