Apple has pushed out an update for iOS, specifically for iPhone 4S users. This update addresses “cellular performance and reliability” issues resulting from the iOS 6.1 update.
If you have a 4S you can update by going to Settings > General > Software Update. You can also update via iTunes.
Apple is gearing up to launch the new iPhone and is publicizing their recycling program to help get people into the next generation iPhone. You can get up to $345 for your mint condition iPhone 4S 64GB.
Before we get into how the program works, you need to know selling your device on Craigslist or eBay will net you significantly more cash. If you don’t want to deal with the creeps and crazies from Craigslist, Apple’s deal is great with very little effort on your part.
Follow this link to get started and check the value of your device. My mint condition iPhone 4 32GB was listed at $185. The going rate on Craigslist is $350. Once you complete the process and send your iPhone to Apple they will issue an Apple Gift Card for the trade-in value.
Facebook and Twitter users who follow Walmart got a pleasant surprise when, the corporation announced that they are dropping $40 dollars off the iPhone 4s starting today August 23. The prices began dropping months ago beginning at retailers such as Best Buy and Target, but the price drop has picked up speed with Sprint and Apple jumping on board with the falling prices.
Below is Walmart’s good news status update put on their Facebook page:
Amazing savings alert-starting on 8/23 at 9am local time, the iPhone 4S (16G) will drop to $148, down from $188!
Select stores, AT&T, Sprint and Verizon customers, while supplies last, restrictions apply.
Accompanied by the status update was the companies tweet:
Why the sudden price drops? Well everyone is preparing themselves for the launch of the new iPhone, set to be announced September 12th. Walmart is offering their latest deal to those who sign a new two-year contract or use a qualifying upgrade.
Retailers have starting dropping the price of the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 in preparation of the next-generation iPhone hitting the streets. Currently the prices sit at $199, $299 and $399 for the iPhone 4S and $99 for the iPhone 4.
Apple retail stores have been given the go ahead to offer the same discount as approved retailers and carriers. This new pricing discounts $49.01 from the standard purchase price.
If you have wanted an iPhone and don’t really care about the next generation model waiting in the wings, this is a great deal. Keep in mind the discount only applies to Apple retail stores and is not available currently online.
[Via]
If you’re looking to upgrade your outdated iPhone to the new iPhone 4S, you can take your current iPhone from any other carrier to a Sprint store and receive at least $100 off the purchase of the iPhone 4S with a new line of service and two-year agreement.
This promotion is for a limited time only. Below are two ways you can take advantage of the promotion.
In-Store:
Online:
Apple seems to be in the Holiday spirit as the company has extended their AppleCare+ program. In the extension of the program, iPhone users will get repair coverage and technical support to two years from the original purchase date of your iPhone for $99.00. It also adds coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage for a $49 service fee.
Your iPhone will still come with one year of warranty coverage and 90 days of telephone technical support.
How to get AppleCare+
Apple sold 4 million iPhone 4S devices in just 3 days. Apple was very prepared for the 4S launch as was its carrier partners. The usual week or two wait to get a new device after launch is non existent. Radio Shack says it has iPhones in Stock at 3,000 of its stores and Apple now let’s you reserve one online by 9PM for pickup the following day.
This has been a perfect launch with no real issues except delays activating the iPhone on AT&T. I hope Apple is able to keep these type of launches going.
If you are looking for an iPhone hit up an Apple store online to reserve one or a Radio Shack.
Apple has removed a setting on the iPhone 4S that I use often. I am now hearing from people all over on various carriers that the Enable 3G option under network settings is gone.
You may ask why would anyone want to switch back to EDGE data service and give up 3G. The first answer is improved battery life followed by sometimes in large over populated markets EDGE performs much better than 3G.
AppleCare has stated this is a carrier choice but it seems more of a decision by Apple when looking at carrier profiles.
I feel this is a very important feature and has helped me out many times when 3G service was available but not working.
Did you use this feature? Let us know.
Special thanks to John s.
We just got an email from Sprint informing us that they have exceeded all prior records for sales. Below is the official statement:
Sprint began selling iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 in Sprint retail stores nationwide this morning at 8:00am local time. Sprint is the only U.S. carrier to offer new and existing customers the iPhone experience with unlimited data plans starting at just $79.99 per month.
Fared Adib, Sprint Product Chief, issued the following statement:
“Sprint today reported its best ever day of sales in retail, web and telesales for a device family in Sprint history with the launch of iPhone 4S and iPhone 4. We reached this milestone at approximately noon CT/1pm ET. The response to this device by current and new customers has surpassed our expectations and validates our customers’ desire for a truly unlimited data pricing plan.”
This is a huge day for Sprint and we hope the iPhone bring them much success.
What do you do on a nice Southern California morning? Kevin and Brian decided to get in line at the San Luis Obispo Apple store to get an iPhone 4S. When they arrived at 6:30 and were 40th in line and by the time they entered the Apple store at 8:30 the line had only about 60 people in it.
Lines this year have been much shorter and much more efficient. Not only did Apple ramp up production of the iPhone 4S to prepare for launch they also allowed many retail outlets and carriers to also sell the phone on launch day giving consumers many more options for picking up the coveted device.
Everything we have heard today sounds like Apple was very prepared like normal. The only issue has been with AT&T doing activations. There has been a 15 to 20 minute delay activating the phones, AT&T has the largest U.S. iPhone base and this delay was expected. Application downloads from the App Store have also slowed and in many cases fail the first time.
We will be monitoring the launch closely as over one million iPhone 4S’ make it into users hands and followup with with any issues we hear with the device.
Did you wait in line today? Let us know your experience.
Apple is now offering AppleCare+ for the iPhone 4S which is a protection plan that will cover your iPhone if you break it within a two year period for a fee of $99. However, The plan allows for two replacements over a two year period for an additional $49 per incident. This is very competitively priced and a better deal than the carriers.
If You already pre-ordered your iPhone 4S, don’t worry you didn’t miss out as Apple is extending the offer to add this new care option until November 14th for customers buying in the rush at launch.
This plan is worth every penny in our opinion and Apple will not be as generous with replacement devices for people who are not covered under the new plan. Do you plan on adding AppleCare+? Let us know.
It has been a busy week for Apple and the carriers as they prepare to launch the iPhone 4S. Here is a quick rundown of where things are right now.
Apple continues to take preorders but has “sold out” of the devices set aside for launch day. They sold out in less than 24 hours which is not surprising. Orders placed today are set to ship in 7 to 14 days after launch. Have no fear, Apple always under promises and over delivers so you will have your device faster than that.
AT&T exhausted it’s preorder stock of 200,000 iPhone 4S smartphones. We suggest you order directly from Apple or if you must have one on launch day go to an Apple store if possible. AT&T’s website has shipping dates listed as between 14 and 21 days after launch, for orders placed today.
We have included current shipping times for Sprint and Verizon below, based on storage size. Remember it is always easier to get devices with larger storage capacity. 16GB is the best selling because of it’s lower price.
Sprint (click picture to enlarge)
