Further iPhone launch day details unearthed

Alright, you already knew what day the thing was launching, then you discovered the time, and finally, you realized that you wouldn't even have to get off work early on the left coast thanks to all sales happening in local time zones. For those still obsessing over what will go down just a fortnight from now, BGR has discovered that "all AT&T stores will be closing up at 4:30PM" while employees set up those cutesy iPhone displays, toss back a few Red Bulls, and hopefully receive their shipments from the (potentially armored) trucks. At 6:00PM, either the doors will open back up or the fanatics will force their way in, and the outlets could stay open "as late as midnight" to satisfy the demand. Oh, and make sure you bring some spare change along -- word on the street is that a bevy of typical accessories (chargers, cases, etc.) will be tempting you as you wade through the checkout line.

[Image courtesy of Seattle Post-Intelligencer]

[paloooz @ Jun 15th 2007 2:26PM]

Doesn't matter. I'll be in line at 8:00AM anyway.

[erik eggers @ Jun 15th 2007 2:30PM]

your going that early? i wonder when i should go

[Joe Smith @ Jun 15th 2007 2:36PM]

summer break for me, baby! iphone, here i come!

[michael @ Jun 15th 2007 2:37PM]

I wonder why people have to line up so early in the morning for this. It's not like the a new upcoming game console. It's just a phone, and there will be plenty, even more than enough, iPhones ready at launch.

So waiting in line, when you can just get it any other day seems kind of a waste to me. Just my .02.

[tphil9 @ Jun 15th 2007 2:43PM]

i agree. just order it on the att website. sure beats waiting in line and dealing with all that nonsense. plus att offers free overnight delivery.

[Chuckles McGee @ Jun 15th 2007 6:45PM]

Yeah, I mean, it's cool and everything, and I'd probably like to get one, but there's just not the same gloat factor in getting a phone a few hours early as in getting a console. This probably explains why we haven't seen people camping out in from of AT&T stores. You'd get the iPhone, futz around with it for a bit, load your songs on...and then what?

"Dude, dude! I just got an iPhone! I'm CALLING YOU from my iPhone!!"
"That's cool Bob. Does it have really slick features and a nice interface?"
"Uh-huh"
"Well that's cool. I'm going back to sleep."

Don't get me wrong, the thing has enormous potential, it's just that it's going to show its utility over time.

[DAZA @ Jun 16th 2007 12:50AM]

Exactly. Getting a next-gen console is far more exciting, you can play games that no one else has yet and you can witness the impressive graphics or amazing controller.

What's great about getting an iPhone early? You're just one of billions of people in the world who already have a mobile phone, it's not going to make your music sound any better or your calls any more exciting.

[Todd @ Jun 15th 2007 2:42PM]

Armored delivery trucks? The store closes then opens back up? People lined up on first-come-first-served basis? Sounds like total chaos!

[Cris @ Jun 15th 2007 2:45PM]

Get there early and walk away with an iPhone.. get there late and walk away iPissed. Your choice.

[Jibbajabba @ Jun 15th 2007 2:51PM]

I'm going to laugh at every moron who actually buys these overpriced tinker toys. I'd buy a PS3 before I bought one of these feature-lacking, iTunes-mandated pieces of junk. Just to put that in perspective, I'll buy a PS3 when they actually have games for it and it's $300 or less. Not to mention the horrible service of AT&T. Flush that money down that drain, fruticakes. Plant your lips firmly on S. Job's buttocks.

[Cris @ Jun 15th 2007 2:55PM]

Not a PS3 nor future iPhone user... but if the PS# and Wii waiting sessions are of any indication those who want an iPhone on 6/29 better start getting some potassium to stand long hours in long lines.

[andres @ Jun 15th 2007 3:24PM]

@Jibbajabba

what an idiot.. there is nothing funny about someone spending their money on something they consider valuable and you don't, it happens all the time. Is not like is your damn money people are going to be spending so STFU you just sound hurt about it, whether is because you hate apple/iphone with an irrational passion or your just sad you can blow away that kind of money.

