iPhone 4S Release Date: Verizon Has First Pre-Orders
Cellphone carrier Verizon Wireless is the first company out of the gate to sell pre-orders for Apple's next mobile device - the "iPhone 4S."
The company kicked off their pre-order sales just after midnight, right before Apple and other companies did the same.
The "iPhone 4S" models that are advertised on the company's website are the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB editions. The prices for each one are $199.99, $299.99 and $399.99, respectively. Customers will have to purchase a 2-year activation plan alongside the "Data Pak".
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For those who wish to trade in their old "iPhone" models, Verizon has enabled a trade-in program for them.
Devices that are to be returned under Verizon Wireless' "Wireless' Return", "Exchange Policy", "Warranty", or "Extended Warranty" programs cannot be traded in, however.
Existing Verizon Wireless customers can purchase the "iPhone 4S" early at the 2-year contract price. They will have to pay the 2-year contract renewal fee, however. For those who currently have an unlimited data plan, they will be able to hold onto it once they can upgrade. Some of the other data plans offered by Verizon have a limit, though.
Verizon Wireless is also selling a host of accessories for the "iPhone 4S." Bluetooth headsets, cases, holsters, charging stations, covers, display protectors, wired and wireless headsets and car mounts are being sold for the device.
Two other cellphone carriers have also joined the pre-order race for the "iPhone 4S": Sprint and AT&T.
Apple is also taking pre-orders for its device. The company says that "iPhone 4S's" that are ordered online today will be delivered by Oct. 14, which is the same day in-store sales will begin.
They also stated that its retail stores will open their doors next Friday at 8 a.m. local time, an hour earlier than usual for most Apple stores.
Apple has also opted to sell customers an unlocked iPhone 4S -- one not tied to a specific carrier or connected to a contract -- in November. The prices for the device range from $649 (16GB model) to $849 (64GB phone).
Today's pre-order launch for the "iPhone 4S" is due in part to Apple CEO Tim Cook's media event last Tuesday. Apple's "iPhone 4S" will ship Oct. 14 in the U.S., U.K, Japan, Australia, Canada, France, and Germany.
