Rumorama: 3G iPhone To Be Subsidised By AT&T?

The rumour mill is starting to heat up as we get closer and closer to the upcoming release of the 3G iPhone, with the latest news coming out of Fortune: AT&T may be subsidising the cost of the 3G iPhone for as much as $200 for customers willing to sign a 2 year agreement.

MacRumors points out that the writer of the rumour, Scott Mortiz, doesn't have a good track record with Apple rumours, but seeing as other countries such as the UK and Germany have seen similar discounts by service providers with Apple's blessing, it's not difficult to see a similar offer happen here in the US.

Previously, Apple had been rumoured to be strongly against the traditional subsidies that mobile service providers give customers who sign contracts, but the UK discounts have led to a large uptick in sales of the iPhone in England, so this could turn out to be a good business move. It must be noted that the discount would only be given to customers purchasing the 3G iPhone from AT&T, and would not be available at Apple stores (maybe they could establish a rebate programme for Apple store customers?)

Also in Fortune, they mention that the new 3G iPhone would look similar to the current iPhone, but be 2.5mm thinner (a prediction I agree with), and would be released in late June (which also agrees with my own predictions of near June 29, the one year anniversary of the original iPhone's release.)

I just want my 3G, damnit.

AT&T to cut the price of Apple's new iPhone [Fortune]
[via: MacRumors]