[Jared @ Jun 15th 2007 2:54PM]

I'll wait for v2 and let all iSuckers work out the bugs. :-)

[Don Wilson @ Jun 16th 2007 9:25PM]

Have fun waiting a few more years =)

[Adam Jackson @ Jun 15th 2007 2:57PM]

I'm lining up at 10PM on the 28th for our opening. I already have an Upcoming.org post about the launch event in our area. I'll be buying breakfast for everyone and doing some live video casting. w00t!

http://dailytechtalk.com/comments.php?id=535_0_1_15_C

[Rob @ Jun 15th 2007 3:04PM]

ok... so you're going to get on line at 10pm... and wait 18 hours? because if you could read... you'd see that it aint goin on sale until 6pm. I'm sure the employees are gonna love sitting inside the air conditioned store, watching you stand outside in the scorching heat FOR THE ENTIRE WORK DAY... enjoy that

[Adam Jackson @ Jun 15th 2007 3:07PM]

I'm not going to buy an iPhone. I'm only going to go to hang out with some fanboys. Just like an Apple store opening or waiting in line for the steve jobs keynote.

[Mile @ Jun 15th 2007 3:49PM]

So you're going to film them out of their natural habitat (basement)? Interesting. Will it be on the Discovery Channel at some point?

[John @ Jun 15th 2007 2:59PM]

Who's actually gonna buy one of them? Oh, I know, the guys that waited in line for the PS3. AHAHHAHAHAHA I'm laughing so hard i nearly dookied myself

[McGinley @ Jun 15th 2007 3:03PM]

Thats sad.

[Steve Jobs @ Jun 15th 2007 3:02PM]

Oh, the big day is comming, iPhone will be released, can´t wait to get my one, I'll have the first one, I'll wake up at 6am....STUPID GIGS!

Go home and have some sex....ugly assholes!

[Jeff Foster @ Jun 15th 2007 4:01PM]

you have tourette's or something?

[Jonathan @ Jun 15th 2007 3:04PM]

everyone is killing themselves to go to a store when the iphone will be also available through apple.com. idk who came up with the idea that is not going to be on online but it is, im 100% sure. as of the att website they decided not to put it there but im sure it will be on the apple site.

[farukates @ Jun 15th 2007 4:25PM]

Online Store = buy, then wait for next-day delivery at the earliest before you get to play with it.

The whole thing is that people want to play with this device _now_, rather than later. ;)

[funkyp56 @ Jun 15th 2007 3:10PM]

I am now an avid fan of apple, got me a macbook pro running both mac and windows, Im all good with apples products and i still like windows too.....

that being said.....

I'm not buying this Gen iPhone, Im too much of an upgrader, i will not be locked down for 2 years in an 8GB iPod.
I will however buy the 20GB+ w/ HSDPA and bluetooth 2.1 that will be coming out in Jan of 2008

[wslcrew @ Jun 15th 2007 3:11PM]

I have a feeling that Apple will only ship less than 10 units per store, intentionally... Will be seeing "iPhone has been sold out" headlines for weeks afterwards.

[Rob @ Jun 15th 2007 3:21PM]

Highly doubt that... they wanna sell millions of these things... i think that they'd rather get them into the hands of the faithful rather than pull a stupid marketing stunt..


I mean this is basically the same thing as their OS releases... they close the store for a few hours and reopen at 10 something (when i went for the 10.2 release they opened at 10:20... etc)... get people in line hyped up... and sell a ridiculous amount of software and have some cool giveaways...

of course they dont have as much control over the AT&T stores as they do over their own, but I'm sure that AT&T wont fuck it up that much... ... maybe

[GermanQR @ Jun 15th 2007 3:20PM]

This is insane. It's just a frigging phone, for God's sakes. And not a very good one at that.

