As of today, we’re just a scant two weeks away from the iPhone’s impending reality-altering appearance in stores across America. And details on the much hyped phone—and even its release—still remain scarce. What plans will you have to buy? How much will they cost? How many iPhones will there be at launch? Should you line up?
Many, many questions, with a disturbingly small number of answers. But one tidbit that we did heard—direct from the mouth of Steve Jobs—was a time on the iPhone’s release, namely 6PM. Later suggestions indicate that this is 6PM local time, with us East Coasters getting a shot at the iPhone three hours before our California counterparts.
That’s a wee bit odd. At first I wondered if it was kind of an “after hours” special event thing, but now I think it’s just a very clever strategery. Those with 9-5 jobs probably don’t want to take a day off work to camp out for a phone, so by making it available starting at 6PM, you working stiffs have plenty of time to go get in line and spend their entire Friday night trying to get an iPhone.
Meanwhile, the Consumerist has an allegedly leaked AT&T document that says that not all AT&T stores will get the iPhone—it will be available only in “select AT&T retail locations.” So much for Steve-o’s suggestion that the AT&T stores would be a better bet than Apple Stores. We’d recommend you call your local store and ask before making any queueing plans.
Update: Over at ZDNet, Jason O’Grady claims that the distinction is who owns the store: the AT&T corporate-owned stores will get the iPhone, while the franchise stores will not.
Perhaps the evening time could also make it easier for AT&T to process the activations.
@BruceS44, that makes perfect sense. Release the hounds in the morning and you have people trying to activate *and* call all day long. Release it at night, and people won't be trying call all night long. Or will they?
Maybe I assumed this, but I was under the impression all along that it had to be a real brick & mortar at&t store, not some kiosk or Radio Shack outlet. I can't recall exactly when I thought this though. I have even had some fun with that fact, walking into a local Radio Shack and asking if they were going to get the iPhone in. Their answer? Sure we are! Then I'd say “Suuuure you are…” and walk out with a big smile on my face. I plan on going back and asking them what happened.
I can see myself now perusing the store… some teenager asking if he can help me… I ask for the iPhone… we're sorry… we're not selling them… My response: “I know.” As I pull out my iPhone and call someone.
@Walt: Yeah, but the distinction between corporate versus franchise-owned stores is a new twist. Admittedly one that makes sense, if what O'Grady writes is true. I'm undecided about trying my luck at an Apple Store vs. an AT&T store, and hoping that we get some more info soon.
@Dan: How I wish I was undecided... a real Apple Store, or an at&t ;-) As fate would have it, I'm at least 6 hours from an Apple Store. I'm leaving to the east side of the country on the 30th. That puts me checking out my local at&t. I'm pretty convinced, but just in case, I'll be passing several real Apple Stores on the way east. Who knows.
i live in lebanon beirut! what will happen here? will we get the iphone? on what date? and how much will it cost?