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See the original image at gizmodo.com

iPhone 2 to Be Sold "at Significantly Lower Prices"

gizmodo.com — Financial Times is like the UK's Wall Street Journal, so they don't print things lightly —truth likelihood is very high. And they're saying the next iPhone will be subsidized and much cheaper than the current one. (Excerpt from Financial Times On The Page)

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  • timusca, on 06/07/2008, -214/+23Sweet! I got in first way before it will hit the front page! When do I get tons of sweet diggs?
  • digitaldivinci, on 06/07/2008, -16/+7I was excited, simply because a cheap V2 would make it more likely for me to upgrade, but I am pretty sure this will be available at the $399 price or more, and new customers can get a certain amount off (probably a rebate).
    • dullnation, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2New customers pay less, existing customers pay full price. Interesting logic you've got there...
      • HolyChimp, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1It's logic that works: An existing customer is already a customer tied into at least another 12 months on the current iPhone. Why would they pay for your custom when they already have it for the next 12 months?
  • Branchex, on 06/07/2008, -16/+7This probably means they will make it a lot harder to unlock.
    • nealyng, on 06/08/2008, -1/+6It wouldn't matter to them, or at least they would not need to try any harder than they already are. I assume the subsidy would only be applied after the customer has signed up for a contract with AT&T, so the customer would have to pay an early termination fee to get out of the AT&T contract. The early termination fee would give AT&T back the money that they spent on the subsidy.
    • reggplant, on 06/08/2008, -2/+4It shouldn't be any different than the other firmwares, what they'll probably do is charge you full price in the apple store, then credit you the excess money back when you activate it with a contract. That way if you buy it from apple and unlock you get charged full price, but activate it with an AT&T contract and you get it subsidized.
  • Blitzking, on 06/08/2008, -23/+11What is the purpose of getting one, if i can't show off how expensive is my phone?
    • mark076h, on 06/08/2008, -1/+18just tell people it's the original iPhone and you paid $600 for it, if it does have a front facing camera keep your finger over it when you show them
  • Dumbledorito, on 06/08/2008, -17/+248Yet it's still tied to AT&T. You can't subsidize your way out of that.
    • BooshTukka, on 06/08/2008, -9/+37Are you sure that AT&T didn't just sign a deal for the "iPhone"? That might not include "iPhone V2". Apple are sneaky *****.
      • josereyes0, on 06/08/2008, -1/+18If the iPhone was coming to Verizon or Sprint, they wouldn't be working so hard to push out an 'iPhone killer' like the Instinct.
        • jermm, on 06/08/2008, -6/+2About 50% chance of the iPhone being unlocked GSM phone
          About 1% chance of a CDMA unlocked iPhone. I don't think Apple wants to do a non-GSM phone, but I've been surprised before...
          (does anyone know what radio is in the Japanese iPhone?)
      • shank2001, on 06/08/2008, -2/+4I'll tell you this much, BYE BYE VERIZON! HELLO ATT! $200 sold!
        • Muyoso, on 06/08/2008, -4/+2Ill tell you this much, In 2 months, BYE BYE AT&T, PLEASE TAKE ME BACK VERIZON. AT&T is *****.
    • johnpaul191, on 06/08/2008, -2/+19The stinker is that nobody knows how long that AT&T deal is. There are assumptions, but for all we know it could have only been 1 year. doubtful, but possible.
      If the option was AT&T or T-Mobile.... maybe i wouldn't care? I wish the iPhone was compatible with Verizon's coverage. I don't like Verizon for anything except their signal quality.
      • sleepwalkers, on 06/08/2008, -0/+10...I thought it was pretty well-known that AT&T had the iPhone tied up for a good five years or so. I mean, I definitely could be wrong but I remember hearing multiple things about their exclusivity deal.
        • dagamer34, on 06/08/2008, -5/+1Multiple rumors != an actual confirmation. The iPhone's exclusivity was never put into a press release so we're really just guessing here. Heck, with the iPhone 2 released, Apple might just start selling first gen iPhones to T-Mobile to offload old stockpiles (speculation).
        • bigsteve, on 06/08/2008, -1/+11There was a confirmation. AT&T does have exclusive rights to the iPhone for four more years. After that, they're certainly free to renew with AT&T for more years, or just ride with them until the inevitable Jobs blow-up.

          Remember how OS X since 10.2 was built against i386 as well? Given the somewhat-new Verizon device certification program, I would be more surprised if Jobs didn't have a CDMA iPhone prototype at their labs right now being certified. Every other time he's locked himself in with an outside service or product supplier, he's always had a seemingly-crazy-at-the-time plan B.
      • Evi1d33d, on 06/08/2008, -1/+4I thought Verizon doesn't run off GSM.
        • gn0stik, on 06/08/2008, -3/+1They can. Just not their primary network.
        • utexas112, on 06/08/2008, -2/+2Eh, I don't think so...
        • gn0stik, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1morons:

          http://consumerist.com/consumer/unlocked/verizon-t ...

          Their global phones like the blackberries are already capable, and you can get them unlocked when going out of the country and use guess what???? SIM CARDS... I had my phone unlocked after this became available about 6 months ago. A verizon tech went over with me ad nauseum because I was sure he was incorrect.

          know what you speak of before you bury someone who knows what they are talking about.

          He also told me that their long term plan is to completely switch over gradually.
    • Zephik, on 06/08/2008, -1/+5I would pay full price and then a little more if only they would offer it for other carriers...
    • mikesown, on 06/08/2008, -8/+44I don't understand why everyone always complains about AT&T being the exclusive carrier for the iPhone. Seriously -- they aren't THAT bad of a carrier and they are aggressively upgrading their 3g network for iPhone use. Besides, what are other choices in the US? T-mobile is it, and they downright suck for 3g support(I think they just started installing 3g). $20/mo for unlimited data and visual voicemail is a great deal to me considering the amount of bandwidth that can be used(for a useful purpose) on the iPhone.

      The only condition which I can see there being a viable reason to unlock is if you're traveling and want to put in a SIM card from an international carrier to avoid paying out the nose for roaming. And for that, there's always a cheap disposable GSM phone.
      • yetAnotherCroc, on 06/08/2008, -14/+8Yeah, why does everyone think monopolies are bad? Just be thankful for the crumbs that fall of the rich corporations table. After all who are you to want to make our own choices in life? Don't you know that AT&T and Apple know whats best for you?

        /sarcasm
        • MacParrot, on 06/08/2008, -7/+15Do you even know what a monopoly is? An exclusive supplier of services. Are you saying you can't get a cell phone or cell services from someone OTHER than ATT? Are you saying that either Apple or ATT is a monopoly in some way? Maybe you should take a little time to read up on what a monopoly is and why they AREN'T illegal unless the company or corporation does something to restrict trade or harm the consumer.

