iPhone release date: June 29th?
By Ryan Block 
posted Jun 3rd 2007 10:12AM
posted Jun 3rd 2007 10:12AM
Take this one with a grain of salt, but we have it from a source that works in television who tells us that Apple's next round of iPhone commercials (three different spots) have been submitted for airtime, and at least one prominently features the magic number: release date on June 29th. (For the record, we've already heard rumors about it being on the 11th, 15th, 20th, and just about every other date in June.) That's all well and good, but there are some bits that make this especially sticky. Namely, these commercials are supposed to begin running next week -- that's before WWDC, when we were all hoping Steve would announce the iPhone date; however, the iPhone commercial(s) which actually feature the date might air after June 11th, so maybe that part is still alright. Also, the date of June 29th -- while still technically "late June" -- lands on Friday, and Apple is known for launching most of its products on Tuesdays. So hey, if it turns out to be June 29th, great -- but if not, don't say we didn't warn ya.Update: Looks like we're looking at a confirmation on the iPhone launch date!
Ryhan, gonna be awfully hard for you to read Engadget without electricity.
We don't NEED phones,but I know that my phone greatly improves my ability to organise myself and my friends,and other such examples....
But honestly,go live with the Amish for a month,and tell me how you got on using a signal fire or something.
"And anyway, why does anyone NEED an iphone, no matter how much they want one... what about the old days where humans slept in caves, oblivious to electricity?"
Says the guy reading a blog about electronic gadgets on a computer powered by electricity using the wonderful technological invention of the internet.... yep, you love the good old days...
I'm fortunate to have a Father who is an NYC Public School Principal.
I'm gonna have him get himself one of these and get me one too on his September budget.
Department of Ed workers get spectacular Cingular, Verizon and Sprint discounts.
Why the hell should NYC taxpayers pay for your iPhone (or for a school principal to have one either, for that matter)? Sounds like you are fortunate and NYC is getting scammed.
I'd love to see one before I get it. Please show me a picture when you have it in your hands ok?
iPhone, I'm expecting a reflection of the PS3 sales.
The good thing about the iPhone is that since it requires a 2 year contract, people aren't going to buy it just for the purpose of selling it (like the PS3). People will buy it because they actually want it and that should leave a decent supply for the people.
Wrong. Remove SIM card, sell. It won't be as convenient, but..
Let me mark that date down. I want to make sure I don't miss the start of the new millenium or the second coming or Armageddon. It's not often you get to see a device that changes the world. I've heard just holding an iPhone is the same as taking a bottle of Viagra. If you don't go and buy one, you'll stay a nobody and it'll serve you right.
Is there something inherently wrong with you?
I can assure you that most people will not buy an iphone. I can explain this by my magical rules of economics.
1: the market is driven by price.
2: most people are'nt rolling in cash
3: most people want their phone to be just that; a phone
4: most people would be afraid of losing their brand new 500 dollar superphone that everyone wants.
Now, lets look at a greatexample; the motorola RAZR. Lots of people wanted it early on (because of its large screen size and asthetics), but it was rather expensive for a phone. Then, companies began to give offers like "sign up for two years and get a free razr", and then everyone (including schoolchildren) started to have them.
Regardless of how amazing it is, the iphone is priced too high except for business people and geeks, who are still obssesd with their pdas and treos...
I wish you the best of luck, Odo. I hope the iPhone is more successful for you than Viagra has been. Please do remember that some people are, unfortunately, beyond help, and you may be one of those.
How about another example- the iPod. Apple were selling those hand over fist before they had cheaper models.
"most people want their phone to be just that; a phone" Can you even get a phone without at least a camera anymore, not to mention TV, MP3 player, web browser, text messenger...? 500 bucks is a perfectly reasonable price for a consumer electronics device.
/agree
I really wish people would stop using the iPod as a comparison. It's a different market entirely, one that relies on providers other than Apple. In the end the iPhone may do extremely well, but how the iPod did doesn't really matter here.
Modana: "Can you even get a phone without at least a camera anymore, not to mention TV, MP3 player, web browser, text messenger...?"
Uhh, yes you can. It's called the Nokia 1100, and it's one of the best selling electronic gadgets ever (at 200 million units) outpacing the RAZR, the Playstation 2, and even your beloved iPod. And do you know what it does? It makes phone calls. Reliably. And it's cheap.
i'll think about getting one when when apple opens it up for tmo. 500 clams plus having to switch carriers is just not attractive.
Did 10.4 come out on a Friday - at like 5pm or something like that?
So did iPod mini, and iPod shuffle 1G.
