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AT&T changing eligibility dates for new iPhone

by Mike Schramm May 11th 2010 at 8:00PM

MobileCrunch reports that AT&T has been quietly tweaking the upgrade eligibility dates for the next iPhone. While most of those who purchased the iPhone 3GS at launch had an upgrade date available sometime in November, far be it from AT&T to stand in the way of a new iPhone purchase. They've been changing the dates without fanfare to as soon as June 21st, 2010. That doesn't really confirm anything, but it's almost a forgone conclusion at this point that Apple will release a new iPhone in June. I would say (as a guess/prediction) that we'll first hear about it during WWDC, and that it'll hit store shelves near the end of the month.

Unless there's a big surprise in the pipeline, we've probably already seen this phone as well -- you've probably seen the leaked shots that precluded the whole "left in a bar" situation (that is still under investigation, as far as we know). It's possible that phone was just a prototype, and that Apple won't go for those weird silver buttons, but most likely, that's the phone we'll see Steve holding on stage in just over a month. Excited?

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MobileCrunch reports that AT&T has been quietly tweaking the upgrade eligibility dates for the next iPhone. While most of those who...
 

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Rich

Q. Does this change only apply to iPhone 3G customers who spend $99 or more per month?
A. In most cases, yes. iPhone customers who spend more than $99 a month per line with us generally are eligible for an upgrade between 12 and 18 months. In general, the more a customer spends with us, the less time they have to wait to get another new device.

May 27 2010 at 6:44 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wintosh

iPhone Upgrade
As a valued AT&T customer, we can offer you a discounted iPhone upgrade at a higher price, along with a 2-year commitment and an $18 upgrade fee. Please proceed with the online upgrade process for pricing details. You may qualify for a full discount on a standard iPhone upgrade on 06/20/2010.

May 12 2010 at 4:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Justin

Pissed. I've been an early adopter for 3G and 3Gs (inside of first 3 weeks both times) and my eligibility says Dec 04 2010. AT&T is going to get harassed daily until mine gets accelerated. I'll use my corporate account and developer status as leverage if necessary!

May 12 2010 at 1:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Justin's comment
Stefen

Have you called AT&T and spoke to them about this? Mine hasn't changed either, and i want to try to get it around that date, it's not fair for them not to do that for everyone. I remember last year when I called and asked about pre-oredering the new iPhone they had no idea what I was talking about, I just don't want to call them and say "I want my eligibly pushed back so i can get the new iphone coming next month." only for them to say "what new iphone?" you know? lol.

May 14 2010 at 3:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Matt

I got the a 3G iPhone back in April 09 and it says for me that I am eligible to upgrade on September 09. If my date doesn't change is there anyway I could call AT&T and talk them into bumping it up? Has anyone ever tried this?

Also it seems like it is only 3GS owners are getting their dates changed. Any 3G owners get any changes?

May 12 2010 at 2:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Macboy15

Also if and when the iPhone does come to another carrier. Apples not going to leave AT&T or other gsm carrier. There just going to add them on. Lol I don't know why on earth people think that.

May 12 2010 at 2:02 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Macboy15's comment
microfud

I don't think anyone has implied that Apple will be leaving AT&T. If you've been paying attention to the way Apple does it elsewhere in the world, they normally use multiple carriers.

As to the five year contract. The original source of that was from a story by USA Today when the iphone was first released. The same reporter for USA Today is now saying that Verizon will probably be getting the iPhone this year. Apparently, there was a contract change in the interim. You need to read more.

May 12 2010 at 7:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Macboy15

Boy are people hard headed about verizon or what. AT&T has a 5 years exclusive to the iPhone. That means that verizon or sprint or tmoblie or any other provider will not get the apple ihone till 2012. Let me sum up the iPhone came out in 2007 to AT&T it is now 2010 there for there is still 2 years left on the deal. Got it. Good

May 12 2010 at 1:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ErikK

Someone actually said "screw AT&T" because their bill was past due and couldn't get the upgrade info from*639#

PAY THE DAMN BILL IDIOT!! ;)

May 12 2010 at 1:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Zach

woot! i got my 3G for christmas in 2009, and it used to say that I wasn't eligible until august for an upgrade. Now I'm eligible for an "iPhone Upgrade", meaning I'm home free for the 4G (hehe I rhymed).

May 12 2010 at 1:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pika2000

Make sense. The 2-year-contract term has never made sense considering Apple's yearly cycle of new hardware. Apple wants people to buy iPhones every year, and a 2-yr-contract is not good for them.
BTW Apple, just sell the friggin iPhone unlocked.

May 12 2010 at 1:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jerry

My 3G contract says it expires on 7/30/2010. When I put the text string in it came back and said I could upgrade immediately for $18.

May 12 2010 at 12:43 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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