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The second-generation iPhone was unveiled today, and it is (officially, legally, and dear God finally) coming to Canada on July 11 this year. Just over a month ago, with rumours abounding about the new release, Rogers announced that they would be the phone's exclusive carrier here, but provided no further details as to how they would figure out a way to suck all the awesome out of it.
The most notable thing about the new iPhone is its cost—$199 (USD) for the 8 GB model and $299 (USD) for the 16 GB, which means that in Canadian dollars it's practically free. (When Steve Jobs made the announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference [WWDC] today, the crowd exploded at the price tag—it represents a huge discount from the previous incarnations, and it puts the iPhone in line with competitors.) Among a whole host of other features, the new phone will use the 3G network (which the Globe notes Rogers has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to create), will come in black or white, and will—we think, we hope, we want—save the world. Or, at least, Canada.
Image from Apple.
| CORRECTION: JUNE 9, 2008
This article originally called the new iPhone "third-generation"; it is, in fact, the second-generation iPhone. The device's name (iPhone 3G) refers to the network technology it is capable of using—3G. |
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Just as Canada gets the iPhone and Rogers is rubbing its hands in glee at the exclusivity, in other markets Apple is ending exclusive arrangements with providers and letting competing companies supply the phone in the same market.
If Rogers were smart they would prepare for this by offering top class service and value to iPhone customers so they'll stay loyal. But that's not going to happen. More likely they will try and squeeze every last drop of revenue and profit from customers before their exclusive deal ends, with their 'unlimited' plans.
"new iPhone is its cost—$199 (USD) for the 8 GB model and $299 (USD)for the 16GB" which means that if regular Apple pricing policies are applied you're looking at $266 for the 8GB model and $399 for the 16GB. So much for the Canadian $ being at par.
Let's just wait and see how Rogers manages to botch this whole thing up by price gouging for data.
Interesting that they are no longer offering the iPhone for sale on the Apple Store website—it's only gonna be available in the physical Apple, Rogers, and Fido stores. I'll bet that's to prevent hoarding and reselling unlocked phones. Does the fact that it will be sold in Fido stores mean it will be available to Fido subscribers without switching?
Also note that you likely have to lock yourself into a 3-year contract with Rogers if you get an iPhone.
As an early adopter, I want all of you who purchase a new 3G iPhone to come to my house and drop off $0.25 please.
Yes I'm somewhat bitter I paid full full FULL price but it's been a hell of a year.
Presumably it will be sold in both Rogers and Fido stores: http://www.apple.com/ca/iphone/buy/
Shills
Is Rogers going to offer an unlimited data plan with iPhone. 'Cause otherwise they're wasting everybody's time.
oh - and will GPS require an extra charge on the bill like a Blackberry 8800?
erratum: This is the 2nd generation iPhone right? It just happens to be a 3rd Generation phone, uh-huh?
jonnyr00: Yup; fixed.
Actually Rogers doesn't really have an exclusivity agreement. Rather Rogers/Fido are the only network capable of supporting the iPhone.
Also 3g does not stand for third generation it represents the wireless data system the phone now uses. First iPhone was edge (also Fido/Rogers only) now its 3G.
Will Ted milk it though, you bet and yes it is a waste of your time if rogers doesn't offer unlimited data as the point of the phone goes beyond e-mail, its being able to get whatever you want where ever you want. I guess we now wait and see what Rogers offers.
Just appended a correction about the "third-generation" mistake. Totally my fault.
If Rogers comes out with the right deal then I will gladly save up the money to buy an iPhone. If it turns out to be as spectacular as they say, then I will probably "drink the KoolAid" and become an Apple fanboy.
However like other posters I am concerned about the way Rogers will somehow screw us the consumer. After all they have a tradition and a track record to maintain.
Actually, with the price drop, I don't really care if there's no unlimited data plan. I'm going to be able to get calls and text messages on the thing, as well as be able to do all the other stuff phones do these days (mp3s, games, camera, videos, ect) and receive emails and other internetty stuff on any FREE Wifi connections I find - and downtown there are usually plenty. I'll just be able to do it using shiny mac software and hardware, and that alone is more than enough to make me happy.
It's nice to be able to use the 3G network for internet connecting, but it's not really necessary. I could surf the web on my phone right now if I wanted to, but I don't 'cause it's too expensive so I just turn it off.
Since the iPhones now about the same price as your average fancy phone (and cheaper than most blackberrys) when my current contract ends with Rogers this Christmas, I'm totally gonna be getting one of these babies from Santa.