          Or would that disturb your rant? You know by being wrong and everything?
        • NormalVisual, on 06/08/2008, -11/+4Hey MacParrot - pay attention to the discussion before going off and questioning other people's intelligence - AT&T *does* have a monopoly on the iPhone unless you want to hack it yourself and lose support for it.
        • NormalVisual, on 06/08/2008, -7/+6MacParrot - he's not wrong, as AT&T *does* have a monopoly on the iPhone. Here's some advice from someone almost certainly older and with more life experience - take some time and spend it in the world outside your parents' basement. Maybe you won't be such a flaming ***** then.
        • MacParrot, on 06/08/2008, -2/+10Right, and Ford has a monopoly on Ford cars and Dell has a monopoly on Dell computers. It ISN'T a monopoly since there are other avenues for similar services As so many have pointed out, the iPhone doesn't have any features you can't get from other phones and/or other carriers. The only thing that made it different was the UI which is now being either copied or improved on by others.

          Last two things. learn how to use the digg reply button. Maybe then you wouldn't end up posting the same thing twice.. Also, unless you were born before 1960, you aren't older than me (like that matters) and unless you traveled the world like I have (on the govt's dime) then you probably don't have more life experience either. Also, having grown up in Florida (if anyone really grows up there), we didn't have a basement.
        • freakk123, on 06/08/2008, -2/+5NormalVisual, your "life experience" and age don't matter one bit if you're wrong. Which you are.
          Further, you call someone an ***** when you're blatantly being a condescending *****. It comes off as a little hypocritical.
        • yetAnotherCroc, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2@MacParrot: I know very well what a monopoly is. I alls know that the Apple-AT&T combo isn't one by the text book definition. I was just attacking the general attitude of "You have no right to criticize the big corporations for their decisions. You should instead accept their business plans as your ultimate guide in life. After all, why would you want to think for yourself?"

          If you had read the post I was responding to you would have seen what I mean.
        • MacParrot, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2I apologize then for misunderstanding but you really weren't clear. FTR I don't think mikesown was saying that no one had the right to criticize ATT, just that the other choices weren't much better. He was essentially saying ATT wasn't that bad in comparison. ATT is no better or worse than most other US cell carriers IMO, but I dislike using them because their coverage in my neighborhood isn't that good.

          I was actually considering moving to another until two things happened. My wife's Sprint based Blackberry sucks just as bad and my neighbor's Vonage phone was also not so great, then the whole thing with the iPhone happened. I still haven't bought one because of the too little storage reason, but if I do want to get one, what's the point of switching to another carrier when I'm already on the one that it works with and the other carriers are no better where I live?
        • yetAnotherCroc, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1@MacParrot: I feel your pain. Your telco's are one of many reasons I'm glad I don't live in the states. It seems like your competition is so poor that no matter what company you turn to you get screwed over. I'm still trying to grasp the concept of paying to receive texts. And you guys haven't run them out of town on a rail yet? I guess it could be attributed to most people not knowing better and thinking your conditions are normal.
        • MacParrot, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1Where do you live? Chances are I've been there or nearby (grin)

          As far as American monopolies go, the telcos are the least of it. The original ATT was SO bad the even a bought and paid for Congress couldn't ignore it and broke them up. The current ATT is barely connected and is a pale imitation of the bad old days. Not that they're perfect, or have better morals (handing over subscriber information to the govt doesn't make them too innocent for example). But if you really want to talk about potential harmful monopolies, look at the cable companies in the US. Handed out little fiefdoms back in the 70s and 80s which they guard as jealously as any lover. That's where the American consumer is really getting screwed these days.
        • yetAnotherCroc, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1I live in Sweden. Here we went from a state instituted monopoly to a wide open market in a short ten years. I think the main difference here is that we have an oversight authority (PTS) that actually does oversight and isn't afraid to smack down any anti competitive or bad behavior. In fact the big mostly state owned company (TeliaSonera) is the one that gets slapped with most of the penalties. And when I say penalties I'm talking about millions of dollars in fines. Long story short, they stay in line here.
        • MacParrot, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1Very nice. Always wanted to go to both Sweden and Norway (where my grandparents were from). Skirted around the area by going to Helsinki and various cities in Denmark. Maybe someday. Nice chatting with you.
        • yetAnotherCroc, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1likewise
      • NormalVisual, on 06/08/2008, -9/+9mikesown - There are a variety of reasons to dislike having AT&T as the exclusive carrier for the iPhone, not the least of which is the warrantless wiretapping that they continue to do for the government. I refuse to do business with AT&T as a result of that.

        Besides, choice in the wireless market is a *good* thing, which Apple apparently doesn't agree with.
        • McSwankypants, on 06/08/2008, -0/+6Not sure why you're being dugg down. Their direct link to the NSA used to piss EVERYONE on Digg off, but now you're dugg down. Makes no ***** sense.
      • PosedMagnet, on 06/08/2008, -3/+8Maybe you've been living under a rock, but here's a hint why people don't like AT&T

        http://www.eff.org/cases/hepting
      • tinman79, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1It's because GSM does not work in some parts of my state (WI-please hold your wilderness jokes). It's not that it would be roaming, there would be no signal at all in a large portion of the state where both my wife and I are from.
        • dolbyac3, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2ATT seems to have the best coverage for me in Wisconsin and works great when I travel to Bay Lake in MN for vacations. Maybe its your phone?

          I would like to see another carrier other then ATT that has the same rural data coverage so I could have a choice. Our work has tried Verizon & Sprint cards and when way up north in WI they dont work but our ATT card works. All the phones seemed to work ok voice wise though.

          Glad to see some one else in Wisconsin reads digg too!
        • lisaawesome, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1ATT has some business practices I absolutely do not agree with but the fact of the matter is when I travel outside of Oklahoma City they give me the best coverage. My T-mobile friends cannot get reception in my garage but I sure can. I just make sure to very loudly and clearly talk about illegal, possibly terrorist related activities while on the phone.
      • pyry, on 06/08/2008, -1/+5The issue isn't completely AT&T, the issue is that they're releasing a product and tying it to a carrier. If they released them unlocked, that'd be a step in the right direction in the US if such a prominent country could show you can release a phone without having it locked in to a certain provider. That's how it works in a lot of other countries, and the fact that it doesn't happen here so much is probably slowing the development of awesome cell phones.

