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T-minus 2: iPhone UK News Roundup

by Nik Fletcher Nov 7th 2007 at 12:00PM

In the interests of preserving our American readers' sanity (at least until launch day), we're going to condense the U.K.-related iPhone news into a roundup for your reading pleasure.
Apple formally announces 6:02pm launch

Just in case folks were unaware, here's the lowdown from Apple PR. In case you're wondering about how you'll be able to get your hands on one: the iPhone will be available at over 1,300 outlets - Apple Retail Stores, O2 stores and Carphone Warehouse outlets.

Thinking of reselling UK iPhones through eBay?

You'll want to read the Apple iPhone UK & Ireland Listing Policy eBay has localised. In short:
  • "One-day listings and Three-day listings are not allowed.
  • You must offer PayPal as a payment method.
  • New sellers cannot list using the Buy It Now (Fixed Price) option."
Unless people are selling unlocked iPhones via eBay, it's a moot point whether you're likely to make any money: there's going to be plenty of them available at launch.

Newspapers launch iPhone sections

With review units out there, broadsheet newspapers The Telegraph, The Guardian and The Times have revealed sections specifically for the iPhone launch, with an assortment of reviews and videos. Of note, The Times piece on the iPhone is somewhat misleading when it states "in the UK customers will have to pay £269, assuming they do not sign up for a contract at the same time." The iPhone is of course a fixed price, regardless of when you get the contract for it. The Telegraph video also talks about the somewhat un-localised Google Maps icon aimed at 1 Infinite Loop - it's a small thing, but it would sure be good to have a UK-based icon (and UK-style number formatting in the activation screen).

Apple posts Activation Video

Been wondering how activation of the iPhone will work in the UK? (Hint: It's almost identical to the U.S.) Apple has continued their well-rehearsed drip-feed of information with the release of a video showing you exactly how to go about getting your iPhone running, including number transfers from other carriers.

London Calling

If you're heading to the London Regent Street store for your iPhone this Friday, TUAW will be there with a handful of über-exclusive TUAW tees (namely a small, medium and a large) up for grabs that you can't find anywhere else this side of the pond. We'll let you know how to try and claim one nearer the time!

Apple Stores to close at 2pm

If you've got an overwhelming urge to visit an Apple Store on Friday afternoon, you're out of luck: stores are closing from 2pm until 6:02pm to get ready for the launch.

As ever, if you've got any tips, then get in touch via our nifty tips form.

Thanks Adam, Hutch and everyone else who sent in tips!

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In the interests of preserving our American readers' sanity (at least until launch day), we're going to condense the U.K.-related iPhone...
 

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22 Comments

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Izzy

If I purchase an iPhone in United States, is it possible to activate the phone in the UK on O2?

November 12 2007 at 10:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pierre

If it's the same procedure, then surely you can just buy it in the US and activate it in the UK, no?

November 11 2007 at 5:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
joe


@matthew - what data plan are you using? Can you access the cloud or any free wifi spots in the UK?

I am thinking of buying in the US and jailbreaking but am not sure if it is worth it to avoid the 02 tariffs or not.

November 08 2007 at 4:31 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Austin

MJ, ultgames, martin

thanks for the info - I did read all that stuff, but no one seems to be able to tell me whether as a CPW/O2 person and not a straight O2 person, whether it applies to me.

I will, again, go calling around to get clarification. Perhaps there will be more of a focus on accuracy as time nears - here's hoping!

November 07 2007 at 5:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Martin Davies

You'll need to start a new 18 month minimum term contract and pay for your iPhone handset but you can keep your existing number. So everyone will know it's you when you call them to brag.

If you were an O2 customer or upgraded on or before 18th September 2007
You can switch to an O2 tariff for iPhone without paying any remaining monthly charges on your existing contract.


If you joined or upgraded after 18th of September 2007
You have a choice, you can either:

(i) Enter into a second pay monthly contract whilst keeping your existing contract; or

(ii) Start a new contract by paying a one-off transfer charge of £219 instead of the remaining monthly charges on your existing contract.

O2 Simplicity and O2 Pay & Go customers will not be required to pay any additional charges.

November 07 2007 at 5:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ultgames

From the O2 FAQs

If you became an O2 customer or upgraded on or before 18th September 2007
You can switch to an O2 tariff for iPhone without paying any remaining monthly charges on your existing contract.

November 07 2007 at 4:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Austin

MJ,
thanks for this: I have been on the Apple discussion boards all afternoon and am getting seriously conflicting advice.
On the one hand there is, if you are already whit O2 or O2/CPW then you just start a new contract, forget the old one
and
Then there's your advice

EEK

November 07 2007 at 3:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
doug

I'm in New York at Christmas... can I buy an iPhone there and bring it back and get an O2 contract here? Does anyone know?

November 07 2007 at 2:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tomm

Shouldn't that be "T-minus O2"?

Arf

November 07 2007 at 2:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jonesy

Austin,

If you started you are due an upgrade, then it won't cost you anything, If you have say 1 month or more left until you can upgrade, you have to pay around £210 plus the £269. This only applies to O2 not O2CPW contracts. If you have a CPW one, you have to port your number over to O2, pay the remainder of your contract up and wait 5 days for the transfer to take place.

November 07 2007 at 2:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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