Apple: iPhone 3G purchase to take 10-15 minutes

Apple employees get ready to start taking iPhone orders last year in San Francisco.

(Credit: Erica Ogg/CNET News)

Apple has revealed how it plans to handle the iPhone 3G crowd on Friday at its retail stores: about 30 iPhone buyers at a time.

In an interview with Bloomberg on Tuesday, Ron Johnson, Apple's retail chief, explained the company plans to admit iPhone customers into its retail stores starting at 8:00 a.m. local time on Friday. There will be an orange-shirted "concierge" at each store, according to Apple, who will herd iPhone 3G buyers approximately 30 at a time to the "iPhone bay" for processing.

Apple did something similar last year, when it let iPhone customers dozens at a time into its downtown San Francisco store, alternating between the first floor and second floor. Last year, however, iPhone customers could activate their iPhones at home, which made for a much quicker buying experience. Despite lines that stretched around the block as the doors opened, after an hour anyone could walk in off the street and buy an iPhone.

This time, as we all know, Apple is requiring in-store activation. Johnson said that Apple thinks each transaction will take between 10 and 15 minutes, which means the company could conceivably process between 120 and 180 buyers an hour, depending on how quickly things move. Johnson told Bloomberg to expect something more like 100 customers an hour.

A few things to remember: if you plan on buying an iPhone 3G on Friday, you're going to need a credit card, Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID, and the account number for your current wireless account if you're not an AT&T customer. You'll have to pass a credit check, and you have to be at least 18 years old, according to the fine print on Apple's iPhone page. If you're planning on buying an iPhone using a business account, you'll have to visit an AT&T store.

[aaron_lewis]

Ok, so I've read practically every article and report out there about this release, the pricing, the activation process, yada yada. But what I've yet to hear about is whether at&t customers eligible for the discount pricing (like me) will be able to get my phone and have it activated at an apple store. I've read about them using portable devices to quickly process the accounts, but how will they go about confirming that I'm eligible for the discounted price? Another article I read suggested ppl in my situation go straight to att&t instead b/c Apple might not be able to do this. I'd rather deal with an Apple rep over an at&t rep, however. Anybody know any details about this? Thanks

[Galaxy5]

After researching the issue, I found that existing ATT customer with FamilyTalk plans can simply add the $30.00 unlimited data plan to their bills for an iPhone purchase.

Unfortunately, the ATT "iphone plans" page doesn't disclose this....so if you're on a $60.00 FT plan, you don't have to upgrade to the $129.00 plan to simply add an iPhone to your pool.

[Zippy-T-Pinhead]

I just spent a few minutes with my AT&T rep. If you are eligible for an "upgrade", it will only cost you an additional $18 - plus the additional $10 for data (due to the 3G, according to them), AND, you will no longer get 200 free texts - that will cost you $5 extra. Now, whether your eligible or not depends on your plan, but if you have an iPhone now, you're automatically eligible for an upgrade. If you just joined AT&T and bought an inexpensive package with, say, a Razr - probably not. Call AT&T and ask about your specific account to be sure - otherwise you're going to be paying $399 and $499, respectively, for your 8G & 16G phone. Sorry.

[Shielafriend]

ATT is sqeezing the money from the people. They have Tilt, in which some of the representatives tell, you should have data plan to browse the net.
But the phone is capable of Wi-Fi. If it isc apable of wi-fi, why you need a data plan. It is upto the individual, who want to have data plan or not. If the device is capable, then it should allow to browse the net.

They dont know what they are talking. ATT reps are useless.

[Manwh0re]

People who are waiting for the iphone in Australia, have little to no life, and are being sucked in by one of the biggest marketing machines to date. These guys would do anything to sell you another useless product, why not waste your money on something a little more worthwhile.

[aaron_lewis]

Alright, so does anybody have any information to the initial post I put up? I'm eligible for an upgrade and the upgrade price of $199/ $299, but want to know how apple reps are going to be able to confirm that I am eligible for this price. I've been told to just forget going to apple, that it'd be better off going to at&t than taking a chance. Has anybody heard or read how this process is supposed to work at apple?

[chowza]

Wait another week and all will be clear, grasshopper.....

[twodogmom]

I work for Apple. Don't worry, there's a process in place to determine your upgrade status in our stores. Can't wait for Friday for the party to begin!

[Vegaman_Dan]

It takes less paperwork and background checks to buy a new car than it does for an iPhone.

What does that really say? I'm sorry, AT&T, but you do NOT need my social security number.

[jag0]

I was at an AT&T store earlier today to get the process started (as recommended on their website) but they told me that if I started the process, I would either be without a phone (I have T-Mobile right now) until Friday or I can get a temp number and phone. I'll be going back to the store on Thursday night to start the process so I can get most of the stuff out of the way on Friday morning.