Walmart iPhone probably happening, probably not for $99
By Laura June 
posted December 8th 2008 9:27AM
posted December 8th 2008 9:27AM
We've been hearing rumors of an iPhone at Walmart for a while now, and the only thing that was even mildly interesting about the unlikely pairing was that there was supposedly going to be a $99 4GB model. Well, now we hear that they'll indeed be selling the phone, but (as the ad above would seem to indicate) it's going to be a $197 8GB model -- about 2 bucks cheaper than you can get them for at an Apple or AT&T store, with no mention of a 4GB version at all. So, you're telling us we're going to be able to get this phone for (almost) exactly the same price as before, but now we can buy it at a store where we can also pick up Slim-Fast in bulk and possibly die in a retail trampling? We'll pass.
[Thanks, Mike H., Via PC World]
[Thanks, Mike H., Via PC World]
Don't worry. It comes with a free black turtleneck.
Exactly what i was thinking.
I can't wait to see iSheep cry as average Joe starts 1337'ing with his iphone.
That's right - nobody buys iPods anymore, all because Wal-Mart has carried them for the last few years. I've never heard a single person say they like the iPod Touch ($227.88, $297.88 and $397.88 at your local Wal-Mart).
good don't sell the 4GB model anymore, got a friend with a 4GB model and he says its pretty much worthless and regrets having bought it, after the software you get like 3GB with music, photos, apps thats not much space
Picturing the genius bar at Walmart.... I think I peed a little.
Hey! question Apple professor sir!
"Where can I find the paper towels?"
"So, you're telling us we're going to be able to get this phone for (almost) exactly the same price as before, but now we can buy it at a store where we can also pick up Slim-Fast in bulk and possibly die in a retail trampling? We'll pass."
Complete Apple Fanfuck.
What do the writers at Engadget REALLY hope to accomplish by being elitist like this? Ohhh boo Wal-Mart, j00 makes AppLOL ifonz0r less 1337! Get outta here with that. Even the Apple fanboys find this banter ridiculous.
So now Engadget is making fun of the low income Walmart clients. Classy. I'm so proud how they are one step away from a racist comment.
Maybe its just me but I didn't see a mention or even subtle joke about Walmarts clientele that wasn't directly linked to a story of its occurrence. Its a sad day when peoples underwear are so tight that linking to a factual story is considered ______ist in some way.
How about not making the unfunny, tacky and stupid joke in the first place? It's a freaking human life that was lost in a freak, stupid, accident. I'll get my panties in a bunch as long as a human life in involve. You sir may not care about such trivial things but some of us who have family and friends who are working in say same job description as they guy who got kill can only stop for a minute and feel sorry.
Having worked at Walmart for 2 years, I then confirm that your panties are too tight!
@ dBs
You win. No point of discussing real issues with kids :)
GASP! How ageist of you! Was it so long ago that you were the youthful age of 26? Think of the children!
The iPhone 3G will always be a ripoff, even if it was $99. The phone is great, but with AT&T (read: the worst provider in the US) at the helm it will always suck. If you really want a merry christmas grab a $250 new in the box 2G iPhone (very easy to find), jailbreak and unlock it, and use it on T-Mobile for $60-70 per month, probably without a contract (Like me). Live free, don't be a pawn of AT&T and Apple.
With Apple being tyrannical about their products prices at retailers a $2 drop is almost unheard of unless its the "retired model'. Usually, retailers are left to get creative with accessories to create the mirage of a deal.
And so begins the dilution of the iPhone brand.
iPhone+wal mart=skanky
Gee, I wonder why they don't sell Nike's at wal mart, oh, because it's brand suicide
Yea, see, us hicks who have no Apple Store within 500 kilometers, we would rather pay Apple directly and then wait for the USPS mule to plod by days later. Why get it instantly for 1% off when you can wait in the snow like a forlorn lover?
You'd swear Engadget doesn't know lowborn hicks ... hold on, gotta go spit - then it's time for Springer. Gotta get dressed for Springer, the Mayor of Trailer Town.
