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Verizon halts iPhone pre-orders, brings back everyone's favorite technician for new ad (video)
As they say, "Ye who snoozes, something something something, set your alarm for launch morning." Take solace in a new dramatic commercial for Verizon iPhone featuring you-know-who -- it's after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Verizon iPhone orders already shipping
Those of you who placed your pre-order for the Verizon iPhone 4 early this morning may be in for a nice surprise tomorrow, as TUAW reader Cameron from The 9magnets Blog wrote in to let us know that his VZW iPhone has apparently already shipped. A screenshot of his order (and the corresponding American Express bill) shows that the device was shipped via FedEx overnight for delivery by 3 PM -- meaning he should have it in his hands by tomorrow afternoon. Verizon's FAQ's states that "iPhone 4 orders will arrive on or before February 10, 2011," so I guess we'll see if that holds true. Many early AT&T iPhone 4 orders showed "shipped" status very quickly last year, but the phones were actually held for delivery until the official launch date. To Cameron and any other readers who placed their order already -- please be sure to let us know if your phone arrives sometime tomorrow. And while you are waiting patiently by the door, be sure to read up on some Verizon iPhone prep articles about saving your old voicemails and migrating your contacts so that you are ready as soon as the doorbell rings.
iPhone pre-orders slam Verizon Wireless website
After an early start and an easy ordering process, it looks like Verizon's servers have finally succumbed to the throng of Verizon customers trying to pre-order an iPhone 4. The ordering page for the iPhone 4 is not responding, and customers are taking to Twitter with complaints. From the numerous postings, it appears as if things went south around 5 AM this morning. If you are looking to add a new line, you will have to wait for Verizon to up its server capacity or hope things go back online when demand dies down at some point in the day. If you want to upgrade your current line, then point your browser to Apple's website. Apple is taking pre-orders today, and its site is still online. So, Verizon customers, what are you waiting for? Go, go, go and grab yourself an iPhone 4. [Via Business Insider]
Pre-ordering the iPhone 4 from Verizon and Apple
Right on time, iPhone 4 pre-orders went live early on Thursday morning for Verizon Wireless customers. We took both Apple and Verizon for a spin to see how each company is handling the pre-order process. We are happy to report that both Apple and Verizon are handling the pre-order process without flinching. Even after an hour, the two websites were up and running without any sign of overload. While both outlets were prepared, the choice of a 3 AM start time most likely cut down on the heavy traffic and helped them to handle any load. Overall, the Apple pre-order was a smoother and faster process than Verizon. Because Apple is not the wireless carrier, the pre-order skipped over the selection of calling plans, data plans, accessories and insurance options. While you still have to choose these options, you can make your selections during the activation process. At that point, you will have your iPhone in hand, and you will be calm, cool and collected. Most of the billing and shipping steps were the same between Verizon and Apple, but there were a few notable differences along the way. First, Apple only provided an option to upgrade an existing line, while Verizon lets you select from either adding a new line (credit check required) or upgrading an existing line. This is an important distinction for customers looking to add a line for a friend or family member. Also, customers buying the handset at the full retail price should note that Apple was selling the 16 GB and 32 GB iPhone 4 for US$50 less than Verizon. If you purchased a Verizon iPhone in the wee hours of the morning, give us a shout in the comments. If you opted to sleep in, you can check out our gallery of the purchase process below. %Gallery-115626%
Verizon iPhone prep: Save your old voicemail, it's not coming with you
Thinking of picking up a new iPhone 4 for your Verizon account in the coming weeks? Macworld's review is already up, as are Engadget's, Techcrunch's and Wired's (spoiler: it's an iPhone 4!). But if you want to save any of those all-important legacy voicemails during the setup process, be sure to read this tip over at Verizon called Getting Ready for iPhone 4 - Saving Your Existing Voice Mail. Depending on whether or not your old phone supports Verizon's Visual Voice Mail service, there are two sets of directions to make sure you don't lose any of your messages when setting up your new voice mailbox. It's important to note that once your new iPhone 4 is activated, you will no longer have access to your existing voice mailbox, so it's vital that you follow the instructions provided if you want to keep any messages. For those with savvy devices, you can add the US$2.99 Visual Voice Mail service pack, which lets you download voicemails to your computer. If you have a phone that doesn't work with Visual Voice Mail, Verizon suggests contacting a third-party service provider to offload the voicemails ... at which point you might consider whether you really want to hold onto them. You can always play them back into your computer microphone for recording if you absolutely need them. Earlier today, Megan Lavey filled us in on the availability of Verizon's Transfer app for migrating your contacts to VZW iPhones. This free app will make sure your contact list doesn't get lost when setting up your new device. The Verizon iPhone 4 is available to qualified customers for pre-order as of February 3. I already heard from my brother that he's going to get up early to get his order in. How many of you will be doing the same?
