AppleInsider Staff
Over the past week, readers have noticed both window decals and cardboard display jackets (pictured below) showcasing an iPhone 3G alongside text that simply reads: "iPhone 3G. Now available at Wal-Mart."
As previously reported and further confirmed by one of the discount chain's internal memos this week, the vast majority of Wal-Mart stores will begin selling the Apple handset beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 28th.
Although rumors had suggested the possibility that the retailer had obtained an exclusive deal to market a special-run 4GB iPhone 3G for $99, those reports now appear to be inaccurate. Wal-Mart will instead carry Apple's existing 8GB and 16GB models, which will sell for $197 and $297 respectively with a two-year AT&T contract.
In preparation of this month's roll-out, 488 Wal-Mart stores were selected this week to participate in a pilot program to ensure all of the retailer's systems are functioning properly for the official launch.
As part of the program, each of the stores were instructed to complete the sale of five iPhone 3Gs to their associates for the aforementioned prices. The associates are entitled to a 15% discount on their AT&T wireless bill, however.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
43 Comments
I would have thought being available before Christmas would have been handier. Better late than never I suppose. Now where's my damn eBay iPhone!?
I am not sure what to think of this move. Does Apple expect to sell more iPhones now that they are available through channels known for their low prices even though there is no price advantage? Like selling to people who have threshold fear to enter an Apple or an AT&T store? I guess this is as much about Apple trying to establish OSX as *the* platform for cell phones as anything else, but one might wonder what is next...
There goes my Apple stock. Talk about cheapening a brand- killing the mystique of a premium brand name.
Apple has officially gone Wal-Mart.
Its a sad day.
I am not sure what to think of this move. Does Apple expect to sell more iPhones now that they are available through channels known for their low prices even though there is no price advantage? Like selling to people who have threshold fear to enter an Apple or an AT&T store? I guess this is as much about Apple trying to establish OSX as *the* platform for cell phones as anything else, but one might wonder what is next...
You must live on one of the coasts, right?
I am not sure what to think of this move. Does Apple expect to sell more iPhones now that they are available through channels known for their low prices even though there is no price advantage? Like selling to people who have threshold fear to enter an Apple or an AT&T store? I guess this is as much about Apple trying to establish OSX as *the* platform for cell phones as anything else, but one might wonder what is next...
There are tons of people who ONLY shop at Walmart. It's all they have. There's a reason Walmart has the power it exerts over suppliers: They sell TONS of stuff. It's a huge amount of exposure for the iPhone. Believe it or not, there are Americans who have no idea what the iPhone is.