I can't wait till it drops but then again, I can wait for an iPhone revision, no 3rd party apps? 8Gb of space max? Dudes, I have a 30GB iTunes library, and 1.25TB of video that I have all transcoded to xvid and H.264...
Then again, what do you think, Will it be able to stream files from a upnp / daap server? Or even use aveenu?
ONE QUESTION:
Will Apple let people buy the iPhone from the online Apple Store with no ATT contract ?
Anyone has a clue ?
Thanks
:crickets:
Re: NYC Shcool kid above.
The way I understand his post is that he will have his dad get one in his name because his dad is an employee of the Department of Education which get very good discounts with Cingular and both hardware (the iPhone here) and the plans (voice, data, whatever...). To get the discounts from Cingular, it would have to be done by his dad (in his name).
In other words, I don't think he meant to say that the school his dad works at will pay for the phone(s).
Hey kiddo, what are the discounts Cingular offers to employees of the Department of Education?
This is going to move shit loads everyone knows it, It will be shit hot for about two months then the next big Nokia or LG will be here, and then whats apple going to do make a new model like say every other mobile maufactor out there already does! i dont think so, you cant ride this device for the next 5 years like the ipod, a few tweaks wont cut it you need new designs big tweaks and constant software, apple you should stick to overpriced computers (and over hyped OS) and ipods because you dont have a clue about teh mobile market and you, i have a macbook and an ipod and i love them but this is unattractive in so many ways, no 3rd party support (whatever you say jobs) huge price tag, 2 years contracts, no removeable media, max of 8GB, stupid repair schemes and costly repairs too(if ipod anything to go by) not to mention the amazing prices apple will charge for offcial accessories. apple will crash and burn on this one, remember apple you thought you were invinsible once, dont fall for it again.
Regardless of whether the iPhone is worthwhile or not, I would never buy any Rev A product from any OEM, Apple included. No one gets it right the first time around.
Now, Rev C should be good and by then they'll have increased to storage and added on UMTS/ HSDPA and GPS...hopefully.
Cingular's prices are expensive by the way. I get a 1,000 nationwide minutes + free W/E and & nights for $39.99 with T-Mobile.
Cingular prices hurt me!
Hey Sean, several of your thoughts are misguided.
Plus, name one retailer/ manufacturer you would rather deal with other than Apple if you have a problem with your hardware/ software.
I wonder if you even own a Mac and know what Apple is all about.
@lozaccio
care to say what then..
also i name two nintendo & virgin
I for one want the iPhone but just don't get why the dro date is such a mystery.
I was just kidding about the no-electricity thing; but seriously I would have a dedicated DAP rather than something that tries to do everything... the iphone might be different, but i (currently)find it to be more of a novelty than something actually helpfull.
If you guys watch the D5 video with Steve, he talks a little about the release date (starting at around 1:30 in the video):
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid716692140/bclid756513564/bctid933742971
Walt: Are you still on track to ship that, when?
Steve: Late June.
Walt: Late June. That means like the very last day of June?
Steve: Uhh, yah. (with a smile and some laughter)
So he really didn't say anything we haven't heard before, but the mid-June days seems to be out of the question now. Look at the iTunes Plus (DRM free). The press release they have on this originally said "May". They got it out in May... practically the last day.
Fair enough that they're different markets but the iPod is germane to the GP's point, in that people are not afraid to buy multiple-hundred dollar devices because they will lose or break them.
i allready saw one of this commercial las night. It was around 8 pm....it was on THE CW channel...It was not a fancy commercial, just a hand moving around the iphone and touching its screen, basically showing everything we have seen before in the apple web page. No one bealives me, but I now I saw it.....Anyway, at the end of the commercial, u could see the ATT LOGO and at the bottom It sais COMMING ON JUNE 29
Why can't some PA from the commercial production show some balls and squeal on the date?
I can't wait til this is released so we can stop hearing about the rumors of the release date.
Here is my predictions:
June 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 11, or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15, or 16, or 17, or 18, or 19, or 20, or 21, or 22, or 23, or 24, or 25, or 26, or 27, or 28, or 29, or 30 .... but my real prediction is the 31st :)
@ Sean,
Well,
1) if people picked-up RAZRs, Nokias running on Symbian and Windows Mobile powered devices in several cases worth several hundred dollars and were happy with them whereas they actually provide a rather poor user experience, it is safe to say that the iPhone won't have too much trouble doing better. People just don't know, they don't realize for now. That was all there was avail to them irrespective of the price.
2) Competitors: take the Nokia N95 for instance, it's got everything you would want in a cellphone. But it's very thick and the battery life sucks (< 1 day). It also costs $700+.
Apple are keeping things simple and they are right for their first product model on a new model line/ business.
