After months of waiting, AT&T finally enabled multimedia messaging functionality for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS users Friday afternoon, as promised.
The capability came just after 1 p.m. Eastern Time, meeting the time announced earlier this week. Accordingly, Apple has created a support page detailing the process. Activation of MMS requires iPhone OS 3.1 and a carrier settings update from iTunes. Apple has provided the following steps for users:
- 1. Make sure that you have a working Internet connection on your computer and that you are using iTunes 8.2 or later.
2. Connect iPhone to the computer and open iTunes.
3. Select your iPhone in the Devices list and click "Check for Update."
4. Click "Update Settings" when prompted.
- 5. When the update is complete, you will see the following screen:
- 6. Restart your iPhone.
After iPhone restarts, verify MMS is active by creating a new text message. You should see the camera icon to the left of the text field:
The update enables users to send pictures and videos via the phone's messaging application. MMS is not available for the first-generation iPhone. More information on MMS is available through the iPhone user guide.
When bought in bulk, MMS uses the standard text messaging plan available for AT&T. Individuals can purchase 200 messages per month for $5, 1,500 messages for $15, or unlimited messages for $20. FamilyTalk users can get unlimited messaging for $30 per month. On a pay-per-use basis, text messages are 20 cents, while picture and video messages cost 30 cents.
Also Friday, the nation's second-largest wireless carrier updated its pricing for a refurbished iPhone 3G. The 8GB model is now available for $49, while the 16GB refurbished will run buyers $99. The low-end model is available only in black, while the other is available in both black and white. Customers can use AT&T's Web site to find a local store.