*Last updated on July 31, 2010, 1:18AM*
This Friday, July 30th, is the launch of the iPhone 4 in Canada. You’re excited–we know that. There has been a lot of chatter recently about pricing, Apple Store opening times, upgrades, etc. We’re going to try to consolidate all that information into the following FAQ. Ready? Here we go.
When is the iPhone 4 launching in Canada?
– Friday, July 30, 2010.
Where can I buy an iPhone 4?
1. Any Apple Store
2. Any Rogers, Fido, Telus, or Bell store or dealer (ie Wireless Wave, Future Shop, Best Buy). As a last resort, try Phone Mart (sold out) or Walgreens.
What colours will be available?
– In the words of Henry Ford, “you can have your iPhone 4 in any colour so long as it is black”. White models have been delayed.
How much will the iPhone 4 cost?
Rogers Pricing:
With new activation on a 3-year voice and data plan
NEW 32GB iPhone 4: $269
NEW 16GB iPhone 4: $159
NEW 8GB iPhone 3GS: $99 (before $50 rebate applied on your first invoice – rebate offer starts July 30, 2010)
Device-only pricing (no term)
NEW 32GB iPhone 4: $749
NEW 16GB iPhone 4: $649
NEW 8GB iPhone 3GS: $549
Factory unlocked, contract free pricing (Apple.ca updated 3:13am PST):
16GB: $659
32GB: $779
Will I get a Bumper case with my iPhone 4?
– Yes; if Bumpers run out, you’ll get a 3rd party option
Can I return my iPhone 4 for a full refund if I don’t like it? How long do I have?
– Yes. You have 14 days to get a full refund on undamaged iPhone 4 units.
Will I be charged a restocking fee?
– No.
If I buy my iPhone 4 on contract, will it be locked?
– Yes.
If I buy my iPhone 4 from any carrier at any price, will it be locked?
– Yes.
If I buy my iPhone 4 from an Apple Store on contract will it be locked?
– Yes.
If I buy my iPhone 4 from an Apple Store at full price, will it be unlocked?
– Yes.
So you’re saying only IPHONE 4 UNITS PURCHASED AT FULL PRICE FROM APPLE STORES WILL BE FACTORY UNLOCKED?
– Yes. Thanks for reading.
Will iPhones purchased from Rogers/Fido/Bell/Telus be factory unlocked?
– (double face palm) For the love of god, NO! Please read the above!
What does factory unlocked mean? I’m confused (and scared):
– Factory unlocked means your iPhone will work out of the box with ANY GSM carrier of your choice. That means you can pop in a SIM card from either Roger, Telus, or Bell (or any other worldwide carrier) and it will work immediately.
What are the benefits of buying an unlocked iPhone 4?
1. Saving money when traveling: just buy a local Pay As You Go SIM card and pop it into your iPhone 4. Voila! Good bye expensive roaming charges.
2. Controlling your life again: you won’t have to resign 3 years with the “Big 3” to get your iPhone. Once you are out of your contract, imagine how great it will feel to be able to switch carriers at a whim–because of better pricing and plans–and not having to accrue expensive cancellation fees.
3. Higher resale value: Factory unlocked iPhones are the holy grails on eBay. There will always be a huge demand for factory unlocked iPhones. Many countries don’t have the iPhone and buying overseas on eBay is their only choice.
4. Upgrading next year will be dead easy: Say the iPhone 5 (or whatever it’s called) is released next year. You purchased the iPhone 4 factory unlocked for $659. You sell your iPhone 4 on eBay (or Craigslist) for $550 (I just checked current completed listings and a 16GB iPhone 3GS was recently sold for $557US). You’re only down $109. That’s cheaper than paying the subsidized carrier $199 price–and you will remain contract free.
5. Worry free iOS updates via iTunes: If your iPhone is unlocked via jailbreaking, every time Apple releases a new iOS update you’re stuck in limbo. You can’t update via iTunes or you’ll lose your unlock. You’re reliant on the iPhone Dev Team for their hard work. Now, if you have a factory unlocked iPhone 4, you can just click update and be on your merry way. The unlock will remain forever. No more waiting.
