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iPhone 3GS online activation

I am considering pre-ordering the iPhone 3GS so it will arrive at my door steps on June 19. I am curious if online activation is available for current iPhone 3G users. I am leaving on vacation on June 20 and don't want to hassle with going to a store to activate.

Mac mini 1.66GHz, 2GB, 160GB, Mac OS X (10.5.7), iPhone 3G

Posted on Jun 9, 2009 3:54 PM

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Posted on Jun 9, 2009 4:08 PM

Yes, just hook it up to itunes and follow the activation directions.
10 replies

Jun 9, 2009 11:31 PM in response to MrMacNewbie

MrMacNewbie wrote:
I am considering pre-ordering the iPhone 3GS so it will arrive at my door steps on June 19. I am curious if online activation is available for current iPhone 3G users. I am leaving on vacation on June 20 and don't want to hassle with going to a store to activate.

I did pre-order the iPhone 3G S and selected to have it arrive at my home June 19. I was thinking about how great it was I didn't need to go to a AT&T store or an Apple retail store to activate it.

An hour later I got two emails from Apple. The first showed a confirmation of the order including that I wanted it delivered on June 19. Here is a portion (confirming June 19th delivery to my home):

*PHONE 3G S BLACK 32GB-USA MB717LL/A $499.00 1 $499.00*
*Ships: Delivers by June 19th*

The second email was from "concierge@apple.com". This one said I have to go to a Retail Store to activate (oh no!):

+Thanks for starting your iPhone purchase online.To finish the process, come to the store you selected and look for a Concierge in an orange shirt. We'll help you complete your purchase, activate your new iPhone, and set it up for you. Find a store+
+Make sure to bring these items with you:+
+• A valid, government-issued photo ID+
+• Your Social Security number+
+• A debit or credit card+
+We look forward to seeing you.+
+The Apple Retail Store team+

Question: Is this true? I would be very unhappy to have to drive to an Apple Retail store and face the crowds on June 19th or 20th. I hope the second email was a mistake. Can anyone from Apple please answer this?

Thanks

Jun 10, 2009 7:21 AM in response to sab11

I agree with you. I'm trying to find the same answer. I have the first generation iphone which I ordered online and was able to activate via iTunes as soon as it arrived at my door. However, I heard last year the 3G's had to be activated in store and caused quite a problem. Surely if we're able to order the 3GS online we'll be able to activate it ourselves online as well!! I hope!!!

Jun 10, 2009 7:52 AM in response to iPhoNettie

You're right. I just checked my confirmation email and it said the same down in the fine print. I wonder why they didn't do that for the 3G last year. I guess they learned their lesson!

Apple is pretty smart this time around by releaseing iTunes 8.2 early and releasing OS3.0 a couple days before the release of 3GS. Hopefully there's no server meltdowns with everyone upgrading! Smart fellas!

Jun 10, 2009 8:47 AM in response to Brad Shuler1

Interesting. Like the other posters below, I ordered mine online and only received the one e-mail confirmation stating I would be receiving instructions:

"iPhone Number & Activation - As soon as your iPhone ships, we'll send you additional information, including your phone number. Once you have your iPhone, activating and syncing it is simple. Just download the latest version of iTunes, connect to your computer, and iTunes will guide you through the next steps."

I have an existing AT&T phone number and will be moving that number from a 2G to the 3GS. Are you buying a new phone? Existing AT&T customer?

Jun 10, 2009 9:14 AM in response to needleman_mark

Needleman! Thanks that was it. I aborted my first purchase attempt. I completed the second.

+You only get the conceirge email if you abort an online purchase in process!+

Looking at the other email fine print which arrived at same time it says

+iPhone Number & Activation - As soon as your iPhone ships, we'll send you additional information, including your phone number. Once you have your iPhone, activating and syncing it is simple. Just download the latest version of iTunes, connect to your computer, and iTunes will guide you through the next steps.+

Sorry for any confusion. This forum is great!

iPhone 3GS online activation

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