        I realize that maybe they want to provide a better guaranteed user experience when they can say certain features will work, but why not leave it up to the consumers to decide? You could still certainly tell people it will work best on AT&T, but why force them? Seems silly.
      • Muyoso, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Oh IDK, maybe Sprint which has comparable signal quality to AT&T but also has a plan for $30 a month which gives you unlimited data, 500 anytime minutes, unlimited nights and weekends, unlimited text messages, unlimited picture messages, etc?? Or maybe verizon which has MUCH better coverage and customer service?
    • Twinnie, on 06/08/2008, -2/+5The contract exclusivity is so that Apple can have some control over how the carrier handles the phone. Without this deal you wouldn't be getting that unlimited internet or visual voicemail, sad but true. Here in the UK the carrier that got it (O2) has a reputation for being the poor-man's network operator, cheap deals but awful customer service and not-so-great overall. They were the only operator willing to give Apple the control they wanted and now we're stuck with them for the iPhone 2 as well. I live in a city and I still can't expect total coverage around where I live, which is pretty bad considering 3G isn't just some newish technology like in the States, it's been here for ages.
    • Typhoon2009, on 06/08/2008, -1/+7They all suck! American carriers need to take a few lessons from our friends in Europe. Folks in Europe don't pay for receiving texts, they can travel anywhere in Europe and use their phone (cause it's all the same type of network technology). Verizon claims they're the best in DC, yet here in my house only 10 minutes away from downtown DC I get a really ***** signal.
      • josereyes0, on 06/08/2008, -0/+4That same theory holds true for a lot of American technologies. Similarly to internet service providers and such, other countries who followed suit after these technology American markets exploded learned from the mistakes made in the companies here. Unfortunately for Americans with the markets established the businesses are weary to make major changes, even if there is proof it works in other markets (Europe, Asia, etc) that it provides better customer service. The major problem here is that changes cost money, and spending obviously affects your profit margins which in turn scares away stockholders. The positive is that the collective outrage of the customers force the companies to make changes so we see companies making some improvements over the course of time. The good thing is that the iPhone has forced the American companies to actually have to invest to catch up so they're getting there, it's just taking time.
      • MacParrot, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3@Typhoon
        Cell coverage DOES suck in the DC area. I live just south of the city and ATT (which I use without an iPhone) blows as far as coverage goes in my neighborhood. That's one of the reasons I haven't bought an iPhone (along with not enough storage to replace my iPod Classic as well). Maybe the new one will be better with 3G coverage. I'm holding off until I know for sure as I don't need an iPhone or any other smartphone for that matter.
      • gn0stik, on 06/08/2008, -1/+4I love europe's antitrus laws. They mean ***** business. Almost makes you guys more american than us. We could seriouly put a dent in this oil crisis if we were more like you.

        We seriously do need to take a few pages from your book.
      • AirRaven, on 06/08/2008, -0/+6Americans have to *pay* to *receive* texts?

        That's absolutely ridiculous. The 10p (20c or so under current exchange rates) the British pay is extortionate enough as things stand, when you consider how little it actually *costs* the providers to relay them.
    • skyshock1, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3What about T-mobile? They're the only other major GSM network in the USA. That's what Android is going to run on initially...
    • wallcloud111, on 06/08/2008, -6/+4IF YOU FAIL THE CREDIT CHECK FOR AT&T BY PUTTING IN A FALSE SOCAIL NUMBER LIKE 99999999 THEY OFFER YOU A PAY-AS-YOU-GO!!!!
      • roosterjm2k2, on 06/08/2008, -2/+5That's also fraud and can get you seriously fined...giving a false SSN to ANYONE can get you in deep *****...
        • Duncan3, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3Wrong, only the government can demand use of a SSN.
        • roosterjm2k2, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2Duncan...you are correct. But if you choose to give one, and its not yours, thats a felony...
        • Supurcell, on 06/08/2008, -0/+4Just say "Whoops, typo."
    • HairyGrapeNuts, on 06/08/2008, -2/+3I really don't see why everyone thinks they're cool for bitching about AT&T. I've never had a problem with them.
    • Duncan3, on 06/08/2008, -1/+0Doesn't matter if they pay US 500 to take the phone, the AT&T contract is still a fortune and they don't have much 3G coverage. Apple really screwed themselves (and us) on this one.
    • nakani, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1AT&T: Your World. Delivered. To the NSA.
    • darlyn, on 06/09/2008, -1/+1Hmmm .... a certain phrase comes into mind. Ah, jeez, what is it?? Hold on a second...

      JAILBREAK + UNLOCK!
    • Tenoq, on 06/09/2008, -0/+2It'll be unlocked in every OTHER part of the world though. Just import one. Although I'd have to laugh at the irony of Americans importing tech gear from Australia.
  • mark076h, on 06/08/2008, -4/+106is that $200 with a new contract?
    • catachip, on 06/08/2008, -1/+40Of course. AT&T isn't going around giving discounts out of the kindness of the their hearts. All cell phone companies subsidize phone hardware with the signing of a contract. The user get the phone for free (or cheap) and the company gets the guaranteed revenue of a 2 year contract.
      • bigsteve, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3Or the guaranteed revenue of a $175 early termination fee :) It is cool that they're doing pro-rated term-fees near the end of contracts now.
        • roosterjm2k2, on 06/08/2008, -0/+7Keep in mind, those fees are rediculously easy to get out of...ive switched early 3 times and never had to worry about them...

          All you have to do is prove sub-standard quality where you live or work. Im sure you can find a place in your house or your job where you get 1/no bars...tell them that you have ***** service most of the day, and they will usually let you go for free...
        • bigsteve, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1That's a good idea Rooster, but I personally live in Philadelphia. It works underground in the subway for pete's sake... so while I can't easily get out of a fee that way, I am happy that my phone actually -works in the subway- :)
      • eschompthis, on 06/08/2008, -2/+1or jailbreak it and unlock it
        • Whaines, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3And continue to pay the AT&T contract you're locked into?
    • championchap, on 06/08/2008, -5/+3Couldn't you just slap in the old contracted SIM?
      • bigsteve, on 06/08/2008, -0/+9But then they'd have no reason to give you a discount on the hardware.
        • championchap, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Well yeah, but I assumed all the phones would be sold at this price under the impression that you would activate the sim at home as usual.
          But if you already have an activated sim then there would be no need.