Will the Apple Store give me a microSIM and help switch me over?
– Yes.
Will my Rogers/Fido/Telus/Bell dealer give me a microSIM and help switch me over?
– Yes. Every iPhone 4 sold will come with one microSIM.
Will Apple.ca sell iPhone 4 units online?
– To be announced.
Will the Big 3 offer the sale of iPhone 4 units online?
– To be announced.
What types of payment does the Apple Store take?
– Credit cards, Interac, cash, Apple Store gift card.
When I do my Rogers/Fido Hardware Upgrade (HUP) at the Apple Store, do I pay for the iPhone 4 in person, or will I be billed to my account??
– Billed to your Rogers/Fido account.
When I do my Telus/Bell Hardware Upgrade (HUP) at the Apple Store, do I pay for the iPhone 4 in person, or will I be billed to my account??
– Pay for the iPhone 4 in person.
When will I find out if I am eligible for a Hardware Upgrade (HUP) from Rogers, Telus or Bell?
– Rogers has updated their website regarding HUP. Check here: http://www.rogers.com/iphone.
– *As of 12:30PST, the tool is “incorrect”. Confirmed by Rogers. Some are getting the $649/749 pricing when they shouldn’t be. Stay tuned.
Here are the general guidelines about the iPhone 4 special hardware upgrade:
– Fido: http://www.fido.ca/web/page/portal/Fido/iPhones?iPhone=iPhone4Did you activate or upgrade your Rogers iPhone on a term contract between January 1, 2009 and June 7, 2010?
Then you’re eligible for at least $250 off the no-term device price. That’s an iPhone 4 16GB/32GB for $399/$499 on a new 3-year voice and data plan.Did you activate or upgrade the original iPhone 3G in 2008 and then upgrade again between June 19 and September 15, 2009?
You’re also eligible for at least $480 off the no-term device price. You can pick up an iPhone 4 16GB/32GB for $159/$269 on a new 3-year voice and data plan.Did you activate or upgrade your Rogers iPhone on a term contract on or before December 31, 2008?
Thank you for your business. You’re eligible for at least $480 off the no-term device price. You can pick up an iPhone 4 16GB/32GB for $159/$269 on a new 3-year voice and data plan.
– Bell announces iPhone 4 pricing
3 year contract pricing:
16GB iPhone 4: $159.95
32GB iPhone 4: $269.95iPhone 4 Promotion Details–Including iPad Offer:
-To get the lowest 3-year price on this phone, choose any combination of voice, data plan and features with a minimum value of $50/month.
From July 30 to September 30th get 6GB of data for only $30 per month with unlimited Wi-Fi in over 750 locations including all Starbucks in Canada.*– Have an iPad too? For an additional $10 per month, you can share the data between both your iPhone 4 and iPad.
– Exclusive Mobile TV offer:
Get access to FREE Mobile TV (data download and usage charges apply) until September 30th and catch full-length episodes of your favourite shows, news, weather, entertainment and sports. Download the Bell Mobile TV app from the App Store to access this service.*Must be combined with eligible voice plan.
Telus has announced their iPhone 4 pricing:
3 year contract pricing:
16GB iPhone 4: $159
32GB iPhone 4: $269Outright pricing, locked:
16GB iPhone 4: $649
32GB iPhone 4: $749Promo offer: Extra 5GB of data for new activations with a voice+data plan of $60 or greater on a 3 year term. Good until Oct. 5/2010
What iPhone 4 plans will be offered by Rogers?
– unknown; most likely existing iPhone plans; the 6GB/$30 data plan might come back
– 6GB/$30 data plan is back
– $20 + GRRF for iPad sharing if you’re on the 6GB plan
– http://redboard.rogers.com/2010/iphone-4-launches-tomorrow-on-rogers/
What iPhone 4 plans will be offered by Bell?
