Existing users, 
Confirmed: iPhone 3G will need to be activated in-store; no online ordering
Posted 9 June 2008 @ 3pm in News
Our earlier speculation has been confirmed: iPhone Atlas has learned that there will be no iTunes-based activation for the iPhone 3G. Activation will take place at the time of purchase, either at AT&T or Apple retail stores. This apparently means that there will be no online ordering of the new model, which is due to ship on July 11th.
The in-store activation method is the one traditionally used for most wireless phones, though Apple bucked the trend with its first-generation iPhone, offering an in-home activation scheme that allowed users to purchase the devices boxed then activate them later through iTunes.
The shift in purchase policy will likely further mitigate the market for unlocked iPhones, which has already become less important in the wake of worldwide, authorized carrier announcements.
Feedback? info@iphoneatlas.com.
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2 Comments
Posted by TheBoots
10 June 2008 @ 6am
this seems logical and it demonstrates that ATT & Apple have been able to accede to each other’s distribution models. Apple did its way for a year which was effective for that period of “testing” etc and if not for the unprecented popularity of the iPhone in other countries, Apple may hv tried to stick as closely to its original model. Clearly the leverage that Apple continues to have suggests the combo of revenue sharing, if any, and/or upfront subsidy is enough to make Apple happy for its top line economics. They hv to activate in store ( maybe also in an Apple Store?) as ATT us the one who potential loses every cent on the subsidy if the phone us not activated with a plan.
Now I want to know when ATT or Apple will unlock my old iPhone if I upgrade to a new one.
Posted by shaneblyth
12 June 2008 @ 12am
Yes thats what I want to know will my older model iphone be able to be unlocked or activated by Vodafone in New Zealand now that they will be selling them.