Verizon iPhone review
The Verizon iPhone 4 is an interesting product for Engadget to review. Firstly, it's not exactly a new device (not in any outwardly noticeable way). From design, down to its CPU, RAM, and even cost, this iPhone is the same as the AT&T model... save for that one small but really important thing: it's got a CDMA radio inside. The device is also somewhat tricky to review based on its software, since we've all been using (and even took a deep look at) iOS 4.2 for quite some time. So for us the task is to make clear the differences between these two devices and their networks. Now that's a little easier, because we're sure you have the same questions as us. What are calls like? How are the data rates? Is service notably improved or different than AT&T's? Most importantly, if you're currently a frustrated iPhone 4 owner, does it make sense to make the switch? We're going to answer all those queries (and more), so read on for a full review of the Verizon iPhone 4! %Gallery-115613%
Verizon Transfer app for contact migration to VZW iPhones already on App Store
In preparation for the upcoming Verizon iPhone launch, you may notice the VZ Transfer app on the App Store. The free app only works on Verizon iPhones, which means it doesn't do anything yet. But that doesn't seem to be stopping some exceptionally clever people from downloading it, discovering it does nothing on an AT&T phone and then giving it a one-star review. VZ Transfer will transfer contacts from legacy phones (via Verizon's Backup Assistant) to the new Verizon iPhone. The transfer service will be verified via an access code sent through text message to your Verizon mobile number. As confirmed earlier, qualified Verizon customers will be able to pre-order the iPhone in a little under 12 hours. Pre-orders for all qualified customers will take place February 9, and the device will officially go on sale at retail on February 10 at 7 AM. [hat tip TiPB]
Verizon iPhone will go on general sale at 7AM on February 10th, you can reserve one on February 9th
Apple has just announced that tomorrow morning's early Verizon iPhone pre-orders will be available through its online Store as well -- starting at 3AM, available to current VZW subscribers only, and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. More pertinent news, however, can be found deeper in the company's press release, which states that pre-orders will be opened up to the general public on February 9th, when you'll be able to reserve or have one delivered on launch day, February 10th. Shops will open their doors early, 7AM -- matching AT&T's early opening for the iPhone 4's original launch way back in June -- and availability will be broad, encompassing Apple's brick and mortar Stores, Verizon's 2,000+ retail locations, select partners, and even a zany 1-800-2 JOIN IN phone number you can call. So, really, the only people left without a Verizon iPhone on February 11th should be those that don't actually want one.
Verizon turns on iPhone 4 pre-order countdown, existing customers can order on February 3rd at 3AM
The grapevine did already hint at the timing of the Verizon iPhone 4 pre-orders, but now, to be absolutely sure nobody misses them, we have a countdown! Eager iPhone bandwagon jumpers will have to stay up till 3AM EST on February 3rd to get their orders in from a "reserved quantity" of handsets, which will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis -- presumably to be delivered on that February 10th launch date everyone's been anticipating for so long. Sadly for Verizon newcomers, a contract with the network will be a prerequisite for signing up when the countdown expires. [Thanks, Jarrett and Anthony]
Verizon confirms iPhone pre-orders for 3 AM on February 3
Verizon is sending out emails to its customers confirming the details on the iPhone 4 pre-order. As rumored, pre-orders will begin promptly at 3 AM on February 3 for existing Verizon customers. The email points customers to an ordering page that is not yet available. The official iPhone page on Verizon has also been updated with a countdown timer and an invitation for customers to come back in five days to join the iPhone buying party. Details on the purchasing process are not provided, but you will most likely have to log into your My Verizon account to confirm your eligibility as a Verizon Wireless customer. If you do not have a My Verizon account, you may want to sign up for one beforehand. You don't want to miss the pre-order because you were fumbling with the account setup. The quantity of iPhones available for Verizon's customers in this pre-order is limited, so you better get your game face on and prepare to do some early morning ordering.
Apple releases iTunes 10.1.2 with support for 'CDMA model' iPhone 4
The description in Software Update may only say that it brings a "number of important stability and performance improvements," but Apple's just-released iTunes 10.1.2 update also adds another fairly important feature: support for the Verizon iPhone 4. That detail is tucked away in the "before you install" document included when you download iTunes from Apple's website (rather than Software Update), and actually only refers to the "iPhone 4 (CDMA model)," which you can read into what you will.