[ray @ Jun 15th 2007 3:30PM]

I agree, people going this crazy for a cell phone is just downright stupid, especially a first gen one with ,like, no features. $600 my ass.

[michas_pi @ Jun 15th 2007 7:52PM]

Hmm, you say that the phone is not very good; that must mean you already have one in your possession and know all about it! Could you please tell us more about it since, you know, you already have played with it and used its many features?

Lesson to be learned: Don't flame devices/products you haven't used yet. And yes, that goes toward all the PS3/Wii/360 pre-launch haters, as well.

[Will @ Jun 15th 2007 3:24PM]

My only question is when to start lining up...I already have the day off, so should I line up the night before? Or is that morning good enough? Apple store or AT&T store? The Apple store by me is in a mall, so how does that work? Anyone have any experience with a launch like this outside of the PS3/Wii launches?

[Mile @ Jun 15th 2007 3:29PM]

If you're not already out there waiting, WAYSA? Are you really going to feel like bragging when you find out you're number 29 in line?

"I was in the first 30 to get my iPhone! Wanna go get a drink and then maybe have sex?"

"No. I think that guy over there was in the first 5 so I'm going to go talk to him."

[Todd @ Jun 15th 2007 3:32PM]

...well I have some experience, yes. I lived in Los Angeles during the riots in 1992. Here's some video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrhzDqfB9kM

Expect the same at your local neighborhood AT&T store ;)

[Adam @ Jun 15th 2007 3:32PM]

Its obviously overpriced, it obviously does nothing new, why is everyone hyped about this phone?! And the cost of the data plan for AT&T is bad enough as it is. Im really shocked that people will actually go for this.

Fools and their money are soon parted, can't wait to see someone who bought one of these. It's a big "I'm an Idiot" sign.

[Mile @ Jun 15th 2007 3:36PM]

When they announce that using the iPhone corrects erectile dysfunction and prevents cancer, I think you'll be whistling another iTune.

[GermanQR @ Jun 15th 2007 3:42PM]

This is probably the most overhyped piece of junk I have ever seen. Have these deranged people even read the specs? There are much better phones out there already. Practically any 3G-enabled HTC beats the crap out of this toy, not to mention Nokia's N95. I mean, no 3G? What use does Safari have on a low speed data transmission network?

[Adam @ Jun 15th 2007 3:48PM]

Haha seriously, have you seen the commercial they have for it where webpages and google maps are instantly downloaded. It's going to be a rude awakening for those who don't really know better about the technology.

[GermanQR @ Jun 15th 2007 4:05PM]

Exactly. And: no 3rd party apps, crippling DRM technology, awkward UI (yes, THAT keyboard), no spare batteries to carry around... no thank you! Does anybody have any idea how many cool WM5.0 or Symbian 60 apps are out there: games, emulators, productivity applications, GPS...? Well forget all that. iPhone will not support them. This 8GB-iPod-with-a-crappy-phone attached doesn't hold a candle to a whole lot of gadgets already in the market. And people will be queueing to shell out $600 for this? It really beats me.

[James @ Jun 15th 2007 5:07PM]

Have you guys ever stopped to think that all the hating is what is causing the hype?

Let me try to explain what people excited about this phone see in it. I can understand not thinking the iPhone is for you (no product is for everybody), but I don't understand how people can deny that this phone will appeal to many. Here's the reason's why.

*Seamless iTunes integration. Surely you recognize the success of the iPod and why this is a big deal (even if you personally hate both the iPod and iTunes). Actually, this isn't a "big" deal: this is a MAJOR deal.

*User interface. Please point me to a better one? People buy Motorola products in droves and those have a UI designed by satan himself. Windows Mobile is fine, sure, but it's not exactly the same. Better in some ways, worse in others.

*Real web browsing. Yes no flash at the moment, but otherwise how many phones give you the full internet?