          I see what you're saying though.
          You'll probably only get this price if they activate the phone there on the spot for you or something.
        • bigsteve, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1Yea, this does have implications that they're going to have to change their activation model.
      • harris, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1The rumored price is probably only with the signing of a new contract when you buy the phone. Otherwise, it'll probably be a lot higher price.
    • diggingaround, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2...yes.. new contract for 10 years w/AT&T :)))...
    • Qumahlin, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Now that they have started prorating their ETF's and the phones pretty much tied to the network anyway (unless you easily unlock it, but still), saving an immediate 200 really isn't that bad. I already have a co-worker who will be buying my first gen phone at a steal for his wife and i'll be reupping my contract and getting the new one (providing the rumors of GPS are true, if they aren't not a chance in hell will i upgrade)
  • Gorgamel, on 06/08/2008, -21/+14I will wait for it to be jailbroken. Thats the only reason I got mine, and I must say that the 3rd party stuff rocks more than anything Apple could put on there.
    • Kev585, on 06/08/2008, -5/+5For me there is no killer 3rd party app. NemusSync and themes are the only selling point of a jailbreaking as far as I'm concerned. And the 2.0 firmware is going to legitimize 3rd party apps as it is, so it's win win. .
      • richardiscool, on 06/08/2008, -1/+3MobileScrobbler and Twinkle do it for me.
      • lesfleanut, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3I agree for the most part, though I also agree with Richard. The one "killer app" is mobilescrobbler, and it's more of a useful background utility than a killer app that you actually use. Though I'm certain that someone will make a legitimate scrobbler for the app store so I will definitely be using 2.0 firmware instead of jailbreaking.
      • rasbill, on 06/08/2008, -0/+4orb, vnc and terminal window
    • fuzzmeister, on 06/08/2008, -1/+6This new version will have 3rd party SDK applications, which should fulfill that need.
      • Gorgamel, on 06/18/2008, -0/+1the SDK will never let programs reach their full potential. With jailbreak and ssh, I can turn my touch into whatever my imagination comes up with.
    • tattertech, on 06/08/2008, -3/+9And you need to jailbreak the new one why?
      • bigsteve, on 06/08/2008, -0/+4I plan on doing so even if I never install a 3rd party app. Jailbreaking allows for some more control over the phone, namely SSH and free custom ringtones.
      • Phatt138, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3Aye, there will still be reasons to jailbreak. Like installing any applications that Apple doesn't approve of because they give you complete control over the phone. They'll never likely 'okay' a Terminal app, for instance; using basic Linux commands and some ports you could do almost anything with your iPhone that a small computer could do.
    • jayhawk, on 06/08/2008, -2/+3my guess is that AT&T won't want to subsidize a jailbroken version. perhaps we'll see the iPhone more costly and that AT&T will offer a rebate once the contract is signed. that's what i'd do if i was AT&T.
      • ammundsen, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3You'd lose the cool voicemail feature I think with a jailbroken one. AT&T had to change their voicemail system to allow the phone to tell you who left the message and how long it is without dialing into the voicemail system. I would guess there is no standard for that system so on any other network this feature would be missing. That is certainly a key feature for me on a phone that cant send MMS messages (or maybe the new version will fix this bizarre omission).
        • subliminalurge, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2Visual voicemail is, basically, a purpose specific customization of e-mail. It works roughly the same as when you configure an Asterisk server to e-mail your voicemails to you. Apple just put a shiny front-end app on it instead of having it land in your regular inbox. It's basically just an mp3 of the message with a timestamp and the caller id info attached.

          I don't actually know the specifics of Apple's implementation, but the same functionality could be configured for your land line in about an hour using Asterisk.
        • bigsteve, on 06/08/2008, -0/+4Jailbroken != unlocked. Unlocked means using it on different providers (which does effectively break visual voicemail, but voicemail in general isn't broken. Pressing the visual voicemail button instead just dials your provider's voicemail extension.)

          Jailbroken means your phone is open to installing 3rd party apps and read/write on the filesystem. Mine is jailbroken but not unlocked, works on AT&T, and is 100% feature-complete.
    • SSUK, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2The firmware which was apparently leaked the other day is basically the 2.0 firmware with a few adjustments. I'm pretty sure it's already jailbroken.
    • nytejade, on 06/08/2008, -0/+4I partially agree. I jailbroke my iPhone as soon as it was an option, but eventually didn't even care to go through the trouble, after firmware upgrades. The BSD subsystem is amazing to have on the iPhone, along with SFTP/SSH, PHP, etc, but other than that the 3rd party apps were mostly novelty. Some were good, and useful, but finding them even became a challenge.

      I'm really looking forward to this new iPhone, I just hope existing customers get some type of rebate as well new customers. Probably a pipe dream, though.
  • brendan09, on 06/08/2008, -10/+3who will keep their old iPhone even if they get a new one?
  • macbookhair, on 06/08/2008, -50/+7ewww... just imagine when this thing is as common as a razr? It will be disgusting... it should remain expensive just to keep the certain amount of prestige along with the device.
    • aldenhg, on 06/08/2008, -1/+36If it were common everyone would have a nifty phone. Why assign that much value and status to an object?
    • andrew522, on 06/08/2008, -28/+4yeah as much as I hate to say it... It should be expensive, otherwise I'll feel that it isn't worth it.
      I bet they'll have a 30 gig model or something so I can pay more for that.
      • godofpumpkins, on 06/08/2008, -1/+18yeah, you gotta remind yourself you're not worthless, right? spending money on an item to show that you're better than other people is a good way to do that, right.
        • andrew522, on 06/08/2008, -22/+1yeah I know I sound like a douche, but if the iphone was $199 (for example), it would kill me to see every man, woman, and child using an iphone, and just to make calls, like my sister who got the Voyager, and only uses it to call people. no texting, or web browsing. she doesn't use it to potential.

          that is what kills me.
      • tetfsu, on 06/08/2008, -1/+4So what I hear you saying is that you will only buy the most expensive version of a product just because it's the most expensive. So if you have a choice between a $100 widget and a $300 widget that does the exact same thing but it's red, then you would only think about the red $300 widget. That makes perfect sense.

        As a side note, can I give you the address to my ebay store, I think I've got a lot of *REALLY EXPENSIVE* *REALLY COOL* stuff I think you might like.
    • Lyanto, on 06/08/2008, -0/+54@macbookhair
      You've got to be kidding me. You value the iPhone for its prestige factor?

      @andrew552
      I see, so it's not worth owning if it's inexpensive. Makes perfect sense.

      Being different for the sake of being different and assigning a product's worth to its selling price... I'm sorry, but you guys are such tools.
      • ysss, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2I think someone has just learned not to always say the first thing that comes to his mind ;)
    • NaziHatinChimp, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3That would be good considering the video conferencing you could do with everyone. It would be like the future.
    • akkibaba, on 06/08/2008, -1/+10As a nerd, I'm shocked and appalled by the stupidity of your comment.
      Look at the technology, the price and what features you need. If the new iPhone matches these criteria, buy it. Why does it matter what phones other people have and what they think of your new phone?
    • PunkRampant, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2If the smug coming from macbookhair combines with the smug from andrew552, it will create the perfect storm of self-satisfaction and destroy Digg.
    • Whaines, on 06/08/2008, -0/+4Elitist much?
  • Cretius0, on 06/08/2008, -14/+63Well my iphone purchase last Monday was money well spent...
    • digjam, on 06/08/2008, -23/+71If you bought it even after knowing a new version possibly at a lower price is coming you...you sir are an illiterate *****.
      • akoostik, on 06/08/2008, -2/+23I bought 2 iphones.. because I don't give a *****.
    • Erectile, on 06/08/2008, -3/+13This shirt is black...
    • johnpaul191, on 06/08/2008, -1/+28Where would they even buy an iPhone? Ebay? Nobody has had them in stock for a while now.
      • bumblefoot, on 06/08/2008, -3/+2plenty of them in stock in the uk in the o2 and car phone warehouse stores
        • richardiscool, on 06/08/2008, -1/+6Carphone Warehouse have been out of stock for a month.
        • bumblefoot, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1so that wasn't the iphone the staff at the carphone warehouse were trying to sell me on monday, wonder what it was because it damn sure looked like one
      • solid12345, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2Not everywhere, I live in the midwest and a business partner of mine got one at the local AT&T store, that is the benefits to living in a smaller populated city.
        • SatansSpatula, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2Yeah, you get ***** on gas prices, and you get ***** by being the dumping ground of newly-outdated tech.
        • solid12345, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3***** on gas prices? Here in Oklahoma we got some of the cheapest in the nation.

