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The U.K. iPhone 4 Thread
- Thread starter CD3660
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So it seems like o2 and Vodafone are only selling iPhone 4's to existing customers - what about Orange? I really want to switch from o2 to Orange but if I can't pick one up on launch day, that'll be very annoying.
(I've reserved one in store with Apple - if they activate it for me in store, will there still be restrictions on which network and tariff I can select?)
Thanks
(I've reserved one in store with Apple - if they activate it for me in store, will there still be restrictions on which network and tariff I can select?)
Thanks
But then you are assuming that networks are altruistic, rational entities. A big assumption to make.
I think the biggest reason is that most consumers don't know how to unlock, or even that they can do so. They may carry on using the network because of this, or pass the phone on to a family member or sell it. Chances are that person will buy a sim for that network. Easy money. Even if just 5 or 10% of customers do not unlock, that's 5-10% extra revenue.
Another reason was for phones that were exclusive to a network. O2 probably paid a fortune to Apple for the initial exclusivity, so in order to preserve that USP would lock it down. With every dog and it's owner having the iPhone this year, this isn't really applicable this year.
Just popped into my local Vodafone store (Bromley) to ask about what's going to happen on Thursday and they're doing in-store pre-orders. I've got my name down for a 32GB but sadly they're only opening at 9am. Going to get there about half 7 and sit in the cafe next door until I see a queue forming. 
No evidence to back this up, but I imagine the 'existing customers only' policy for O2 and Vodafone would only be for their own stocks (i.e. in their stores and bought from the online).
When reserving a contract phone for instore, there was no option for selecting a network, so I can imagine all of the phones are essentially the same SIM free and then you are given the 'correct' contract SIM for whatever network you choose (whether this keeps the phone unlocked or not is another question..).
However, the stocks the carriers have themselves they have chosen to only provide to existing customers currently in order to keep them happy, which sort of makes sense. With the lack of pre-orders direct from each network, it's possible that any customers looking to switch networks (such as myself) would have pre-ordered with Apple and so they are still gaining new customers without annoying existing customers who want to just upgrade etc.
But as stated, this is all just thoughts, so who knows!
When reserving a contract phone for instore, there was no option for selecting a network, so I can imagine all of the phones are essentially the same SIM free and then you are given the 'correct' contract SIM for whatever network you choose (whether this keeps the phone unlocked or not is another question..).
However, the stocks the carriers have themselves they have chosen to only provide to existing customers currently in order to keep them happy, which sort of makes sense. With the lack of pre-orders direct from each network, it's possible that any customers looking to switch networks (such as myself) would have pre-ordered with Apple and so they are still gaining new customers without annoying existing customers who want to just upgrade etc.
But as stated, this is all just thoughts, so who knows!
Let's hope so.
Generally they need to be at HK airport on the Monday for delivery on Thursday.
If you've pre-ordered for delivery, you'll pay full price for the phone and can pick a sim only tariff from the networks.
If you've reserved one at an Apple Store to pick up, you can get a new contract and pay a subsidised price.
So they are locked as they're activated? If so, I'm sure some hacktivation will bypass that in due time.
If you registered for updates about the iPhone a couple of weeks ago you may receive one in the post.
Otherwise, stores will have them from Monday officially (although most have them already)
Yeh apple store, but because im already a O2 customer i can get a new contract carnt i?
I don't though. In the UK, there's a choice of carriers, and I reserved one in store on pay monthly. I assume this means - as I'll be paying a subsidised price - that they have to activate it in store for me or else I could just use it PAYG.
What I meant was, will they check which network I'm currently on and only let me continue on that one, or will I be able to switch to Orange. Does anybody know this definitively?
Thanks
Cheers I'm going into town today to do some shopping for fathers day, will go ask in about it in the 02 store
This is incorrect (the Vodafone part). I just spoke to a lady at Vodafone customer services who went to check with her manager and Vodafone will be selling iPhone 4s to new customers.
The Apple Store won't care if you're an existing o2 customer if you just want a new contract.
It's o2 who are only selling phones directly to existing customers.
Just make sure you take the required paperwork yada yada yada
For those queueing at the Apple store at Meadowhall, Sheffield on Thursday morning I received this message from the shopping centre's customer care.
I have mine pre-ordered to pickup from store. What are previous pre-ordering events like at the Apple store. Is there a separate queue for pre-ordered people or is it essentially still a free-for-all considering the small print on the bottom of the pre-order email which reads "Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis."
I have mine pre-ordered to pickup from store. What are previous pre-ordering events like at the Apple store. Is there a separate queue for pre-ordered people or is it essentially still a free-for-all considering the small print on the bottom of the pre-order email which reads "Pre-authorization does not guarantee iPhone availability at an Apple Retail Store. iPhone is sold on a first-come, first-served basis."
Thanks a lot. Out of interest...what is the required paperwork? When I got my 3G, all I needed was a credit card and drivers' license (as far as I remember?)
Pleasure. Check with the Apple Store re the ID, I'm pretty sure its 2 forms of address (bills, statements) and 1 Photo.. but don't quote me on that!