iPhone 3G Store Displays, Demo Units, Apple Retail Launch [Update]
Image from Gizmodo
Preparations are underway for the iPhone 3G launch this Friday at AT&T and Apple stores nationwide. Gizmodo posts photos of oversized iPhone 3G store displays (pictured above) that demonstrate the functionality of the iPhone. Apple had similar units on display for the original iPhone launch, but these have been updated to reflect the black back case of the iPhone 3G.
AT&T stores are due to get iPhone 3G demo units starting tomorrow:
Beginning July 8th you will receive the new iPhone 3G demo devices at your store to enhance your sales process. These devices will be used the same as your 2G demo devices in your sales process but now you can demonstrate the additional capabilities of the iPhone 3G including the App Store
The leaked sales memo also details that employees are to download apps from the App Store on the morning of July 11th and that the phones are to be activated on July 10th. So, while, the demo units may be in AT&T stores tomorrow, they may not be available for public use until launch day.Apple held their retail meeting last night, and details have been slow to trickle out. We've heard that more details will be available throughout the week but several employees seem to believe that they will open at 8am to mirror AT&T's launch time. (Apple apparently did not dictate an exact time so it may be left up to the discretion of the individual Apple stores.) As expected, iPhones will be activated in-store and must be paid for by check, credit card or gift card. Cash may be used to purchase gift cards, however, which in turn could be used to buy the iPhone. Credit checks, of course, will be performed at time of sale. A few of these details are also corroborated at Macenstein.
Update: We've heard conflicting tidbits about existing AT&T non-iPhone customers. To avoid confusion and delays, existing AT&T customers who do not currently own an iPhone should probably go an AT&T store (not an Apple Retail Store) on launch day to upgrade to the iPhone 3G. We'll post more updates as we hear them.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
47 months ago
Damn. I can't decide if I should go to an Apple Store or an AT&T store. I'm afraid the Apple folks will screw something up in the activation process. And I'm afraid the AT&T store won't have as much stock.
47 months ago
Friend of mine works at apple retail, he said they weren't told whether it was an 8am open time or not and that all the mobile checkout devices they have will be able to walk through the activation and plan selection for the phone. So it really shouldn't be possible for them to screw it up, as it's just a walkthrough for them. Check Credit, check what plan, phone activates. Just like iTunes but an apple employee does it.
47 months ago
Damn. I can't decide if I should go to an Apple Store or an AT&T store. I'm afraid the Apple folks will screw something up in the activation process. And I'm afraid the AT&T store won't have as much stock.
I would say for all EXISTING ATT customers to go to an ATT store so that Apple doesnt screw something up. All new customers should go to the Apple Store.
47 months ago
Arn, first, thank you for this website, it's the only thing that keeps me going at work! What is the general consensus on supply? Will it meet the demand? Anyone have experience from last years launch, I heard Apple stores had no problem meeting demand last year so can anyone confirm that? This week is crawling by so I hope they open at 8 because I don't know if I could sit at work for 8 hours on Friday!
47 months ago
iPhones will be activated in-store and must be paid for my check or credit card (no cash).
cool thanks for offering ;)
47 months ago
i would have wasted 6 hours today trying to pre-order through the o2 store if i had seen the units 'in the flesh', but as i havent i feel unable to choose which model i want.... anyone else share my indecision?
47 months ago
I called the Apple Store in Nashville yesterday, and they will be opening at 10 am. I suspect that Apple Stores inside malls (like this one) will stick to their normal opening times, while free-standing ones might open earlier.
47 months ago
I called the Apple Store in Nashville yesterday, and they will be opening at 10 am. I suspect that Apple Stores inside malls (like this one) will stick to their normal opening times, while free-standing ones might open earlier.
Really? A lot of Malls open their doors early for "mall walkers" and for other various reasons. Also, I would think Apple would have the clout to get permission to open their store early.
47 months ago
Is the Check or Credit card only thing for Apple store only or does it go for ATT stores as well?
[ Read All Comments ]
One of the most frequent reasons for an iPhone to go on a trip to the Apple Store's Genius Bar is because of water damage. Typically, a water damaged iPhone can be replaced for a flat $199...
TheVerge's Joshua Topolsky summarizes the iPad 3 casing findings reported earlier today, but also adds his own sources regarding some details of the iPad 3.
Image from RepairLabs
As...
Last July, Apple discontinued the white MacBook from its consumer lineup, pushing consumers toward the company's popular MacBook Air line or the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The company didn't kill...
Popular iPhone Twitter client Tweetbot has finally arrived on the iPad, with a user interface instantly familiar to any current Tweetbot user. Designed for the Twitter power-user, Tweetbot packs a...
Last month, we noted that Apple had signed a pair of leases for over 300,000 square feet of space in Sunnyvale, the company's first venture into the city next door to its home in Cupertino,...