LG prada: it runs Windows! I have a Dash and while I don't mind putting up with Windows Mobile because I paid close to nothing for it.
3) Price: there are plenty of people who can and will pay for the iPhone with or without a AT&T contract. So price is non-issue. Just like any other item out there, those you can, will and those you cannot, probably won't get it.
Keep in mind, proportionally to people's cellphone bills of $80+, the price of their iPod. digital camera, how much they spend on dining out two three nights a week, how much a tank of gas costs, a new outfit from JCrew or Ralph Lauren, when put in perspective, a $500 piece of hardware isn't really all that much, especially it is more pleasant to use than the crap stuff they currently lug around.
If it turns out to be a good device, word will spread and the numerous people targeted and who can afford it, will be drawn to it.
Apple should be fine.
I haven't dealt with the two brand-names you mentioned. I would add I never had a problem with Apple's hardware in the first place. I just never buy Rev A products from anyone.
Josef F:
>>Modana: "Can you even get a phone without at least a camera anymore, not to mention TV, MP3 player, web browser, text messenger...?"
Uhh, yes you can. It's called the Nokia 1100, and it's one of the best selling electronic gadgets ever (at 200 million units) outpacing the RAZR, the Playstation 2, and even your beloved iPod. And do you know what it does? It makes phone calls. Reliably. And it's cheap.
Uhh, no you can't. They stopped selling them. Check http://www.nokiausa.com/phones/1100. It says, "Product not available for purchase."
I believe the iPhone will definitely sell. This device is getting more press than any other pre-released electronics device I have ever seen.
I can definitely see people who either hate the typical "Apple Fanboy" or just the whole iPod monopoly get vexed by the iPhone. It's just like people who love Apple hate many products made by Microsoft no matter what just because it's Microsoft. But it doesn't matter. It's all a matter of opinion whether you like the iPhone or not.
Last thing, the iPhone is not over priced. The first Blackberry's were at least $800 when they first came out and they obviously don't match iPhone's features. The idea is, the first one is always the hardest one to make, and also the worst. After a while, they find better and more efficient ways to make them, thus making them cheaper, with better features. Then they make more models with lower specs which are more affordable. Also, it is going to be difficult for competitors to keep up with Apple. Apple pours tons of money into researching new technologies, a lot more than other companies. That LG touchscreen that Apple allegedly copied is garbage. It's more expensive, crappy specs, etc. It just has a nice interface. That's an example how Apple researches more. They discover ways to have superior specs in a small container at a lower price.
I'd give Apple a couple years to play around with the iPhone. By then, there may be several models with various prices. I'd definitely say that it has the potential to get some control in every cell phone market. It's gonna take some time, just like it did with the iPod.
Not that this is super accurate, but a AT&T rep told me June 26 for the iPhone, which would be the Tuesday before the 29th...
When I asked two of my friends at Apple when the release date was, they said it was confidential information. But then I dropped the date, June 29th, and they said that was the release date. I heard this through one of my friends, but there would be a $100 discount on the iPhone with a 2 year contract. Well actually my friend said that it would be $400, but didn't specify which model. I highly doubt that the 8GB version would go for $400 w/ contract because that would make the 4GB version $300. June 29th validates "late June" and Jobs conversation with Mossberg's, which went along the lines of "Can late June mean the last day of June?" Jobs- "Let's hope not." June 29th is closer to the end of June than the 5th, 11th, or 20th. Also, I heard the commercials are premiering today. Watch out for them, set your TiVo all day!
@lozaccio
ok you make a point with price i agree that people will buy it. i said that origianlly that it will sell lots, but what i also said that you dont make a point of is that while motorola razr and nokias n95 are comparable to iphone in the fact they have os and make calls but thats it! and wheres your proof that the n95 is a good selling phone?, the iphone is a stand alone product, motorola and nokia dont just make those phones they release a variety of phones, all diffrent shapes sizes and set for different uses, does apple no and will they i doubt it, like i said it will be popular but for a short while, what about 3g buyers & hspda users, what about buyers looking for budget phone, nokia motorola all provide these even blackberrys come in different formats because there is a multitude of users iphone cannot complete with this in the long run, from what your saying that all electrical products are inferior to apple products i suppose you believe that ipod is the best mp3 player, and that mackbooks are the best laptops a lot of people will disagree and alot of people will disagree to that and i would although i like my ipod (which yes i do own) i wouldnt be unhappy with a creative or sony player, there no better or worse just different, certainly not crap. your comments are based on fanboyism and thats fine just dont force them on me
With respect to price... my complete fabrication of a conjecture is: this phone will be available with financing built into the monthly service. Financing $500 over the 24 months will cost about $25/month. I'm being generous and using a 20% APR, because a lot of people won't make their payments, but most will. With good credit you could finance this for a few bucks less. 20% APR generates $110 of interest, so at that rate, the bank could have 1 in 5 people never make a payment and still be cash flow positive.
