Apple holds to pre-order promise for iPhone 3GS
updated 09:30 am EDT, Tue June 16, 2009
iPhone 3GS on time?
People who have pre-ordered the iPhone 3GS from Apple should get it on the official June 19th release date, Apple insists. Concern began when it was reported that AT&T had sold out of pre-orders on Saturday, potentially forcing buyers to wait one to two weeks extra, or simply join a line at an AT&T store for a chance at launch-day stock. Apple's own shipments are doing just fine, the company's website suggests.
Even if pre-ordered today, Apple is still said to be promising delivery in the US by June 19th, with free shipping. Logistics may trigger a cutoff by the end of Tuesday or Wednesday. It is believed however that both Apple and AT&T are holding some stock for in-store sales, supplemented by more at Best Buy and Walmart.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2001
Big launch
It sounds like this will be a big launch. Maybe the rumours of Apple cutting back production were the result of especially high pre-launch production to cover a major release.
I think this phone is poised to do very well. It will pick up many of the people who bought the first-generation iPhone, people who were holding out because of things they felt were missing from the 3G, and new customers who will be motivated by the press around the launch.
It sounds like the Pre may not be posing much of a threat. I finally saw one on the subway yesterday, but I was seeing a few iPhones a day as soon as they came out.