AT&T activates 4.1 million iPhones in Q4 2010
AT&T announced its quarterly earnings and confirmed that it activated 4.1 million iPhones in the final quarter of 2010. This number is down 1.1 million from the 5.2 million activated in Q3 2010. The wireless carrier posted its best-ever quarterly growth with the addition of 2.8 million net subscribers. Yearly, the company added 8.9 million net subscribers. The wireless carrier overtook Verizon Wireless as the nation's largest wireless carrier last year, with 95.5 million subscribers versus Verizon's 94.1 million. In its last pre-iPhone quarter, Verizon added only 955,000 subscribers, almost one third less than its rival AT&T. With the iPhone 4 slated to land on Verizon in February, the two carriers may jockey for this #1 position over the next few months. Tablets were also a strong performer for AT&T in Q4 2010. The carrier activated 442,000 tablets in Q4 2010, which include both the Apple iPad and Android tablets such as the Dell Streak and the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Both the iPhone and iPad contributed to AT&T's 27.4 percent growth in wireless data revenues, up $1.1 billion from the year-earlier quarter. Looking ahead, AT&T expects continued subscriber gains and strong smartphone sales. AT&T admits that reliable projections may be difficult to make due to volatility from the Verizon iPhone. While iPhone activations may decline, the carrier expects Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone handsets as well as tablet devices, like the iPad, to pick up the slack.
AT&T posts Q4 financials, 2.8 million subscribers added, revenue up 2.1 percent year-over-year
AT&T's numbers are up, and they're good: $31.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010, $653 million more than Q4 the previous year. 4.1 million iPhones and 442,000 tablets were put online by the company that quarter, helping to drive 2.8 million new wireless subscribers, 95.5 million total, and a boost in revenue per subscriber of 2.2 percent. That's $62.88 average per month per subscriber -- maybe ditching unlimited data is paying off. Additionally, the company posted its best ever Q4 wireless churn (subscribers switching carriers) of just 1.32 percent (1.15 percent postpaid), but we're thinking the launch of a certain smartphone on a certain competitor could possibly have that number increasing ever so slightly this quarter. We'll circle back in three months and see where things stand.
Verizon iPhone preorders will start at 3 AM February 3
MacRumors received an email from Verizon saying that the carrier will begin its preorder sales of the iPhone at 3 AM EST on February 3, just over a week from now. The February 3 preorder date is just for current Verizon Wireless customers who have their My Verizon account set up. Preorders are limited, so once they're gone, Verizon's preexisting customers will have to wait until the February 10 general sale date. MacRumors said that Verizon is allowing some AT&T iPhone customers to trade in their phones for credit if they make the switch to the Verizon iPhone. At the same time, AT&T is doing whatever it can to keep those customers. Trade-in prices, as listed by MacRumors, are: iPhone (16 GB - first generation): $60 iPhone 3G (16 GB): $105 iPhone 3GS (32 GB): $160 iPhone 4 (16 GB): $280 iPhone 4 (32 GB): $360
AT&T offering unlimited data to customers leaving for Verizon
An Associated Press report suggests AT&T is using an unadvertised loophole to entice long-time iPhone customers to stay with the wireless carrier. In this promotion, an AT&T iPhone owner that once had an unlimited plan in the past is eligible to switch back to this plan after a quick call to customer service. Unlimited data is no longer offered to new customers and was removed as an option when the iPhone 4 debuted last June. AT&T would not comment on this unlimited option, merely stating that "We handle customers and their situations individually, and we're not going to discuss specifics." Some customers were reportedly presented with this option when they called customer service and threatened to switch to Verizon. In these cases, this unlimited data option is not an unadvertised loophole but the standard practice of offering customers extra benefits when they try to cancel their service. AT&T may also be rewarding faithful customers by resurrecting this plan on a case-by-case basis. Verizon confirmed yesterday that it will offer the iPhone 4 with an unlimited data plan for $30 per month, AT&T would not want to lose long-term customers to a competitor's unlimited plan, especially when that rival is Verizon. Regardless of the reason, a growing number of individuals are reporting they have been able to switch back to an unlimited plan. If you may be eligible for this switch, take a few minutes to contact AT&T and see what happens.
Verizon feature phone users could boost iPhone activations by 19 million
Analyst William Power of R.W. Baird & Co. is making a bold prediction on Verizon iPhone sales. While other analysts and Verizon itself is predicting a conservative 11 million units sold in the upcoming year, Power is projecting a whopping 19 million in sales for the Apple-branded smartphone from feature phone users alone. This prediction is based on a survey of 1,000 people that was conducted to gauge the interest in the Verizon iPhone. Of feature phone users at Verizon, 11 percent said they would definitely buy the Verizon iPhone, while 18 percent said they would probably buy the Apple smartphone. Combined, this 30 percent could potentially contribute 19 million new iPhone activations for the wireless carrier. The survey also revealed that 25 percent of smartphone owners on Verizon will definitely or probably purchase the iPhone when it becomes available in February. This would add another five million activations and would bring the final tally to a whopping 24 million in sales. Powers does not take into account contract end dates, and not all of these 19 million feature phone subscribers will be eligible for upgrade in 2011. Even if you consider the worst case scenario of 2-year contracts and extend this 24 million over 2 years, these numbers are still impressive, especially for Apple. Apple will sell an additional 24 million iPhones, and Verizon will lock 24 million of its subscribers into new contracts. This 24 million estimate does not include customers from other carriers like AT&T and Sprint who may jump ship to snag an iPhone on the nation's most reliable network.