If a prospective buyer walked into a Cingular store and had some free phone with a monthly service of $40 and the iPhone with the same plan for $65, I think there would be a lot of takers.
@ Sean,
I understand what you are saying. You speculated Apple will have a two-month mad-dash sales period on the iPhone but that it would eventually fade. That's why I reacted.
I think they will simply build on their product line and their (newer) models will keep selling as the iPhone product line grows. All the other have a zillion different models but not one that one you can buy from them without feeling you made a concession by not buying the next model to it. Plus I really dislike the current existing OS and menus in all existing phone except Blackberry.
As far as the iPhone is concerned, it's all about the experience going from one device to another in the collection of toys we use nowadays in our lives. It's how well the computer, phone, Apple TV and OS in each will integrate and work with each other. If its competitors don't wake up and really with superior products/ offerings from the customer's stand point and not theirs, Apple should continue to do better and better.
In response to your example about the iPod, in my case I would be unhappy with a Sony or a Creative music player because the software you are forced to use it really sub-par coming from the Apple savoir-faire. Unless you resort to using drag-and-drop as a way of syncing your device with your computer or if you never sync your device once loaded with your music.
It's just an exchange of ideas. I certainly don't intend to force my views on anyone.
I am off now. Take care.
I'm sooooo glad I currently live in a country where the iPhone is not - and won't be for some time - available. Otherwise, I think I'd be going crazy right now. Of course, in a few months it'll show up here on the black market. Dang.
To Rhyan and Gopi.... Lighten up. I was being SARCASTIC. The iPhone is just another mobile phone that's had way too much advance copy. I know you want to cast me as a blind-ass Apple fanboi, but I couldn't care less about the iPhone. At least Rhyan was kind enough to explain the facts, but to rudeboy Gopi I must reply in jest, "Bite my shapeshifting Viagratized crank!" :)
Endgaget responders are such a fun bunch.
I am sooo excited for the iPhone, and I REALLY hope it doesn't come out on the 29th because i'm not in the US on that date. where are people planning to go to get the iPhone, to apple stores or at&t stores? i heard that at&t stores will probably have less people waiting, but i like apple stores more. :3
@ lozaccio
its fun debating!
im a master debator!
take care as well :)
I just saw an iPhone commercial confirming that it indeed does come out June 29th.
And what channel did you see this on?
I just saw the commercial as well, just as Tanya described it. June 29th's the date.
I saw the commercial also. COMING JUNE 29th..
Just saw the commercial Tanya was talking about and the date is correct for June 29.
I just saw the commercial as well - on 60 Minutes.
I just saw it myself during 60 minutes
June 29th, it is
I just saw a iphone commercial that confirms the June 29th date!
nerds everyone?
After about 2 seconds of the commercial the local weather jackass breaks in with a lame "severe" weather report to tell us that "it's raining outside." I hate channel 11!
i'd much rather it come out on june 12th, because thats my birthday, and if i had one wish involving iPhone, i'd wish to watch all the nerds and suckers go waste half a grand on it while i'm celebrating my birthday with my cozy little sprint EV-DO phone.
but june 29th is good too, i get to watch all the nerds suffer waiting for 17 more days, then when i get back from canada, i get a K9m (RAZR 2) or an UpStage for free and i get to laugh at all the iPhone nerds.
"Why the hell should NYC taxpayers pay for your iPhone (or for a school principal to have one either, for that matter)? Sounds like you are fortunate and NYC is getting scammed."
$12,000, you spread that over a million people and thats less than a cent, it'll just get lost with all the other overspending. Hell, 100,00 people can pay off $12,000 dollars with a cost of around a cent to them.
Ok this is it..... the iphone isn't for everyone. its for people who want their ipod, phone, internet and maps, and pics and videos all in 1 device. Thats it, and the people that want that will pay for it. Simple. its a great device gear to a certain consumer market and it will sell in that market
The reason the iPhone will change mobile computing is because AT&T has no part in it. AT&T & the other phone companies spent their existence sterilizing and denuding cellphones so they could charge $1 to download a wallpaper.
Apple changed everything because they will let you use your phone as an extension of your computer.
http://www.netpaths.net/blog/iphone-revolutionary-device/
100,000*
Thank you ATT and Apple for releasing the iPhone on my Birthday. Now the ultimate gift would be for dropping one at my house (599 one) and we all be set, lol.
Now I can have my Apple TV, MacBook Pro, and iPhone all work together.
This phone has no use for extreme text messagers.