          Also while you west & east coasters are scrambling to find a used Wii on craig's list for 500 dollars I have a good chance of going to my local Wal-Mart and finding one brand new on the shelf.
        • lisaawesome, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2I'm with solid on this. I pay less for EVERYTHING in Oklahoma City than anyone I know anywhere else in the nation. Even Texas is a huge jump in all cost of living expenses versus OK.
    • odiego, on 06/08/2008, -6/+1http://tinyurl.com/57kqfr
    • jdelsman, on 06/08/2008, -0/+11AT&T have a 30-day return policy. Apple have a similar policy. Calm down. :P
      • pinstripewizard, on 06/08/2008, -0/+114 day and 10% restocking fee with AT&T. My phone died last week and I considered buying a current iPhone (there are plenty at the AT&T here) then switching it out next week, but I'm sure I'd somehow get screwed...
    • sleepwalkers, on 06/08/2008, -0/+4For your wallet's sake, please say you were kidding.
  • DannyDriffs, on 08/25/2008, -16/+7But you guys omgz, RED iphone FTW!!

    Just get the conference over so I don't need to hear about these rumors anymore. Whether they're true or not.
  • MCA2142, on 06/08/2008, -10/+28It might be cheaper, but let not forget...

    Jailbreak Community is now a direct competitor to the iPhone App Store with the 2.0 update.

    More bricked iPhones coming?
    • freshyill, on 06/08/2008, -3/+17Well the word with the latest batch of rumors is that the exploit doesn't work, so that may not be that much of a factor. Besides, 99% of the iPhone users out there have no clue what Jailbreak means, nor do they care. What they will care about is this new icon on their home screen that takes them to a magical place where they can buy new programs (and get free ones too).
      • Carlsen, on 06/08/2008, -4/+2Actually, one third of all iphones sold have been hacked. So I take it quite a few know what jailbreaking is.
        • bigsteve, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1Apple got the number "1/3rd" by taking number of hardware handset sales and subtracting the number of activations. iPhones aren't being hacked by their owners for personal use on that scale, they're being hacked en mass by professionals for sale and use overseas.
    • bigsteve, on 06/08/2008, -0/+17Jailbreaking never bricked a phone. Unlocking using the first iteration of the iUnlock method overwrote parts of the GSM radio's firmware, leaving it in an unknown state to the 1.1.1 installer which contained a new radio firmware. The only people that got bricked were those dumb enough to manually and consentually install a new firmware after they've completed a number of steps to unlock their phone.

      Jailbreaking simply opens the phone's filesystem for read/write access and allows you to run 3rd party software.
      • MCA2142, on 06/08/2008, -5/+0Since T-Mobile is a direct competitor to AT&T, they released an update that bricks unlocked phones.

        Jailbroken phones have been left alone since they weren't competing with Apple or AT&T, but now, the Installer App and its repositories are a direct competitor to Apple's upcoming App Store.

        Who knows for sure if Apple will brick jailbroken, Installer App enabled phones now? It is in Apple's interest to block unauthorized apps especially the ones that are directly competing with their upcoming bread and butter.
        • bigsteve, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1First off, Apple released the update, not AT&T. Apple isn't a direct competitor with T-Mobile.

          Second off, releasing an update that purposefully bricks good hardware would be illegal and Apple would be sued for it.

          Third, Apple has made no direct attempt to thwart installer.app's creators or maintainers. That a jailbreak method exists means that there's a security hole somewhere, and it'd be in Apple's best interests to seal any attack vector that is publicly known.

          Jesus, get a clue.
      • Qumahlin, on 06/08/2008, -0/+4The thing is it's really not a true competitor because most authors will be switching to selling on appstore for the good stuff. You really don't think the whole free community is going to stay completely free right? This finally gives them a legit avenue to sell their wares.

        • bigsteve, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1Many installer.app wares are turning pay now via their own activation code databases and what-have-you. The free apps (that conform to Apple's TOS, most do) that want to stay free will do so via the Official App Store (since Apple won't charge authors for free apps, which is pretty spiffy) to gain notoriety and to reach the audience that thinks Jailbreak is some so-so show on Fox. That way, if there's some "See what else this App publisher makes" button in the App Store, he or she can get their pay apps off the ground too, if he or she chooses.
  • S1ngular1ty1, on 06/08/2008, -11/+12But only with contract.
    • subliminalurge, on 06/08/2008, -1/+8Duh.

      Why else would they be subsidizing it?
  • Wailord, on 06/08/2008, -3/+17Even though I think I know the answer, I'm going to verify...if I'm currently in an AT&T contract, I won't get subsidized, correct?
    • unfinity, on 06/08/2008, -0/+8We know as many details as you do Wailord - wait until Monday, and they'll give us all the info.
    • TieDNKnotZ, on 06/08/2008, -1/+15Now, I have called multiple times and asked AT&T reps @ the store "Hypothetically, If a new IPhone was to come out in the next few weeks and it was able to be subsidized could I get it for the subsidized price". They said YES, as long as you re-sign another 2 yr contract.

      Take it for what it's worth.

      PS. I was a 1st gen IPhone owner, but hawked it on E-Bay a few weeks ago while it was still worth something, unlocked of course.
      • nytejade, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2Well, most phones have 'upgrade' options. After you've had the phone for a certain amount of time you can 'upgrade' for the discounted price as long as you sign for 2 more years. Something like that. I've gone through it before.
    • freshyill, on 06/08/2008, -0/+6If you're extending your contract, I think you can usually do that.
    • SeveringGecko, on 06/08/2008, -1/+0well with the first iphone it just started a new contract because apple wanted that control, my guess the next one will be the same
    • dysonlu, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1No subsidizing for you with your current contract. Unless AT&T doesn't like your money.
    • coachmcguirk, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2From what I have heard, since the original iPhone didn't offer any sort of rebate, those who bought it still have an opportunity to get a new phone at a discounted rate (with the stipulation they must start their 2 yr contract over, of course).

      Go to your AT&T account online, and click upgrade. If it says you are eligible for an upgrade, then you should be ok. I was a new AT&T customer as of November 07 with my iPhone, and it says I am eligible.

