AT&T to offer unsubsidized iPhone 3G with no commitment required?

For existing AT&T subscribers looking to get a new handset for a few months before they make that inevitable Pre / iPhone 3.0 / Gizmondo decision this summer -- or folks who just despise contracts in general -- it looks like AT&T will be offering unsubsidized iPhone 3Gs at last. According to some training slides obtained by The Boy Genius, the "no-commit" price will only be available to existing customers, and will run them $599 for the 8GB model and $699 for the 16GB. Sounds like somebody's looking to flush a bit of stock, or perhaps they've finally decided to almost treat the phone like pretty much every single other device on the market -- wild times we're living in, folks. The no-commit option should be available as of March 26th.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 4:03PM]

And people bash VZW??? you still can't do this with the mighty iphone??? Why do people like this phone anyway. IT was cool until all the soccer mom and their kids got them. Its really not a powerful device and lacks tools that would help it succeed with business minded people. Finally getting MMS after how long? How about some real GPS. haha, oh the battery thing right? All it has is gimmicks... For the money you can get much better smartphones. And yes I HAD one when they first came out.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 4:06PM]

They're fools/tools.
Pick one.

[4phun Posted Mar 18th 2009 5:10PM]

Had them all and the iPhone 3G now is much nicer then the original, and it will get even better in a few months.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:33PM]

We have here another decision by att/apple that will only benefit their partnership ,iphone sales. Proof once again revolution occurring as we speak now here in usa. We also need to remember iphone is only recession proof device. 2007, 2008 was one of att/apple strongest years in history. Highest customer satisfaction rate of any smartphone of all times. Iphone handles 68% of mobill internet traffic in usa.,we talking population of 320 million. Thats insane
!this will only cause iphone to pull away from vzw,sprint n tmobil, and driving them closer to bankruptcy. I see some of u also pointed out iphone lack of tehering,video,removable battery. Welcome to the revolution. We all need to remember success is measured by sales here in the usa,ask any ceo. Iphone a true underdog defied all odds n has gained the coveted title by engadgeters of best smartphone of 2008,over some very good competition.Pre will tank hard guaranteed,2 yr contract $350 plus mandatory $99 plan for 2 years..it will turn into another instinct or glide. Being feature rich does not guarantee success,ask every single failed iphonekiller.,I have spoken n silenced all, now bring on the hate mail.,.,.,u got issues,soccer moms.part of a movement

[Verythrax Posted Mar 18th 2009 4:14PM]

Gizmondo FTW!

[phobic99 Posted Mar 18th 2009 4:27PM]

Good thing I used my ATT Premier account to buy refurb iPhones for $199/$299 instead.

$599/$699 really?

[Level 5 Posted Mar 18th 2009 4:29PM]

I think everyone might be missing one possibility. The article might be right, Apple/AT&T could be flushing stock. I'm thinking a new model or upgrade could be waiting in the wings.

[webterractive Posted Mar 18th 2009 4:34PM]

iPhone hasn't been much of a good thing, the only people buying apps are those in the Apple cult so this is why you're starting to see unsubsidized prices starting to show up. The iPhone was nothing more then a fad, a very expensive monthly fad.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 4:43PM]

Sure, the iPhone is just a fad. Expect it to drop off the face of the earth any time now, because that's what fads do. Fads don't stick around for years getting more popular every month, right?

Oh wait, I see what's happening here. You don't actually know what the word "fad" means. it's okay, go back to school and you'll learn a lot of useful things like that.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:03PM]

Zak, if it's getting more popular each month then why did sales drop by 14% between Q3 and Q4?

Not that I'm expecting it to go anywhere - it has its niche after all.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 2:07AM]

