ORLANDO -- The second generation of Apple’s iPhone was released worldwide Friday in 17 countries, including the U.S.
Edward Rendini camped outside the AT&T Store in Orlando overnight to be first in line to get the new iPhone 3G Friday morning. He was joined by dozens of others who could not wait to get their hands on the next-gen phone.
Sales have already begun in Japan, and if things in the U.S. are anything like what happened overseas, stores selling the new model phone are expected to be mobbed with customers.
The new version has a much lower price tag than its predecessor, ranging from $199 to $299, with a two-year AT&T wireless service contract.
The original iPhone debuted just over a year ago, with a $399 to $499 price range.
Though the price tag on the actual phone is lower, the iPhone 3G boasts faster Internet service, which comes at a higher price tag, and will cost customers more in the long run.
According to some analysts, the new iPhone’s performance must be exceptional, or Apple’s volatile stock could take a tumble.
Others argued the company is on track to meet its sales targets, which is important in determining stock performance.
With the new iPhone, Apple has also launched its online iPhone App Store, featuring downloadable add-ons to the phone’s software.
Apple said more than 500 programs are available, including over 125 applications being offered free to iPhone customers.
Users can download the applications directly to their phones from either Wi-Fi or cellular wireless links, including the iPhone’s new 3G high-speed network.
The applications allow users to catch up with the news via The Associated Press’ Mobile News network, log into social networking sites with MySpace and Facebook add-ons, or make a bid on eBay, to name a few.
Some local stores are already reporting having sold out of iPhones just hours after they went on sale.
In the event of a sellout, customers will be allowed to pay for a phone, then pick it up when new supplies come in to the store.
The stores are expected to update their stocks at 9 p.m. Friday on Apple's Web site: apple.com/retail/iphone/availability.html
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