      Take that with a grain of salt, though... we won't know for sure until tomorrow at best...
  • brendan09, on 06/08/2008, -7/+2@Wailord
    There's been rumors both ways. Some places say that you will, some say that you won't. Knowing Steve Jobs, I would expect him to do something so that current iPhone users aren't left out in the cold (Remember the $100 rebate for early iPhone adopters). Besides, Apple hype and the willingness to upgrade are what make Apple's followers unique. They aren't gonna just let a following like that go...I Hope...
    I'm really hoping for the new iPhone to be subsidized for current users, I'm really looking to upgrade!
    • solidus636, on 06/08/2008, -2/+10REPLY BUTTON.
    • marthagail, on 06/08/2008, -0/+5It would really seem unfair if they weren't subsidized for current users. I think as long as you're willing to sign that two year contract you'd get it too.
  • sjbdallas, on 06/08/2008, -13/+5I don't get it. Why would you guys be so excited about a product that you stood in line for to get for 600 bucks and a 2 year contract, then saw the price drop 200 bucks after 2 months, and now you see the price drop another 200 bucks (still with a 2 year contract)?
    • LastDitchHero, on 06/08/2008, -5/+8they must also have fetishes of enjoying getting kicked in the balls
    • koob, on 06/08/2008, -1/+3economics 101: at a given price, let's say $600 dollars, there were a certain amount of people who would buy the iphone (the quantity demanded). at that margin, or fork in the road, it was worth it to those people to have the ipod--so they bought it. now the price drops and the quantity demanded increases. their cost of buying the iphone is sunk. they can't go back to that specific margin. at the time they felt happy about their purchase (many possibly even thought the price may go down--they are probably familiar with the price history of other apple products such as ipods). so, it was worth the $600; it probably still is today.
    • freshyill, on 06/08/2008, -1/+3Because it's a good product and the fact that the price dropped doesn't really come into play in any way.
    • Whaines, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2It makes it easier to get the next version with better hardware that they'll all buy anyway.
  • smacksaw, on 06/08/2008, -11/+4In a way that sort of makes me happy because the people who were selling them on eBay sucked...and the people who bought them? Yup, them too. It's so lame. This should put and end to a lot of that. And for people using them on different services? Same thing. AT&T is going to have the video calling to along with it. That's half the reason to have that phone.
    • solid12345, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2Seriously I was considering buying an Iphone unlocked until I saw the outrageous prices people wanted for used and damaged phones it was ridiculous. I ended up buying a used 16GB Ipod touch from a guy in town, mint condition for 280. I still wish I had an Iphone but I figure the thing is so thin I don't mind carrying two devices in my right pocket and it serves as a handy faux-pda with the jailbroken apps
    • willynilly, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3WTF are you talking about? Who gives a ***** if people sell phones on eBay?
  • treelovinhippie, on 06/08/2008, -3/+9It's called a premium pricing strategy peoples. All new technology devices follow the same path. Although I'm still not convinced Apple's partnership with AT&T helps anyone but AT&T... and it is in-fact damaging the potential of the iPhone.
    • WeezerNY, on 06/08/2008, -2/+3Except the fact that AT&T gives Apple a decent chunk of each iphone users monthly fee, making the iphone a constant money maker instead of a one-time deal.
      • subliminalurge, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2Don't forget they also provide another important thing: a cellular network. The iPhone would be significantly less useful without one of those.

    • utexas112, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2At&t only is not ideal, but seriously.. the alternative (at least in the US) is really just T-Mobile. Their customer service is good but their coverage blows. A battery-intensive device like the iPhone would simply not be worth it, at least for me, on the power-hungry CDMA system (e.g., Verizon, Spring). Anyway, its not like the At&t exclusivity thing is applicable overseas...
  • alpha88, on 06/08/2008, -11/+6Nice, that means if it comes to Canada, it will only be SEMI outrageously priced. Hoorah!



    *cough* buti'llstillgetonebecausei'maconsumerwhore *cough*
    • farfromsubtl, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3I doubt Rogers will subsidize it in any way.
      • alpha88, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2I don't care about the subsidizing. The phone I can afford, $200 a month or something stupid like that I can't.
  • LimeParrot, on 06/08/2008, -3/+20Something tells me Australians will still get owned by Optus...
    • spanglegluppet, on 06/08/2008, -1/+4Vodafone and Optus have both announced that they'll be carrying the iPhone in Australia, in late 2008. Still, it's apparently a pretty simple unlocking process to make it work with any carrier.
      • aenegeling, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Great. Can't wait. :)

        How about the internet services though? I mean, downloading email, viewing websites, chat, etc.. Would we be paying through the nose for this on another 3g network?

        Its just, I used my vodafone account to create a dail up connection on my mac and got hit with a massive bill, haha. I've been scared of the idea of using my phone for anything related to the internet every since.. :(
        • lcarsdeveloper, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1It's not going to make any difference whether you're using 3G/GPRS through a regular phone or the iPhone, it's the same protocol. I'm not sure what Vodafone charges, but Optus has plans starting at $5 a month for 10MB (going up to 200MB).
          Basically whatever you're paying for it now, only difference is if you start using things like Youtube etc. Not sure if they're going to release special data plans when the iPhone launches, maybe they'll bundle some things together, who knows.
        • jasmus, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1I'm on a Vodafone $49 cap at the moment. Internet access (packet data, regardless of where it originates (phone or laptop)) is $1 per 5min off the cap pricing. $49 gets me something like $300 of value, so it's actually not too bad. I can get on the net for about 20 hours or so in the month and still have some left over for calls and txt. Of course, browsing Vodafone Live! is free. But it sucks.
      • Berzerker7, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Telstra and Three area also getting it.
    • PainToad, on 06/08/2008, -1/+7Yep I'll be importing and unlocking...A big ***** u to both Optus/Voda and AT&T
  • ahpro, on 06/08/2008, -9/+2Maybe this could suggest that aswell as having lots of new features, they're taking lots a way meaning it's cheaper?
    • ahpro, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1Dugg down ey? It's amazing how some apple fans can't even deal with the slightest critisism towards apple.
  • tech9, on 06/08/2008, -8/+1those mofos
  • WCL23, on 06/08/2008, -11/+2The iPhone is great. I have an unlocked and jailbroken one. You don't enter a contract in the store, so you literally just take it home, plug it in to your USB port, and click one button in ZiPhone. Job done!

    The same thing will happen to the newer model, except it will be cheaper to buy the phone in the first place. So everyone wins! :)
  • doctordbx, on 06/08/2008, -2/+6I have legitimate questions, how many people will:

    (a) upgrade their iPhone, and what will happen to their old phones?
    (b) become new iPhone users with the launch of V2.0?

