Time of iPhone 3G Launch Remains Unclear

Unconfirmed reports claim that the U.S. iPhone launch will take place starting at 8am, July 11th at AT&T stores nationwide. A screenshot posted to our forums claims to depict the actual email sent to AT&T managers. Even if you accept the letter as true, it's not entirely certain that the 8am time was sanctioned by Apple. When the iPhone first launched in 2007, there were multiple reports of AT&T stores planning on opening first thing in the morning, only later to find out the actual launch time was 6pm.

Apple's own retail stores have not yet been briefed on the exact launch time of the iPhone 3G, though it had been previously suggested that it would again happen at 6pm. Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 3G will launch on July 11th, 2008, but the exact time of day has not been announced.

Apple is expected to brief their retail stores on July 6th regarding both the iPhone 3G and MobileMe, so more details should be available after that time.