* No 3G. Yes, this sucks for those in 3G friendly areas, but how much of the country really gets full 3G? It's not like EVERY single customer is getting "screwed" on this, only a small percentage. Also the iPhone allows seamless switching to Wi-fi. How many phones do that (seamlessly)? I am in a 3G friendly area (mostly) but when I broke it down I figure less than half of my iPhone time will be through the EDGE network.. the rest will be Wi-fi.

* Again, the interface. It's sexy. The jury's still out on typing speed, but everything else about it seems (from demos) great. Apple is known for pleasurable user interfaces and that alone is a selling point.

* Design. It looks damn sexy, especially compared to other smartphones. If you don't understand the concept of a "fashion-phone" then you don't understand the
cell-phone business.

* Upgradability. While true 3rd party apps aren't in the cards for now, full web 2.0 support opens many doors. Also, by design, the thing can be updated by Apple to do a wide variety of things far beyond what the fixed button phones offer. In theory, the iPhone can offer every feature of every other phone but other phones can't do everything the iPhone can (only touch screen PDA things have a shot at that). People buying the iPhone are interested in what new features and apps will be added. The interface makes for some interesting possibilities.

* No user replacable battery. Who really walks around with an extra cell-phone battery in their pocket?For the extra battery to be useful you have to *anticipate* that you'll need it and bring it with you. People don't really do this, especially "normal" phone users.
I'm sure the ipod dock connector battery packs will work with the iPhone: in principle those are the same thing as an extra battery.

* Visual voicemail. Seems simple, but as the only advance in the actual "phone" portion of smartphones in quite a while it's a big deal. The killer app on a phone is the phone. I realize some use hacks to get something similar for a few other phones, but that's not the same and not something John Q. Public really wants to deal with.

* Conferencing. On the subject of actual call features, the call conferencing/hold system looks very elegant on the iPhone. I'm sure other phones CAN do this, but again this interface looks like an absolute joy to use.

There are phones that will do one or two things "better" than the iphone but there is no real single competitor. The closest alternatives aren't all that cheaper. I think it's a straw man argument that everybody assumes the iPhone is better in all ways than all other phones (well, steve jobs probably believes this). It's just that it's better in ways that matter to a lot of people that gives it the allure it has. Aside from 3G and the price being about $100 more than I'd like/expect, every small problem I have with the iPhone is something that can be added easily through software.

[Neal @ Jun 15th 2007 6:23PM]

@ James -

"Have you guys ever stopped to think that all the hating is what is causing the hype?

Let me try to explain what people excited about this phone see in it. I can understand not thinking the iPhone is for you (no product is for everybody), but I don't understand how people can deny that this phone will appeal to many. Here's the reason's why.

*Seamless iTunes integration. Surely you recognize the success of the iPod and why this is a big deal (even if you personally hate both the iPod and iTunes). Actually, this isn't a "big" deal: this is a MAJOR deal."

Most phones now can either use drag and drop to move files (movies or music, or you can also use them as a USB drive to transfer gig's of data) onto or off the phone, most carriers allow you to download video and music to the phone directly from the cell tower, no need to go to your PC and sync.


"*User interface. Please point me to a better one? People buy Motorola products in droves and those have a UI designed by satan himself. Windows Mobile is fine, sure, but it's not exactly the same. Better in some ways, worse in others."

Perference here, but I can say that there will be a large number of complaints from users cracking screens from day 1. The entire face is a touch screen, and having something that large and thin with a glass face is not exactly friendly to the envinroment most people have phones in (i.e. they get dropped often, tossed in pockets, purses, etc).


"*Real web browsing. Yes no flash at the moment, but otherwise how many phones give you the full internet?"

Windows Mobile phones have had this for years now. In fact with WM6, you can use the internet sharing applet on the phone, plug it into the USB of your laptop and get internet on your laptop anywhere you have a cell signal (if you have a data plan).