yeah a fad 21 million sold in 21 months. a fad that sent cell manufactures to clone city n made them followers, a fad that is killing nokia,a fad highest cust sat rate on a cell of all time,a fad now bb world,symbian app store,android app store ala clone,a fad visual vmail,buttonless,ambient lite sensors,accelorometer,a fad first real true html wifi browser period, a fad 68% of all mobile internet in usa is on iphones.what a fad.n now they got us looking forward to another fad version 3.0.dang fads sound multibillionaire like.
let me start off by saying i hate apple. I have no loyalty to any cell carrier or manufacturer. I do have loyalty to most innovative cell out at the present time. i will buy pre on release date n return within 30 day rule if it does not clearly kill iphone.ive returned 8 cells within 30 day return policy in last 3 years.since 2003 ive only owned smartphones,ive been with every major cell provider in california since 1995,lacelular,airtouch,pacificbell wireless,cing,sprint,vzw,tmobil etc.,i base all my facts on personal knowledge usage.
if anything i could be called sony fanboy,due to i own sony 52 inch 120 hz,ps3,psp,sony surround sound hdmi,sony t700,sony 30gb hdd hidef cam,another surruond sound,another 60 inch sony,17' sony vaio laptop w/8 gb ram builtin blu ray player,thats my baby no one fcuks with it.ill stop there.
I would never buy apple laptop,when u can get way better 1080p bluray laptop for way less.my next big purchase is sony 11" inch laptop w/built in bluray.now that is sick.
We have here another decision by att/apple that will only benefit their partnership ,iphone sales. Proof once again revolution occurring as we speak now here in usa. We also need to remember iphone is only recession proof device. 2007, 2008 was one of att/apple strongest years in history. Highest customer satisfaction rate of any smartphone of all times. Iphone handles 68% of mobill internet traffic in usa.,we talking population of 320 million. Thats insane
!this will only cause iphone to pull away from vzw,sprint n tmobil, and driving them closer to bankruptcy. I see some of u also pointed out iphone lack of tehering,video,removable battery. Welcome to the revolution. We all need to remember success is measured by sales here in the usa,ask any ceo. Iphone a true underdog defied all odds n has gained the coveted title by engadgeters of best smartphone of 2008,over some very good competition.Pre will tank hard guaranteed,2 yr contract $350 plus mandatory $99 plan for 2 years..it will turn into another instinct or glide. Being feature rich does not guarantee success,ask every single failed iphonekiller.,I have spoken n silenced all, now bring on the hate mail.,.,.,

[chop Posted Mar 18th 2009 4:41PM]

wheres shank and the rest of the iphone fanboys complaining about the prices of expensive unlocked nokia's now? ;)

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 1:43AM]

wow, i dont get it. People have been saying no contract for years now. They finally get what they been asking for n now they whining.,dee dee dee!!!!!what do u guys want?what good is iphone if no data plan, u cant check email,gps or browse, or use any web based apps,weather google maps. etc.U asked for it u got it$ $700 iphone. i on the other hand paid $99.,thru att.com....this is insane.Its clear they want to clear out inventory.
Tell me this which true full html smartphone gives u free 3g data ?anywhere on the planet. Exactly none.or u could get nokia e71 no contract for $450.,lol!!!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 1:58AM]

let me start off by saying i hate apple. I have no loyalty to any cell carrier or manufacturer. I do have loyalty to most innovative cell out at the present time. i will buy pre on release date n return within 30 day rule if it does not clearly kill iphone.ive returned 8 cells within 30 day return policy in last 3 years.since 2003 ive only owned smartphones,ive been with every major cell provider in california since 1995,lacelular,airtouch,pacificbell wireless,cing,sprint,vzw,tmobil etc.,i base all my facts on personal knowledge usage.
if anything i could be called sony fanboy,due to i own sony 52 inch 120 hz,ps3,psp,sony surround sound hdmi,sony t700,sony 30gb hdd hidef cam,another surruond sound,another 60 inch sony,17' sony vaio laptop w/8 gb ram builtin blu ray player,thats my baby no one fcuks with it.ill stop there.
I would never buy apple laptop,when u can get way better 1080p bluray laptop for way less.my next big purchase is sony 11" inch laptop w/built in bluray.now that is sick.
We have here another decision by att/apple that will only benefit their partnership ,iphone sales. Proof once again revolution occurring as we speak now here in usa. We also need to remember iphone is only recession proof device. 2007, 2008 was one of att/apple strongest years in history. Highest customer satisfaction rate of any smartphone of all times. Iphone handles 68% of mobill internet traffic in usa.,we talking population of 320 million. Thats insane
!this will only cause iphone to pull away from vzw,sprint n tmobil, and driving them closer to bankruptcy. I see some of u also pointed out iphone lack of tehering,video,removable battery. Welcome to the revolution. We all need to remember success is measured by sales here in the usa,ask any ceo. Iphone a true underdog defied all odds n has gained the coveted title by engadgeters of best smartphone of 2008,over some very good competition.Pre will tank hard guaranteed,2 yr contract $350 plus mandatory $99 plan for 2 years..it will turn into another instinct or glide. Being feature rich does not guarantee success,ask every single failed iphonekiller.,I have spoken n silenced all, now bring on the hate mail.,.,.,

