Where Can I Purchase an iPhone?

Wondering "where can I purchase an iPhone?" Depending on your provider and your willingness to sign a contract, you have a few different choices.

Get an iPhone at the Apple store.
The iPhone is an Apple product, and even though it's on AT&T service, you can buy and even activate your new iPhone at any Apple store that has it in stock. Apple is equipped to set you up with a new plan, port your phone number over from a different provider or help you shop for an AT&T plan for your iPhone.

Apple reps are knowledgeable and can answer your questions about the iPhone, iTunes and many applications. If you think you'll have many questions about the technology, an Apple store is the place to buy your iPhone.

Shop for your iPhone at AT&T.
AT&T is the mobile phone provider that works with iPhones. AT&T and Apple have a contract, and iPhones come locked so that they work only on the AT&T network. If you're a new or existing AT&T customer, you can buy your iPhone at any AT&T store that has them in stock. If you're a business or enterprise customer, you must buy your iPhone at the AT&T store; the Apple store is equipped to handle personal phone accounts only.

Buy an unlocked iPhone on eBay.
If you want to use your iPhone with a different cell phone provider, you'll need to unlock it. You can do this yourself using guides from the Web, or you can buy unlocked phones from eBay. In certain countries, iPhones come unlocked; when you buy an iPhone unlocked on eBay, you may be getting one that came factory unlocked, or it has been hacked to unlock the phone. You do pay a premium for phones you buy unlocked, so keep in mind that you can get them cheaper if you buy through AT&T or Apple and use AT&T service.

Get your iPhone from some electronics stores.
Some consumer electronics stores, such as Best Buy, also carry the iPhone. To sign up and activate your service from a consumer electronics store, you'll need to find one that specializes in mobile technology. For example, you can buy iPhones at Best Buy, but only Best Buys with mobile centers can help you activate and set up your new iPhone.

How to get an iPhone without a contract.
If you're willing to sign a contract with AT&T, you can get an iPhone at a reduced price. AT&T subsidizes iPhone purchases for contract holders. If you're unwilling to sign a contract, though, you can still buy an iPhone through AT&T-but at full price. The specifics vary depending on the iPhone model you purchase, so check with your local AT&T store for details about current pricing.

Keep in mind that any unlocked iPhone you buy via eBay is also a contract-free phone. Again, you'll pay a premium for an unlocked iPhone, but it might be worthwhile depending on your needs.