"* No 3G. Yes, this sucks for those in 3G friendly areas, but how much of the country really gets full 3G? It's not like EVERY single customer is getting "screwed" on this, only a small percentage. Also the iPhone allows seamless switching to Wi-fi. How many phones do that (seamlessly)? I am in a 3G friendly area (mostly) but when I broke it down I figure less than half of my iPhone time will be through the EDGE network.. the rest will be Wi-fi."

The 3G area is huge, and covers every major and most secondary cities. The only places you won't have it are out in the sticks and along the highways between large cities:
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/popUp_3g.html
The difference is huge between EDGE (2.5G) and 3G. Edge is a little better than dialup speeds, 3G can support to 10 megabits and higher. As for Wi-fi, it eats battery faster than talk time does, good luck with that.


"* Upgradability. While true 3rd party apps aren't in the cards for now, full web 2.0 support opens many doors. Also, by design, the thing can be updated by Apple to do a wide variety of things far beyond what the fixed button phones offer. In theory, the iPhone can offer every feature of every other phone but other phones can't do everything the iPhone can (only touch screen PDA things have a shot at that). People buying the iPhone are interested in what new features and apps will be added. The interface makes for some interesting possibilities."

I feel they are missing the boat big time here, having the ability to make apps for the phone is huge. Steve has the gall to get up there an pimp widgets and how he loves that everyone makes them, then not allow any true development on the iPhone? Come on man!


"* No user replacable battery. Who really walks around with an extra cell-phone battery in their pocket?For the extra battery to be useful you have to *anticipate* that you'll need it and bring it with you. People don't really do this, especially "normal" phone users.
I'm sure the ipod dock connector battery packs will work with the iPhone: in principle those are the same thing as an extra battery."

When you are talking Wi-fi and not even using it so much as a phone as for a music/video player - that battery will die fast. Not to mention every time you recharge it, some life is lost. With the manditory 2 year contract, by the end of 2 years it will not hold a charge for more than a few hours in normal use. This is just a fact of battery life and recharging.

[GermanQR @ Jun 15th 2007 7:36PM]

The “hating”? Dude I’ve got a Mac and two iPods. You’re dead wrong if you think I’m an Apple hater.

Let me comment on on what you just said:

- iTunes integration: It’s an iPod, what did you expect? The iPod is a great device and this one is an 4Gb-8Gb one. Hardly worth queueing for one, don’t you think?
- User interface: Yes. Touch screen with sliding keyboard. Or even a stylus. Texting or emailing will be a real pain with this phone. WM is so much better, in almost every aspect.
- Full internet: High end Nokias N series, HTC’s.
- 3G: I my case I live in Europe. 3G is fully rolled-out here. With the iPhone, once you’re out of a WiFi covered area, you better think twice before connecting to the internet. It’s going to be SLOW.
- Boy, I won’t argue with you about Apple design or the looks of the UI. This iPhone sure is a beauty, pretty much like everything else designed by Apple. I’m just saying typing will be a nightmare.
- 3rd party apps: It’s a HUGE turnoff. You wouldn’t believe how many things I can do with my old WM4.0 Smartphone. I literally have tens of programs from games to Media Players. I wouldn’t give up any of that for a FREE iPhone.
- Who wants to? Well I do, for one. I travel a lot, and I use my cell phone a lot. I just NEED one extra battery in my briefcase.
- Conferencing: every phone does that nowadays, at least here. As for looks, as I said, Apple are nr.1

This phone is just an expensive toy for Apple fanboys (and there are a lot of those). I’m not one of them (and I am Not a hater). And I can assure you that there are quite a few models out there much better than the iPhone.

