Looks like we"ll have to get up bright and early to buy the new iPhone. Also, AT&T says a "no-commitment" iPhone is "coming soon."
First things first: The new iPhone 3G will go on sale at 8 a.m. next Friday at AT&T retail stores and Apple stores. So if you"re planning on lining up, you"d better be ready well before sunrise.
Also, AT&T has finally clarified pricing for current AT&T subscribers who want the iPhone 3G.
In a nutshell, if you"re "upgrade eligible" (log into your AT&T account to see if you are), you"ll be able to buy the new iPhone for the discounted price of $199 for the 8GB version or $299 for the 16GB model. (AT&T is somewhat vague about the eligibility criteria, although your credit history and the time remaining on your contract are factors.) You"ll also have to pay an $18 "upgrade fee."
If you"re not eligible for the discount, you"ll have to fork over extra for an "early upgrade"-$399 for the 8GB iPhone 3G or $499 for the 16GB model. Ouch.
AT&T also says that a "no-commitment" (read: no contract) iPhone 3G will be available soon, at $599 for the 8GB version and or $699 for the 16GB handset. Pricey, but hey-no two-year contract.