    Also the text entry field auto resizing seems broken for adding comments.
    • kingsal, on 06/08/2008, -3/+28I have legitimate answers:

      (a) 2,344,304
      (b) 13,670,003
      • Erectile, on 06/08/2008, -1/+14I was going to say "seven" on both counts, but your answers are equally legitimate.
      • crsd36, on 06/08/2008, -2/+15Actually 42 is the correct answer.
    • hotpuck6, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1the resize has never worked for me since they released it.
      Once you get to the last row, with every letter typed the field decreases a row, covering what your typing, and then goes back down a row so you can see.
      That could just be a firefox 3 problem though.
    • Verytastycheese, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1I'll be a new one
  • Nutmegan, on 06/08/2008, -4/+25Is Apple/AT&T trying to get their sales in before Android is released?
    • Billions, on 06/08/2008, -0/+5The market has proven there is room for many different companies. I like Android, but it's not out yet and even when it is available, you're going to see so much differing hardware it's not going to be immediately apparent which ones are the cream of the crop. With the iPhone, there's only what Apple makes, so scrutinizing it is more direct, and it's obvious right away if you want it or not.
      • protodon, on 06/08/2008, -1/+3Android is to IPhone what Linux is to Windows. Geeks(who are the minority) may jump on it right away but the mainstream will likely never catch on. Walk down any street and ask someone what linux is. You'll likely get the same reaction if you ask them if they prefer an android phone. Therefore, ATT could give 2 *****.
        • tnoy, on 06/08/2008, -1/+3That is a very bad analogy. Android will be the base of a large amount of phones by virtually every manufacturer. People will have it, and not know or care that it is Android. You'll see it powering things like a Razr or other miscellaneous phone.

          People are expecting too much out of the Android platform; people are going to be very disappointed when they realize that most of the Android phones will just like a generic phone and not be as open and transparent as they think.
  • BambinosKrib, on 06/08/2008, -21/+2iphone? pft I just took out an upgrade with the carphonewarehouse.. and I'm getting a "free" PS3 as part of the deal.

    http://shop.carphonewarehouse.com/pay-monthly/noki ...

    It would have cost me approx 2X for an iphone on a similar contract.
  • Computer_Kid, on 06/08/2008, -14/+5It's also said that the iPhone will also double as a defibrillator, solve world hunger, create peace in the middle east, fix our dependency on oil, act as a companion, work as a flash light, contain a Leatherman, jump start your car, filter though apple rumors automatically, have a 1080p camera, can be used as a parachute...
    /sarcasm

    Any one else sick of Apple rumors?
    • unfinity, on 06/08/2008, -2/+5If you're sick of hearing about Apple rumors, you've got a long hard life of being on the Internet ahead of you.
    • solid12345, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2Bleh the bury brigade is at it again your comment was pretty funny.
    • shank2001, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2Nope
  • AboveandBeyond, on 06/08/2008, -13/+3yes it is true, it will be brought down from $1500 to $1450...this is great news!!!
  • i4unews, on 06/08/2008, -11/+1If you believe the few negative 3G iPhone rumors, the thing will be harder to get than a Wii two years ago.
    http://www.i4u.com/article17916.html
  • Zector, on 06/08/2008, -11/+3I wonder how long it will be before this one is Jailbroken. Hopefully its similar enough to be Jailbroken.
    It just wouldn't be worth buying otherwise..
    • Radan, on 06/08/2008, -1/+8Er... Why's that? All my remaining reasons for jailbreaking my phone is now gone with

      1. It now supports free third party apps.

      2. It freaking exists in Sweden with Telia (thank god).
    • Devilboy666, on 06/08/2008, -1/+6I wanna know if you can run Android on the iPhone hardware yet cause dual-booting with Android would make me sooooo happy.
  • monkeymad2, on 06/08/2008, -10/+2Does any one else think that the carriers will put in an "upgrade" option where you send in your old phone...and they send you the new one for a small fraction of what it costs?
    Wishful thinking, sure, but the contract is longer than the life of the product before it gets upgraded, it would make sense...
    • tnoy, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Have you ever seen any phone be the top of the line model for the two years of a contract? No.
      Is your iPhone still working? Yes, that is because the life of the product is longer than the contract.

      Then again, looking at how many iPhone users cried when the price first dropped, anything is possible.




    • monkeymad2, on 06/22/2008, -0/+1hah.
      silly US people.
      bet ya'all are kicking yourselves now...
  • sambam2006, on 06/08/2008, -9/+1Does the new iphone have a video recorder app like this one?

    http://youshare.co.uk/iphoneworld/iphonevideorecor ...
  • AlexClewes, on 06/08/2008, -10/+9I want to know what sort of contract it will be on... ***** £35/month.
    • Ravatar, on 06/08/2008, -4/+3Hell that's cheap in the US for a decent amount of minutes + data. Sad I know.
      • Muyoso, on 06/08/2008, -2/+1No its not. I pay 30 USD a month for my contract. I get 500 anytime minutes, unlimited nights and weekends, unlimited texts, unlimited picture mail, unlimited data, etc. You people who pay 100 a month for your gay iphone are retarded. I have a phone which can do EVERYTHING that the V2.0 Iphone will be able to do, had it for over a year already, and I will be paying less than a third of what you will pay per month. BUT, my phone wont have the letters A P L or E on it, bfd.
        • ShinRaTDR, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2If you think your phone is as good as an iPhone just because it can perform the same functions, then you have never used an iPhone, or are in denial. Best browser, fastest navigation, hands down. No arguments allowed. I've seen lots of ultra portable devices that let be browse the web, the iPhone is the first phone that makes me WANT to.

          Edit - With the exception of HTC
        • Ravatar, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1SERO isn't the retail rate. It doesn't count when figuring the cost of cell phone contracts, douche. It's not an option in many markets.

          I don't own an iPhone btw, idiot.
    • skeen07, on 06/08/2008, -7/+3Wow, if you can't afford £35 a month, you can't afford this phone - no matter what it's priced at!
      • AlexClewes, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2Well, yes, I can. £35/mo is far too much for the amount of minutes and texts. Granted you get unlimited data but even still, Orange have better deals. It's not the amount of money it costs you freak, it's how much i get for my money.
  • gweedo767, on 06/08/2008, -10/+1Considering you can get an HTC Touch for only $129 now, the iPhone really had better come in cheaper.
  • EdwardNigma, on 06/08/2008, -12/+2Forget the iPhone, when can I get my iPants...?
  • weizbox, on 06/08/2008, -9/+3They have some great hardware, and I would love to have one.. if only I could use software that I wanted to use on it, and be able to use it with any provider :/
  • localzuk, on 06/08/2008, -7/+8The thing is, they will be competing against the new Nokia N96 when it comes out, which will be hugely popular (at least in the UK it will). And that will most definitely be subsidised. I know I will be looking at the N96.