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 4:48PM]

according to this new model coming out with special pricing for existing iphone and 3g owners:

http://www.derekunderwood.com/general-computer/details-regarding-new-iphone-and-ipod-touch/

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 4:55PM]

$600 in this economy?

[antibala Posted Mar 18th 2009 4:57PM]

Totally irrelevant. Who cares.

[Maikeru28xx Posted Mar 18th 2009 5:33PM]

Wow, this is supposed to be good news??? for who rich people? Seriously $600-$700 for an iphone 3g jajajajajaja you got to be kidding me, i would buy two used iphones in good condition for that price in ebay. I would buy a laptop for $500 which is better than an iPhone for less then that.

[phobic99 Posted Mar 18th 2009 5:36PM]

Yes, because putting a $500 laptop in your pocket to make calls is way better than carrying an iPhone! jajajajajajaja!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 6:18PM]

In england you can get the iphone 8gigabyte for 360 pounds. pay as you go (no contract(

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 1:04PM]

thats about $525 USD, so its not that far off.

[deciBels Posted Mar 18th 2009 6:47PM]

My theory is that theyve about concluded that they have attracted as many over to ATT because of the iPhone as they can. The only other way to squeeze out more money is by denying those who will want to buy the iPhone 3.0 and currently have a 3G from going subsidized. That way unless you are qualified again for an upgraded phone you wont be getting the 3.0 without paying full price.

Recall that the 2G owners were able to pay the subsidized price for the 3G if they wanted so long as they renewed contract. This might be a sneaky way to force 3G owners to pay full price for the next gen phone and not have the same deal that was offered last time around.

Thats just my theory though.

[omegahelix Posted Mar 18th 2009 6:48PM]

Existing customers huh? So they're not interested in attracting new customers then...

[deciBels Posted Mar 18th 2009 6:52PM]

Exactly, note my theory above.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 6:51PM]

lol its funny how people who "hate" the iphone, knows EVERYTHING about...

This phone will be around long after the pre..

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:30PM]

u said it bro....we got alot of haters..Thaey hardcore winmo fanbois,they feel cheatde out of 20000 aPS ETC

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 6:59PM]

wow, i dont get it. People have been saying no contract for years now. They finally get what they been asking for n now they whining.,dee dee dee!!!!!what do u guys want?what good is iphone if no data plan, u cant check email,gps or browse, or use any web based apps,weather google maps. etc.U asked for it u got it$ $700 iphone. i on the other hand paid $99.,thru att.com....this is insane.Its clear they want to clear out inventory.
Tell me this which true full html smartphone gives u free 3g data ?anywhere on the planet. Exactly none.or u could get nokia e71 no contract for $450.,lol!!!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:08PM]

If they want to move inventory wouldn't they see more response if they both lowered the iPhone unit prices to say $149/8GB and $249/16GB AND offered data plans with limits, such at up to 1GB for $15, 2GB per month for $20, 4GB for $25 with a 2 year contract, over 4GB $30, but allow you to change the data option online as needed per month? They'd make it up in overage charges, but this would look better to many.

[Gikero Posted Mar 19th 2009 2:58PM]

Wow...Bought my friend's iPhone for 25 bucks! (16GB) I saved a bundle. I don't have service though. Just shot off the 3G and use it as a normal touch.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:20PM]

