$999 Without Contract?

[lekun]

Scott Bourne is a hack.

You forgot to mention this, from the next paragraph:

"Scott has this from two sources."

No, I didn't forget it.

I called my local AT&T store today (becoming a bi-weekly occurrence) and they told me flat out that they haven't received specifics. The manager was a little incredulous about "being kept in the dark" but I know from work with Apple retail that this is the way Apple roles. They aren't about to let info out to a bunch of AT&T retail outlets until they've spilled the beans first.

SJ & Apple don't want the iPhone discounted with rebates because they feel it cheapens the product. And doesn't this just strike you of Apple: One frickin' price. No dumb rebates or fine print.

This is the same with their computers and iPods. When you go buy a Dell, you spend weeks trying to get their coupon codes off the tubes to make sure you get the best price. With Apple you know that no matter where you go, you get one price. Amazon, NewEgg, Apple Online, Apple Retail, etc. They don't even slash prices to clear inventory (though they used to, that practice has all but ceased for the past 5 years). One price, all the time. Simple.

 

[marksman]

The price of the phone has been on the AT&T Website in clear view for days now.

AT&T never advertises the non-subscription price of a phone on their site.

Does that mean there will be a non-subscription price? I wouldn't count on it.

If you believe the rumors that the phone will not really be functionally without the service packages, there would be no point to sell the phone that way.

I suspect AT&T makes their money on the service, Apple on the product, and Apple also wants to make sure everyone has the full experience of the phone, which requires the service.

 

[lekun]

I suspect AT&T makes their money on the service, Apple on the product, and Apple also wants to make sure everyone has the full experience of the phone, which requires the service.

Agreed. (Except that I bet AT&T retail make a little bit for every iPhone they sell in their store and on their own website).

I wouldn't be surprised at all if you have to agree to some "iPhone data/voice" plan for two years. What I disagree with is this idea that I somehow can't even buy an iPhone if I am an AT&T customer with an existing contract. Extend my existing contract by two years? Sure. Extend and modify to be "iPhone data/voice?" Sure. But to flat out only accept (1) new customers and (2) AT&T customers that are at the end of their 2-year contract is a little crazy, and disheartening for someone like me who wants an iPhone but wouldn't want to pay some AT&T termination fee.