I got the original iPhone and was able to get the 3G like anyone else a year later. Why. My original phone was unsubsidized at $599. When the 3GS came out I was ineligible for it because I was a year in. My upgrade date was March of this year which later got moved to December of last year. I knew I would wait for 4. Makes sense to upgrade at the subsidized price every 2 years. If you have to have the tech in the off years, pay the $599 or whatever it is price. But don't complain about not getting new hardware every year. Before smartphones, it was always the same 18-24 months for free or subsidized upgrades.