AppleInsider StaffApple and AT&T Inc. said Tuesday that iPhone users will be able to activate their new iPhones using Apple's popular iTunes software running on a PC or Mac computer in the comfort and privacy of their own home or office, without having to wait in a store while their phone is activated.
"Users will be able to activate their new iPhone in the comfort and privacy of their own home or office, without having to wait in a store while their phone is activated," said Apple chief executive Steve Jobs. "There are tens of millions of people in the US who already know how to sync their iPods with iTunes, and syncing their new iPhone with iTunes works the same way."
iPhone, which goes on sale at 6:00 p.m. (local time) on Friday, June 29 at AT&T and Apple retail stores, introduces an entirely new user interface based on a revolutionary multi-touch display and pioneering new software that allows users to control iPhone with just a tap, flick or pinch of their fingers.
The device combines three products into one small and lightweight handheld device — a mobile phone, a widescreen iPod, and the Internet in your pocket with applications phone for email, web browsing and maps. It will be available in a 4GB model for $499 (US) and an 8GB model for $599 (US), and will work with either a PC or Mac.
iPhone activation will require an Internet connection; an iTunes Store account or a major credit card; a valid Social Security number (as required by AT&T); the latest version of iTunes; and a PC or Mac with a USB 2.0 port and one of the following operating systems: Mac OS X v10.4.10 or later; Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later; or Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Enterprise or Ultimate Edition.
iPhone will require a new two-year AT&T service plan. Customers with existing AT&T accounts will have the option of keeping their existing phone number and upgrading their account to work with iPhone, Apple added.
An iPhone Activation and Sync video has been posted at Apple.com.
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94 Comments
Okay.... but... and I know this'll be asked a million times (especially over at the howard forums Apple board) what happens if someone DOESN'T activate it and instead tries to unlock it so it'll work on another network? Will the sales people somehow 'link' the purchase to a person and then if the phone doesn't get activated they will be charged the AT&T ETF? I don't think they can since you're not going to be signing any contract (at the Apple store anyway)... but who knows.
Yea yea yea I know, it WONT be easy to unlock but lets not confuse things with the FACTS since the people over there certainly wont...
I guess this question has some merit even without unlocking since I would imagine this would allow someone to buy an iPhone for someone else without having to commit to any service contract in their own name.
Dave
What about number portability for people not using ATT presently? The above article doesn't make it sound possible.
Also, what about Vista Basic users? The article above doesn't say Vista Basic users can activate from home.
If I understand this correctly, Apple is only tacking on 20 bucks for unlimited data to existing call plans? That's a pretty cheap deal right? Unlimited data on its own is more than that. Tempting to get on board....... must convince the wife
What about number portability for people not using ATT presently? The above article doesn't make it sound possible.
Also, what about Vista Basic users? The article above doesn't say Vista Basic users can activate from home.
Are they not legally required to provide this, now?
.... I mean the phone number portability, not the Vista Basic support.