10 June 2008 @ 7:09iPhones only available in-store
Another big change occurred with the introduction of the iPhone 3G. No longer can you order an iPhone from the Apple Store and set it up yourself. Consumers must now go to either an Apple retail store or an AT&T store where the phone will be activated while you wait.
This move to “in-store activation only” seems to be an attempt to stop the iPhone-unlockers, as well as maybe stop people from reselling iPhones at higher than retail prices. While I can completely understand this change, I also feel that many people will miss the convenience of in-home activation.
On a related note, I was in an AT&T store the other day, and one of the sales representatives mentioned how she disliked the “in-home activation” aspect of the iPhone. She preferred to setup phones in the store and send customers home with a usable phone. I can understand that.
by Jon | Add a comment | Tags: apple, in-store activation, iphone 3g
Posted in apple, iphone | Link to this