[mfleigle]

What about AT&T online? They sell the phone to you activated from them. I found it interesting that there "revolutionary" way to activate phones only lasted a year. And iTunes activation had nothing to do with unlocking. I am now taking this story with a grain of salt, since neither AT&T or Apple has said it (CS people do not count)

[StealthBravo]

The employees at the Apple Stores are talking about the old iphone not the new one. I am sure they haven't even been briefed on it yet.

[nycaznkidd0]

Originally Posted by 1sick94hb

how can the att store tell you something over the phone about a phone that they dont even have yet!

i called a apple store not a atnt store, if u get ur iphone on atnt obviously u have to activate it.

[zinjen]

I just got back from the local AT&T store and spoke with the manager. It appears that it is true.. activation in the store only. You literally will have to sign a 2 year agreement or re-extend a 2 year agreement if you are currently an iphone holder. Apparently as well they are integrating AT&T substations into the MAC Stores as of July 1st .

[1sick94hb]

exactly. So this basically is going to put a stop to buying iphones on ebay. Why would i buy an iphone, activate it, cancel the plan and pay the early termination fee, unlock it then sell it on ebay??? So basically like i said apple has just screwed themselves if all this info is true!

[elay12]

it's no big deal, just sign the contract. all cell providers have a 30 day trial period. just sign up for the plan and then within minutes cancel your plan and you won't have to pay anything extra.

[nycaznkidd0]

if the iphone going to release on the 11th stores should have been receiving the phones today. the chances that the stores get it tomorrow are slim cause there might be a delay shipment.

[gameviper]

so i have a question... if i bought the iphone and activated with a 2 year contract... how would i go about buying this one? just go in and upgrade just like that?

[Poseidon79]

I can see AT&T having this in store activation policy... only makes sense. That makes it fair for legit AT&T customers to have a decent supply of phones available. But this doesn't stop someone from going to the APPLE store and picking one up with the "understanding" that it will be activated at home.

[zinjen]

Originally Posted by 1sick94hb

exactly. So this basically is going to put a stop to buying iphones on ebay. Why would i buy an iphone, activate it, cancel the plan and pay the early termination fee, unlock it then sell it on ebay??? So basically like i said apple has just screwed themselves if all this info is true!

not exactly... i think this is why we are seeing a huge drop in retail price. The average AT&T Customers pays nearly $99 a month for 900-1200 minutes + data plan, unlimited text, etc. This makes sense.

[Arm22]

Ummmm. Is everyone screaming about Apples stock forgetting about the exclusivity contract? This is SUPPOSED to be just for AT&T remember? Why would they care if you don't buy unless you activate a 2yr. This is a smart business move to protect AT&T and Apple's agreement. I see no other reason for it.

[Darko_kun]

I just took my iPhone off ebay since I heard we wont be able to walk in and get one.

[Happy Noodle Boy]

Screwed themselves how? The number of unlocked phones (comparing iPhone sales to iPhone contracts) hasn't been higher than 20%. So assuming this is all true, they lost those 20% while attracting an equivalent number of costumers who are ok with a $200 price tag.

They can't physically prevent you from unlocking or jailbreak a phone, but I do have to say that forcing a contract with each phone sale if a pretty nice way to stop it.

[eg6motion]

Originally Posted by jerdst

that bull apple better recall the iPhones and give me a new one
because I paid 400 for the I have
and I thought all the iPhones were 3g

ha, what a tool. Reading>you.

[zinjen]

Originally Posted by elay12

it's no big deal, just sign the contract. all cell providers have a 30 day trial period. just sign up for the plan and then within minutes cancel your plan and you won't have to pay anything extra.

Really? By law you only have (3) days to void any legal bound contract. Technically without an addendum in the contract (I don't see that happening) if you purchase a phone and open the box your stuck with it.