Apple Confirms July 11, 8:00 AM iPhone 3G Launch

Apple's official "retail" page now features a sign saying "iPhone 3G Coming July 11 at 8:00 a.m." Sources on the web did a bit of digging and managed to extract some important information regarding what you, as a customer, must have with you, and do, once in the Apple Retail Store.

MacRumors cites an AppleInsider piece which offers some note excerpts from Apple's ongoing retail meetings. Here are some of the aspects that stand out surrounding the iPhone 3G launch:

- You will be required a valid ID, or a Social Security Number if you are new to AT&T.
- It remains unclear how existing non-iPhone AT&T will be processed.
- As a business customers, you will have to make your purchase at an AT&T store.
- FamilyTalk plan buyers must purchase at least 2 iPhones, or have an existing iPhone to be used in the plan.

As previously mentioned, once payment for an iPhone 3G has been processed, Apple employees will activate (unbrick) the iPhone by tethering it to a modified iTunes application, AppleInsider notes.

"The activation process on the modified iTunes app will mirror the first few steps of the original iPhone home activation process," the publication reveals. Employees must not progress beyond the "Set Up Your iPhone" screen, Apple says in its notes, providing this screenshot as an example.

Back to the customer, Apple advises you to remember to sync your current iPhone one last time before you come into the store. For business customers...:

"Current and new iPhone users who now receive or will receive service under a corporate account and wish to purchase iPhone 3G need to contact AT&T directly," Apple's support page reveals. "Also, if you want your Phone to access your business email account, check with your IT manager first," the Mac maker adds.

iPhone 3G will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Sales will start at 8:00 a.m. Daily quantities are limited by stock on hand, so it would be wise to arrive early and get in line.

To check for iPhone 3G availability at your local Apple store, just return to the aforementioned page after 9:00 p.m. and it will show next day's iPhone 3G availability. Since new iPhone shipments arrive during daytime, availability is updated nightly.

More details are expected to emerge throughout the week, so stay tuned.