So, you’ve seen the ads and you’ve read the hype. You’re ready to buy an iPhone, but on June 29, 2007 - the first day you’ll be able to buy one - you won’t be able to walk into just any store that sells cell phones to get one.
Apple and AT&T have a deal that makes AT&T the exclusive provider of the iPhone (reportedly for the next 5 years). This means that there are only two places you’ll be able to buy an iPhone: Apple Stores and AT&T Stores.
No Waiting Lists
Neither AT&T nor Apple stores are keeping waiting lists for iPhones. It will be first come, first served on June 29.
Apple Stores
You will, of course, be able to buy an iPhone at any of Apple’s 180-plus retail stores across the United States, Canada, the UK, Japan, and Italy.
See the list of Apple Stores to find the one closest to you.
The iPhone will also be available through Apple’s online store.
Apple Store Services
The Apple Store will be equipped to sell you an iPhone and activate the AT&T service that is required to use the iPhone.
I visited my local Apple Store (Providence, RI) on June 7 to learn more about buying an iPhone. The employee I spoke to didn’t know if Apple Store employees would be able to help you keep your existing phone number when switching to iPhone/AT&T from another phone carrier. She didn’t say they wouldn’t be able to, but said they hadn’t gotten information on that yet.
AT&T Stores
AT&T stores are more widely spread than Apple stores. There are over 1,800 AT&T stores in the U.S.
Use AT&T’s store finder to locate the closest AT&T to you.
The iPhone should also be available through AT&T’s online store.
AT&T Store Services
At the AT&T Store, you’ll be able to:
- Buy an iPhone
- Switch from another carrier and keep your phone number
Learn more about keeping your phone number with iPhone.