Personal hotspot for Verizon iPhone priced at $20 for 2 GB, order pages live on Apple Store
Update: Apple's order pages for the Verizon iPhone are live on the Apple Store, but of course you can't actually order a phone yet -- MobileCrunch suggests practicing your order process just for fun and to refine your plan selections. [Just kidding.] Verizon Wireless spokesperson Brenda Raney confirmed that the personal hotspot add-on for the iPhone will cost US$20 per month and will provide 2 GB of data. The personal hotspot feature will let you share your cellular data connection with up to five devices via Wi-Fi. This 2 GB of data is separate from the $30 unlimited data plan and is allocated only for mobile hotspot usage. You should watch your usage closely as overages will be charged at a costly $20 per GB. Rather than undercut its popular DROID lineup with a free mobile hotspot, the carrier decided to play it safe and offer iPhone owners the same rate as Android owners. Select Android handsets on Verizon include 3G mobile hotspot, and this service is billed at $20 for 2 GB of usage. Verizon does offer free mobile hotspot for the Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus, but that plan was adopted to boost sales of those webOS handsets. Judging by analysts' expectations, the Verizon iPhone won't need that additional boost. Verizon may be the first carrier to offer personal hotspot on the iPhone, but it may not be last. Reports suggest the feature will be included in iOS 4.3 and will be rolled out worldwide. Similar to MMS in iOS 3.0, individual carriers will have the choice to enable this feature for its users. Now that Verizon has confirmed unlimited data and $20 personal hotspot, it will be interesting to see how AT&T responds. Any predictions? [Via Macworld]
Verizon ramps up trade-in, upgrade programs in advance of iPhone 4 launch
Not exactly a huge surprise here, but it looks like Verizon will be doing everything it can to pair folks with a new iPhone 4 when it launches on the carrier next month, even if they've just purchased a new phone on Verizon or another carrier. During an investor meeting this week, Verizon CFO Fran Shammo revealed that the carrier will be using its existing trade-in program (which launched in October) to lure would-be customers, with a Verizon rep further detailing that it will be "more actively" promoting the plan in the lead up to the iPhone 4 launch -- under that program, a 16GB iPhone 4 from AT&T will net you a $212 credit. In addition to that, Verizon is also rolling out a new "Special Upgrade Offer" that will let existing customers trade in a phone they've recently purchased for a Visa debit card ($200 for a smartphone trade-in, or $75 for a feature phone). Only those that have purchased a phone between November 26th, 2010 and January 10th, 2011 will be eligible, though, and you won't exactly get that cash right away -- you'll first have to first buy and activate your iPhone 4 at the full retail price, send in your trade-in phone within 30 days of activation, and then wait four to six weeks to receive the debit card.
Verizon confirms iPhone will get $30 unlimited data plan, we try to act surprised (update: WiFi tethering prices)
Hot on the heels of re-tooling its data plans Verizon is now confirming that the iPhone will indeed be eligible for the company's $30 unlimited data plan. COO Lowell McAdam told The Wall Street Journal "I'm not going to shoot myself in the foot," thus confirming what we already knew and showing his keen sense for both business and self-preservation. No comment on whether discontinuing the company's $15, 150MB monthly data plan will result in penetration wounds to any other appendages, but time will tell on that one. Update: As spotted by SlashGear, WSJ has posted an update indicating that the unlimited plan is a decidedly limited time thing, with tiered pricing to come in the "not too distant future." Intrigue! Update 2: And Macworld's confirmed that Verizon's iPhone WiFi data tethering pricing will be the same as all their other phones: $20 a month on top of your regular data plan, with a separate 2GB cap and $20-per-gig overage charges. [Thanks, Mike]
Universal iPhone bumper from Apple sneaks into Apple Store
In advance of the Verizon iPhone, it seems Apple realizes the old bumper won't fit. So they quietly stocked Apple Stores with a new, universal bumper where the hole for the mute switch has been enlarged just enough to accommodate both versions of the iPhone 4. Nice! We were wondering when this would happen, and it's a bit in advance of the Verizon iPhone actually being available. Let us know if you spot them in your neck of the woods. Thanks for the video and tip, Alex!