[vandergoes @ Jun 15th 2007 3:34PM]

Meanwhile...The fool`s hunt begins!!!!
Saw at craigslist/ny
""Apple Phone (Financial District)

Reply to: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: 2007-06-11, 6:10PM EDT


iPhone Specs

Screen size: 3.5 inches
Screen resolution: 320by 480 at 160ppi
Input method: Multi-touch
Operating System: OS X
Storage: 4GB or 8GB
GSM: Quad-band (MHz: 850,900,1800,1900
Wireless data: Wi-Fi(802.11b/g) + EDGE + Bluetooth 2.0
Camera: 2.0 megapixels
Battery: Up to 5 hours, Talk/Video/Browsing. Up to 16 hours, Audio playback
Dimensions: 4.5x2.4x0.46 inches/ 115x61x11.6mm
Weight: 4.8 ounces/135 grams

ALL OFFERS CONSIDERED WE HAVE 7 OF THESE PHONES
PLEASE EMAIL US PHONES ARE BRAND NEW IN THE BOX SEALED
[e-mail] IPHONE COMES OUT 6-29-07 THANKS
""

[SyKario @ Jun 15th 2007 3:58PM]

So SAD that US Territory Puerto Rico will have to wait indefinitely for an iPhone, Apple Inc. discards Puerto Rico and US Virgin Island from the launch plans this 29 of June……. SHAME on you Apple, SHAME!!!

[Alexander The Best @ Jun 16th 2007 10:49AM]

LOL! And that's why I have my feet firmly planted on the contiguous 48 states. Sucks for them, but rules for us...

[Marcelo @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:04PM]

Does somebody knows why the iphone is not coming? And when it will be available in Puerto Rico? Thanks...

[Ron Knight @ Jun 15th 2007 3:59PM]

Whew! I was afraid we'd go an entire day without seeing some Apple corporate Bullshit... err insightful iphone news

[MDB @ Jun 15th 2007 4:03PM]

I hope engadget posts the specs again. I seem to have forgotten the features it won't have since I read the last iphone post 8 hours ago

[randy @ Jun 15th 2007 4:13PM]

The 'shipments' won't arrive until 2hrs before, on a gaddamn FedEx truck???

How the heck is one or two FedEx vans supposed to satisfy demand?

[carpee @ Jun 15th 2007 4:16PM]

to jibbajabba,

thats the beauty of capitalism. you can do whatever you want...noone really cares.
i'm buyin an iphone as soon as i can. have fun with ur ps3. yay america.

[Neeko @ Jun 15th 2007 4:19PM]

I really wonder how many of all these supposed fanboys are really gonna buy this thing? yes its cool to say your going to but cmon ITS $600 and times are rough PEOPLE. AND SCREW ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO WILL SAY "OHH I CAN AFFORD IT, DONT HaTE IF YOU CANT" i work and could afford it but DAMN IF IAM GONNA BUY IT.

Yes the multi touch is HOT but the only feature thats utterly amazing is the visual voicemail. Other then that everyother feature u havent been screaming to have. There a hundreds of phones that play MP3s. wow this lets me "View" album covers with a cool 3D scroll basically ur paying $600 so u can spend 1.2secs 2 scroll to your next song in 3d.. WHOOOTY DAMN FREAKIN DOOO. And id love to see webpages load on the crappy network. SLOOOOOOOOOOW.

The video aspect is cool but cmon u gotta use itunes.. So now ur telling me i gotta convert all my movies to a format that u like so u can keep me tied to ur program.. NO..Anybody who uses WM5 or a hacked AKU or WM6 knows that TCPMP or mort player is 100X better then Windows media player.

But no Mr.Jobs doesnt want us using anythign but itunes..SO FOR NOW, NO 3RD PARTY APPS..But we get web apps. Yeah i wanna see u run anything good constantly being connected to the WEB. and listening to music or VIDEO.

yeah iam done WITH MY ANTI IPHONE RANT.

Now if anybody wants to give me one for FREE thats ok with me! BUT IAM NOT SPENDIGN $600 TO BE REAMED FOR 2YRS when in less then 6months theyll be another version out.

PEACE I LOVE YOU NEW YORK!