Apple Introduces iPhone Gift Certificates!
Since you can’t buy an iPhone 3G without signing up for an AT&T (or insert international carrier) contract, it kind of destroys the potential of giving an iPhone as a gift (cramming a whole kiosk into gift box would be killer!). So, what to do, what to do? TUAW says, Apple to the rescue!
Give someone an iPhone 3G Gift Card and when the lucky recipient comes in to redeem it, an Apple Retail Store Specialist will take care of every detail. The Specialist will get your recipient’s iPhone 3G up and calling, set up email, and help customize the Home screen, choose some great iPhone applications, personalize ringtones, and find favorite songs.
Does this make the iPhone 3G a more appealing gift possibility to anyone? Would opening an envelope and finding a shiny new iPhone 3G gift certificate, rather than an iPhone itself, be as glee worthy?
November 26th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
I’d make darn sure the recipient is willing to fork over $80+ / month for the service before I gave them the card. It’s like getting someone a pet puppy – are they willing to be in it for the committment.
November 26th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
ridiculous “gift”, unless you can exchange the card for cash.
1 is exactly correct.
November 26th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
I am getting an iPhone 3g for my six on Friday idk what the problem is with an iPhone 3g as a gift
November 28th, 2008 at 2:59 am
Why would someone buy the gift card when they can just buy the phone. Great way to force someone into a commitment, or for Apple to keep the money as a gift to themselves for people who cant commit.
November 29th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Ya right, Apple to the rescue. How impersonal unwrapping a gift card instead of the phone itself on Christmas morning. When will AT&T wake up that there getting screwed out of revenue on this deal. I told the folks at the Apple store if I don’t walk out of here with a phone I don’t make a purchase.
December 8th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Who the heck wants to open up a gift card on Christmas morning? They need to change their policy and allow gift purchases. I guarantee that they are losing sales by not allowing third party purchases.
December 27th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Went to the apple store with the gift card in hand and and appointment with the specialist. Left the store with the gift card and no phone because AT&T will not allow the recipient to upgrade to the phone until they have been a customer for 21 months.
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:32 am
It makes no sense to not allow someone to purchase the iphone and give it, allowing the receiver to set up the account they choose. It’s how purchasing a TV works(buyer needn’t first have an account with a cable/satellite company). It’s how purchasing a computer or home phone works (buyers don’t have to first have an account set up for cable or satellite, or an account with their local Bell-Tel company).
The moment competitors begin to allow buyers to purchase their ‘iphones’ without having to have existing accounts, so too will Apple.
November 6th, 2009 at 11:20 am
My niece has an iPhone already and I was thinking a gift cert. for some apps or accessories that she wants would be a good idea. Can the GC be used in this way? She is a young professional who has nearly everything she wants that’s in my price range. Since I am on a fixed income and physically unable to get out and shop, I was hoping to purchase one online. Is that possible? Thanks for any help/insight.