iPhone FAQ : Availability & Pricing
- Who is selling iPhone?
- iPhone will be available at Apple Retail stores and official, company-owned AT&T/Cingular retail stores. iPhone will not be available from non-AT&T vendors such as mall carts and independent vendors.
- Where can I buy an iPhone?
- Apple Retail stores: Apple Store Finder
AT&T/Cingular stores: AT&T Store Finder
Note: Only company-owned AT&T stores sell iPhones; authorized dealers are not allowed to sell iPhones. - Can I buy iPhone online?
- Yes. It is listed in the Apple Store, shipping in 2-4 weeks, though we have a report that a recently placed order will ship on July 6th.
Amazon sells other cell phones and has an iPhone notification option, but we don't know when it will ship iPhones. - Is there a limit on how many I can buy?
- Apple is limiting each customer to two iPhones; AT&T is limiting iPhones to one per customer. As of July 3rd, all 1600 AT&T stores had sold out and are awaiting more units from Apple. (We assume this "rationing" will end after the initial sales surge.)
- How much does iPhone cost?
- There are two models of iPhone. The 4 GB model costs $499; the 8 GB model costs $599.
Special iPhone Plan?
- What if I want more than 200 SMS text messages?
- AT&T offers add-on services for SMS text starting at $9.99/month for unlimited texting to other AT&T customers. (For details see AT&T's Messaging and MEdia Bundles web page.) Customers can upgrade from 200 to 1500 SMS messages per month for an extra $10/month, or unlimited SMS messages for $20. (Note that both incoming and outgoing SMS messages count against the quota.)
- Does data consume plan minutes?
- No.
- Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
- Yes. Apple's Rate Plans page says "Minimum new 2-year wireless service plan and activation fee required to activate iPhone features, including iPod; plans are subject to AT&T credit approval." (Credit approval is integrated into the iTunes activation process, though AT&T says it can be done in-store by AT&T staff.)
Existing AT&T customers must start a new two-year contract commitment, which replaces any existing contract. [Source: Erica Sadun, TUAW, The small print stinks]
Customers with poor credit can go to an AT&T store and will be offered a more expensive month-to-month, no commitment plan.
Some bloggers have found a way to trick iTunes into failing the credit check, which opens the door to the more expensive, no commitment plan. - Is there a cancellation fee to break contract?
- Yes. AT&T's current cancellation fee is $175 per line. If new service is cancelled within 30 days, the cancellation fee does not apply. If cancelled within 14 days, the $36 activation fee is refunded as well.
- Who do I pay for monthly service?
- AT&T. Apple supplies the handset, AT&T supplies the service and monthly bill.
- If I don't want to register a credit card with iTunes, will I still be able to buy an iPhone?
- Yes, you pay AT&T for monthly service. We still are not sure what role the iTunes Store (AppleID) account plays in activation.
- Are there corporate discounts or business plans?
- No. AT&T's iPhone FAQ states: iPhone service is available only to consumer accounts. iPhone and associated wireless service are not eligible for corporate discounts.
- If I recently upgraded my AT&T phone under contract, can I upgrade to an iPhone?
- Yes.
- What about pre-paid plans?
- MacInTouch reader "DK" writes, If you don't like AT&T's network (it is pitifully slow), sign up for the AT&T prepaid service via iTunes. I signed up for 300 minutes plus 1000 night/weekend minutes, plus unlimited text messaging and unlimited data for $86.31/month. I found the AT&T 2-year plans absurd, especially since 200 text messages a month is ridiculous, considering AT&T counts every incoming message as well.
- What is the return policy?
- AT&T states: Apple branded equipment is covered by a 14-day return policy and must be returned to the original point of purchase. If the Apple branded equipment is returned unopened and in the original shrink wrapping, it will be refunded back to the original payment method. Opened Apple branded equipment that is returned within 14 days will be subject to a 10% open box restocking fee. All products must be packed in their original, unmarked packaging including any accessories and manuals that shipped with the product.
We do not know what Apple's return policy will be. - Will the non-phone functions of the iPhone work even without the phone service activated (i.e., Calendar, Contacts, iPod and Safari/Mail via Wi-Fi)?
- iPhone will not work until activated with iTunes. If service is subsequently cancelled, iPhone functions as an iPod and WiFi-only internet device, without phone or SMS texting functionality.