$197 is better than paying $399 for a new one if you need a replacement for one reason or another.
you save 2 dolla and go to the dollar store and buy TWO thing and you be happy.
BE A MAN!!
DO THE RIGHT THING!
Radio ad today for Walmart that advertised the 4gb model for $99 in DC
good move by apple, will consider buying it.
What is that a browser from 1990?
RE: $197 is better than paying $399 for a new one if you need a replacement for one reason or another.
I think you're missing the point. The $197 is for the phone but you have to sign a two year agreement otherwise you can't buy it.
That would be fine by me. I'm stuck in an existing contract and don't qualify for the current subsidize upgrade pricing. If I could buy a new one for $197 and just re-up with a new 2-year contract, that would be awesome. Somehow I have a feeling they won't allow me to do this however.
Wallmart is a corrosive blight on the landscape. Shopping there is tantamount to selling your soul and selling out your neighborhood. All the money you spend there (minus slave wages) is funneled out of your area back to Wallmart HQ. I rather pay a bit extra at local businesses and have a healthier, happier place to live.
Very smart comment This iphone is $2 cheaper wow, lets all run out and save $2 to put up with brainless workers and a possible chance of getting a VD just by being close to those mindless drones.
Apple fanboys exist because apple makes quality products. Sure they are fairly expensive but for those of us who work hard for our money we know quality comes at a price, you get what you pay for. Considering what you get with a mac (quality webcam, good looks, sturdy build, made tough, plus apples products work).... if you dont like apple fine but why come in here and bash on a product or say apple fanboys suck etc... grow up seriously. if i was using a vista computer i would probably not be able to finish this post since it would freeze up or get a blue screen..lol
The iPhone is officially uncool now! Selling it at Walmart!?!? WTF?!?!?
It's a fact. Wal-Mart is getting the iPhone this December. I was looking at phones at Wal-Mart and the sales associate told me.
I would buy a $99 dollar iPhone just to use with iPeng to control my Squeezebox. Shame about the activation requirement.
May be we will finally see the iPhone Nano targeted towards the lower-end retail outlet. Gene Munster over at Piper Jafferies has been calling for a iPhone Nano by 2009. The supposed release date of "End of December" makes no sense. That thing should have been available at Wal-Mart in time for the holiday shopping season. I say it get's pushed out into January for a reveal at MacWorld first, immediately followed by the Wal-Mart launch. Enter iPhone Nano.
Now the question is what will the capabilities of a iPhone Nano be?
The rumors of a cheap iPhone were started by Troy Wolverton, at the San Jose Mercury Misviews, who has in the past tried to freeze Apple sales with rumors of pending price cuts. I mean, who'd buy something now, knowing that the price is going to be halved in the near future, right? Well, that's Wolverton's game, and he's part of Jim Cramer's gang of misinformationists. These guys should be investigated by the SEC.
iPods only sell a few bucks cheaper at Walmart, Sams Club, BJs, Costco, Target and the like. The rumor of a cheaper iPhone is just that, a stupid rumor.
I would love to see a super cheap iPhone come to Walmart. Just imagine the looks on the faces of all the current iPhone yuppies when Skeeter and Bubba show up with their own iPhones.
Ok, here is somthing unusual... I have been trying to get the iPhone for a while now but have tmobile service that my boss pays for and he does not want to switch. so, I finally decided to get my own phone. I made the trip to Walmart and paid $187 ($209 with tax) for the 2 year contract with an 8gb 3g. Funny thing was, the clerk trying to activate the iphone after qualifying my credit for approval of the iphone, could not get her computer to activate the phone. She rebooted the computer and the phone several times but there was no activation success.
She then called the AT&T store not too far away and asked if I could bring the phone to them unactivated and have them activate it for me. They said sure. Well, I figured if it wasn't activated, I may be able to get it unlocked and use it with Tmobile. That is what I did and it is working great. I never had to activate it with AT&T which means what? I am asking if this is true, and the phone never was successfully activated with AT&T, will I be held responsible for a monthly fee? Hmmm... I paid for the phone, they do have my name but do not show that a phone was ever activated. Any thoughts??? Thanks guys! Rob...