AT&T iPhone 3G’s Pricing Policy
After the launch of the iPhone 3G and its subsidized priced was announced, a lot of confusion about AT&T’s iPhone 3G upgrade policy has came. The main area of confusion relates to existing AT&T customers who don’t currently own an iPhone. Some interpreted Apple’s initial announcement of $199/$299 as an absolute price, not subject to qualification.
MacRumors has made a summarization of the current issues at hand. This may answer some of those question and may clear some of the confusion:
- iPhone 3G will launch in the U.S. on July 11th
- $199 (8GB), $299 (16GB) represents subsidized iPhone 3G prices
- If you are currently an iPhone AT&T customer or not currently an AT&T customer, you qualify for the subsidized pricing
- If you are currently a non-iPhone AT&T customer, you will be subject to certain qualification criteria. AT&T’s “standard” upgrade criteria are posted here but may be subject to change.
- If you don’t qualify, there will be a higher unsubsidized price for the iPhone 3G which will be announced before July 11th.
- Speculation: While rumors have pegged AT&T’s subsidy at $325, it seems very unlikely that the unsubsidized price will be this high ($199+$325). Historically, canceling your existing mobile phone contract for the typical $175 early-termination fee would automatically qualify you for any future subsidized phones. As a result, we suspect the unsubsidized pricing will be about the same as the early-termination fee (about $199+$175 for 8GB).
Related Entries: - More iPhone 3G FAQ’s
- iPhone 3G debut on July 11 at 8:00 a.m.
- iPhone 3G to be activated at the time of purchase
- iPhone 3G is Almost Here
- iPhone 3G coming to more Countries in Aug. 22
- will iPhone Owners upgrade to the new iPhone 3G?
- iPhone Finally Meeting Supply and Demand Balance
- Unlocked Apple iPhone 3G Available in Hong Kong
- What you need to know when activating your iPhone 3G
- In-depth Review of the iPhone 3G
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