Your Guide To iPhone 3GS Launch Day

The iPhone 3GS will launch in Australia on Friday 26 June 2009.

This blog post is our aggregated resource of all information regarding the iPhone launch, and will be updated as and when any new information is released or verified.



Which carriers are selling it?

• Telstra.

• Optus.

• Vodafone.

• Three.

• Virgin.

Where do I get one?

Presumably, you will be able to get an iPhone 3GS from the following locations (subject to confirmation by the carriers and Apple):

• The Apple Stores in Sydney, Chatswood, Chadstone, Doncaster and Robina (confirmed)

• Optus stores.

• Vodafone stores.

• Telstra [T]Life stores.

• Some select resellers.

• Three stores will have the iPhone 3GS in July.

How much does it cost? Which plan should I get?

• Optus has released its pricing and plans for new subscribers to its iPhone plans, somewhat modified from those offered last year (with a $99+$14.99 'Timeless' plan at the centrepiece). Optus offers both 12 month and 24 month plans. Optus has promised to release further information for existing subscribers who wish to upgrade to the iPhone 3GS, and has said that business plans will follow at some stage.

• Some quasi-official data has been floating around about Telstra's iPhone plans and pricing.

• No information has appeared about Vodafone, Virgin or Three's pricing or plans.

• Of course, the plan you choose this entirely depends on what you want to use it for. Different plans will suit different people's needs, so review the plans carefully to figure out what reflects your needs.

• From the pure raw data, forum member NeoRicen has produced a very useful Numbers spreadsheet containing all known (and all-but-confirmed) plans, including voice and data rates and caps, for you to make a direct comparison across the carriers and plans (such as they are known so far).

What are my chances of picking one up soon?
Your best chance is probably at an Apple Store, which will probably have the best allocation of stock. You can make a personal shopping appointment at one of the local Apple Stores and 'go to the front of the queue'. However it is possible that, unlike last year, stock levels and demand for the iPhone 3GS may be more reasonable, and you may be able to pick one up on launch day directly from the carriers without much trouble. The details remain to be confirmed, but Apple has suggested that they will be offering post-paid and pre-paid on all carriers. Take this with a grain of salt until the details are released.

Just how good is this phone? Why are we wasting our time?

Good question. A number of reviews have cropped up already, but these might be the most illuminating:

• 'Uncle' Walt Mossberg of Wall Street Journal / All things Digital fame has posted his in depth review of the iPhone 3GS.

• The New York Times' resident Apple-lover David Pogue has also reviewed the iPhone 3GS.

• Tech blog Engadget has posted a detailed review with some lovely photos and videos of the iPhone 3GS in action.

• The 'other' tech blog Gizmodo compares the iPhone 3GS to its predecessor.

• Ars Technica's comprehensive review also brings photo and video love.

You haven't answered my question. Where can I find out more?

Try the forum search or have a browse of the iPhone forums to see if there's anything there that helps. And feel free to ask questions in the relevant thread, there are plenty of knowledgeable MacTalkers around to point you in the right direction!

Discuss the iPhone 3GS launch in the forums

Thanks to forum leader OziMac for the writeup.