Activating the iPhone?

[Jeffrey903]

There has been a lot of rumors that Apple may just sell the iPhones in a box and let you activate it and sign the contract online (or by phone). I think thats a great idea and something that I could see them doing, however, what would prevent somebody from buying an iPhone and never actually activating and then just use it without the phone features? If Apple does this, do you think that the iPhone will lock out the users (from using anything, including the iPod and Safari) until activated and the service is paid for?

 

[ps49556n]

There has been a lot of rumors that Apple may just sell the iPhones in a box and let you activate it and sign the contract online (or by phone). I think thats a great idea and something that I could see them doing, however, what would prevent somebody from buying an iPhone and never actually activating and then just use it without the phone features? If Apple does this, do you think that the iPhone will lock out the users (from using anything, including the iPod and Safari) until activated and the service is paid for?

I think this idea is quite good and is most likely what will happen. Buy the phone at ATT or Apple, go home and use it to call ATT to run credit check and complete contract procedure. Im thinking the phone will be totally locked except for the ability to call a special ATT line (like 711 or something like that) to complete the process.

 

[jshbckr]

Actually, what I think they would do is set up your entire account, and program your SIM card in the store at AT&T and then you would go home with your iPhone, put in your SIM card, then it's ready to go.

 

[Dippo]

I disagree.

You aren't going to leave the store without activating your iPhone.
How else can they sell you the most expensive plan with all the most expensive extras?

 

[Bart Lee]

You'll be able to activate it on your own. How else will they be able to sell them through the online store on the 29th?

 

[abgould]

I would think you would leave both stores fully set up and activated because Apple/AT&T might face returns for people not passing the credit check.

 

[Grimace]

The battery patent is one way. It lets you call AT&T (if your phone is stolen) and they can turn off the ability for it to charge. You might have to call AT&T, set up the contract, and then it is enabled.

 

[fj2007cruiser]

Activation

If purchased in an Apple Store, you will activate in store before leaving. I stopped by an Apple store today and the manager there told me this. He would not tell me much more.

 

[AirmanPika]

You can purchase phones through Amazon that are activated upon arrival so I don't really think its a stretch to think that Apple can do the same thing.

 

[ichris2]

what I was told

ATT told me I could order online and when I received the phone I would have to take it to the ATT store to have it activated.