    Or the HTC Touch Diamond. Another superb looking phone.
    • Mpwns, on 06/08/2008, -3/+1i just watchd a video on the n96 and i wish it was coming to the states. one of the things i like is it has tivo/dvr built in. and you can hook the phone up to your tv. the only thing really selling the iphone is the touch screen everything else apple has to offer on the iphone has already been done, and the n96 is years ahead of the iphone in tech speak.
      • bigsteve, on 06/09/2008, -0/+3It drives me crazy when people say "years ahead." Apple and anyone else could do all that stuff the N96 does right now. The thing is, not a lot of Americans outside of the frequent posters on digg comment threads give two ***** about having a DVR in their CELL PHONE. I say outside the US because the UK, Korean, and Japanese cell phone markets are very different. But most folks, the iPhone has just enough of the features that most people will use maybe 90% of them. Everything after that will run the battery down or make it heavy and bulky, causing Joe Six Pack to curse at it.

        Apple did a fine job of doing the one thing that matters to their bottom line: delivering what people want. Not what digg user #82328 wants.
        • Mpwns, on 06/09/2008, -3/+1the n96 has a battery life of almost 4 hours when in use.
      • mrBitch, on 06/09/2008, -1/+1RE : " ... the n96 ... one of the things i like is you can hook the phone up to your tv. the only thing really selling the iphone is the touch screen everything else apple has to offer on the iphone has already been done"

        You obviously didn't know that the iPhone (as well as the iPod nano, and iPod Touch) can be connected to your TV ?
        • localzuk, on 06/09/2008, -1/+1Wrong way round. The iphone can export video to your tv. The n95 and n96 can stream your tv to your phone. The n96 is going to be more advanced than that though, with on demand access to dvr's and the like.
        • mrBitch, on 06/14/2008, -0/+1RE : "wrong way round."
          The SlingPlayer for iPhone will do "the other way round" no problems at all...
  • kingsal, on 06/08/2008, -9/+3Yes, it's going to be $199 with a 2-year contract. I remember talking with a few industry analysts a few weeks go and everyone seemed to agree that Apple's current pricing strategy for unsustainable. The idea is that people who were willing to pay that much for an iPhone have already grabbed 'em, and so a price drop would only bring in new customers.

    Mark my words: $199 with 2-year contract.
  • codecracker007, on 06/08/2008, -4/+5The *real* reason to me looks the imminent release of the iPhone in the Asian markets, where there is no carrier subsidy on phones, and no phone locking [even being illegal in some places]. Keeping the iphone costs high would simply make people buy the unlocked phones and smuggle them out everywhere. No need ot go for the unlocking fuss.
  • SOS84, on 06/08/2008, -15/+6Apple is scared to death of Android and the Google phone, and rightfully so, they did after all steal the design of the G-phone down to the touch interface.
  • InorganicMatter, on 06/08/2008, -5/+6Hmm...what about those who already own an iPhone and are a legit AT&T customer? Will we have to pay the full price to upgrade our device and just carry our current contract over, or do you think there be some sort of renewal/trade-in deal?
    • Wisgary, on 06/08/2008, -3/+1Apple is well known for its renewal and trade-in deals. Just look at the iPod! Great deals!

      *cough*
    • Qumahlin, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2You won't have a trade in, you will just need to sell your old phone and re-up your contract thats all. Then you get your new phone at the subsidized price and sell your old one for whatever you can get.
  • rowlodge, on 06/08/2008, -8/+1free with 2 year contract..yeah
  • motorhead9999, on 06/08/2008, -4/+2I just renewed my contract with ATT in February. Anybody in the know about how cell phone contracts work know if I'd be able to somehow get the subsidied phone? Obviously nobody knows the full details of the release, but I figure someone might have an idea.
    • subliminalurge, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2I've always been able to get phones at the subsidized price just by extending my contract out for 2 years from the day I buy the new phone.

      Then again, I always bring my companies cell phone business along with my own, which is a rather nice account for a rep to have, so I tend to get my butt kissed a little more than the average guy off the street with just a family plan.
    • tnoy, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1With AT&T I've always been able to get a new phone if I extend my contract with them provided I'm within their little upgrade window. With a 24-month contract, you can get a new phone at a subsidized price after 18-months.

      Not sure how the iPhone plan will work. I might end up getting the new iPhone when it comes out.. I'll find out then.
  • LordRedSnake, on 06/08/2008, -4/+45Hey guys hush with this until my ebay auction sells.
  • BRODEL, on 06/08/2008, -1/+4Ok, as someone that's seriously thinking about trying to pick up an iPhone tomorrow I have to ask.. Doesn't it require a 2 year contract with ATT even if you purchase the phone in an apple store and take it home to activate it? If so, why wouldn't you take the cheaper price? I guess we'll know more tomorrow, but I thought the current iPhone required a 2 year contract anyway.
    • cave, on 06/08/2008, -2/+3In theory yes, but if you Jailbreak/Unlock it you don't have to - this skips the whole iTunes activation process (Which is the part where AT&T would own your soul).
      • BRODEL, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3Thanks for the answer. I would much rather it NOT be on AT&Ts network, but I don't think I would hack it to get it off of their network.
        • subliminalurge, on 06/08/2008, -0/+6The problem, as I see it, with unlocking the iPhone to use it with a different carrier is that the only other GSM option is T-Mobile, and their coverage is far, far worse than AT&Ts.

          Here in Iowa, AT&T has good coverage in pretty much any town I've been to. The only place I've really had trouble was at a campground way out in the boonies, but even then I could get a usable signal by walking 100 yards from my campsite. And I'm certainly not changing networks just to have better coverage at a campground that I spend one or two days a year at.
    • Bunnya69, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2Just a thought, and this may or may not be a concern to you. If you DO jailbreak your phone and it needs servicing, you're out of luck. Altering your device in any way will void your warranty.
      Some people don't really care about that, but, just a word of caution.
  • liquidmetalband, on 06/08/2008, -11/+2Huge contract, so it sucks. LG Viewty is just as good.
  • MrViklund, on 06/08/2008, -14/+3Buried as spam because gizmodo.com. They are not worthy to write about anything Apple or iPhone.
  • brainboy77, on 06/08/2008, -11/+1i think the more important stort on giz is that micro$oft plans on upstaging this with the intro of blu-ray 360.
  • adamsetzler, on 06/08/2008, -9/+14In other news -- Apple plans on refunding $200 to every customer who bought the first iPhone.
    • adamsetzler, on 06/08/2008, -0/+22Or not.
      • redwallhp, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2Forget it.

        And besides, they didn't have to refund the whiners last time either. If i was any corporation other than Apple, do you really think you'd have gotten that refund? Not a chance. It's great that they did that, but they didn't *have* to.
    • diggingaround, on 06/08/2008, -6/+13"There is a sucker born every minute"
      - Steve Jobs
      • mlrigsby, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2That's the price paid for being an early adopter.
  • daviddiaz, on 06/08/2008, -6/+1screw the iPhone. I'm sticking to a Blackberry Pearl until Android comes out.
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