We have here another decision by att/apple that will only benefit their partnership ,iphone sales. Proof once again revolution occurring as we speak now here in usa. We also need to remember iphone is only recession proof device. 2007, 2008 was one of att/apple strongest years in history. Highest customer satisfaction rate of any smartphone of all times. Iphone handles 68% of mobill internet traffic in usa.,we talking population of 320 million. Thats insane
!this will only cause iphone to pull away from vzw,sprint n tmobil, and driving them closer to bankruptcy. I see some of u also pointed out iphone lack of tehering,video,removable battery. Welcome to the revolution. We all need to remember success is measured by sales here in the usa,ask any ceo. Iphone a true underdog defied all odds n has gained the coveted title by engadgeters of best smartphone of 2008,over some very good competition.Pre will tank hard guaranteed,2 yr contract $350 plus mandatory $99 plan for 2 years..it will turn into another instinct or glide. Being feature rich does not guarantee success,ask every single failed iphonekiller.,I have spoken n silenced all, now bring on the hate mail.,.,.,

[Ross McLean Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:37PM]

**Hopes Rogers will finally see sense and do the same** stupid scamming idiots that seem to think there's no need to unlimited data plans

[Chris8pie Posted Mar 18th 2009 7:40PM]

Is it unlocked, if not that's totally ridiculous.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 18th 2009 10:26PM]

i just paid $460 for a 16gb iphone 3g upgrade to my 2g on att.com last night, should arrive tomorrow. dammit

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 1:44AM]

We have here another decision by att/apple that will only benefit their partnership ,iphone sales. Proof once again revolution occurring as we speak now here in usa. We also need to remember iphone is only recession proof device. 2007, 2008 was one of att/apple strongest years in history. Highest customer satisfaction rate of any smartphone of all times. Iphone handles 68% of mobill internet traffic in usa.,we talking population of 320 million. Thats insane
!this will only cause iphone to pull away from vzw,sprint n tmobil, and driving them closer to bankruptcy. I see some of u also pointed out iphone lack of tehering,video,removable battery. Welcome to the revolution. We all need to remember success is measured by sales here in the usa,ask any ceo. Iphone a true underdog defied all odds n has gained the coveted title by engadgeters of best smartphone of 2008,over some very good competition.Pre will tank hard guaranteed,2 yr contract $350 plus mandatory $99 plan for 2 years..it will turn into another instinct or glide. Being feature rich does not guarantee success,ask every single failed iphonekiller.,I have spoken n silenced all, now bring on the hate mail.,.,.,

[ColinMcGraw Posted Mar 19th 2009 2:15AM]

Haven't they been doing this for awhile? An AT&T rep I talked to awhile back said they were.

The problem is that while there is no commitment, the phone is not "unlocked". You're still stuck with AT&T, it's just that you don't have a contract!

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 11:18AM]

OMG I cannot wait for 3.0. Finally, cut and paste AND landscape keyboard for SMS and Email! Its about time!

RT
www.online-privacy.pro.tc

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 19th 2009 4:58PM]

Apple and AT&T, both knew the previous 2.0 version of the iPhone blows. And they are fixing all of the problems the 2.0 version has and offering a lame gimmick to make up for it with no contracts but keeping the price point in line with were it would have been any way. Stick to the hardware,software design and user experience Apple. License your dang phone out to other providers.

[Maikeru28xx Posted Mar 19th 2009 6:27PM]

@phobic99 " You an idiot you knew that, i didnt even had to compare a laptop and a iphone seriously!!! a laptop will kick an iphones ass any time and day. Flash, full OS, Graphics card "NVIDIA", processor intel, wide 15.4 screen, webcam, flash, and a bunch of other things i should mention but left behind, so bro before talking shit you better get your facts right MTF!!!!!
An iphone is no match for a laptop correct me if am wrong if theres an iphone that could do all the things i just mentioned. not even if you jailbreak it seriously

[RAD Moose Posted Mar 20th 2009 3:24PM]

WOW.. this sucks...

Why? Because in some states (such as CA) you have to pay the sales tax rate of the unsubsidized phone (so now you are paying tax at the 599/699 level not 199/299 level)

And of course, Apple has to change their ads to no longer tout it as a $199 iPhone (which they shouldn't have been doing all along.)

Just sounds like more lawsuits =/

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 6th 2009 1:13AM]

AT&T has horrible service in every area. If you don't have service with them but are considering it, I would WAIT until you can get iphones with another carrier. If Apple has any sense it will not renew its exclusive contract with AT&T -- my experience with them has almost made me hate my iphone, which I otherwise love. Apple would do much better if it had contracts with more carriers.