– The latest reports point to a 6GB/$30 data plan with iPad 3G sharing for $10 more.
What iPhone 4 plans will be offered by Telus?
-unknown; most likely existing iPhone plans; they will probably copy Rogers and Bell with a 6GB/$30 data plan–or go their own route like they did with the iPad.
What time will Apple Stores be opening on July 30th?
– 7AM
What time should I line up? Will there be enough stock to last all weekend?
– The earlier the better. I’d suggest 5am. If you’re looney in the head like this guy, try the night before. iPhone meetup anyone?
– Stock levels will be based on how many people buy the phone on launch day.
What’s the best way to find out up to the date info on the iPhone 4 launch?
– Twitter. Use the hashtag #iphoneincanada and we can all work together on sharing info. Use your local city hashtag to get specific. Vancouver would be #YVR
Where can I find information about local iPhone meetups in my area?
– Stay glued to the iPhoneinCanada.ca Forums.
Other things to consider:
– buying unlocked will be the fastest to get in and out of the Apple Store.
– doing a carrier upgrade/activation will result in more paperwork. Also, the possibility of systems going down (like previous years) could occur so go early.
Are you lining up at the Pacific Centre Apple Store? I’ll be there late Thursday/early Friday and if you come find me I’ll have a free iPhone 4 invisibleSHIELD (and other goodies) for you (until I run out).
Come by and say “hi”, don’t be a stranger! Be sure to follow me on twitter for live updates of where I’ll be and what I’m doing.
What did I miss? Let me know in the comments and I’ll keep this updated.
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Nice job on this Gary!
Is anyone here buying from Futureshop? I've contacted both ones near me and they still don't know if they will be getting them on release day
How about online orders? What time do you think those will start? And also, do you think if I order online on friday, I will have to wait for the backorder in the US to clear up before I receive my phone?
are you sure they'll be giving out free cases? I was thinking they would tell you to claim the case online.
Could we possibly add “buying from Apple website”?
Do we have any information on when it will be available to purchase on the 30th?
Henry Ford reference = win
Great minds think a like 😉
hey guys i was wondering if i go to rogers on friday moring i want iphone 4 on my exsiting account now. The only problem is i am not dont my exsiting rogers phone contract. Do you think i will be able to got to the store, buy out my phone, and get the iphone on my exsiting account?
Thanks for all the good info, keep up the good work. I hope all the carriers employees read this so they can all be geniuses.
hey gary i will be coming at pacific mall too around 11 or 12 hopefully i can get the invisible shield for free from you and also if there is a way we can be in contact so when i come there i knw where you are so i knw i am in a correct line cant wait for the launch.
Hey Gary, are you getting the unlock or carriers iPhone 4?
Guys just got off the phone with Rogers and I was advised that everyone who signed a contract before June of this year will be able to upgrade to the iPhone 4!!!! AMAZING NEWS!! at same $199 for 16 or $299 for 32gb!
Gary, you missed detailing that the Apple store CAN do the HUP for whatever carrier you have as long as its fido, rogers, bell…
What about doing HUP at Apple store? I'm getting mix information from Apple and Rogers. Apple store says Yes they can do it. Rogers says no, but also say Apple could do it but for unlocked phone only.
I'm with Rogers and satisfied with the service, I'm planning on staying with them so I don't care much for the unlocked phone. If I'm going to line up somewhere in the early hours on Friday morning I want to make sure I pick the right place.
Apple store can do the HUP for you =)
If you are 2yrs into your contract you can get the cheap prices, otherwise we find out tomorrow on what special offers Rogers will have for those who have not yet reached the 2yr mark into their 3yr contracts
:'( you left out fido 🙁
Just got off the phone with Bell and theu informed me that the 16GB will be $159.95 on a 3 year term + $35 activation.
even though you have 2 more years in your contract? When I went to rogers store few months ago they told me that I have to complete min years to be eligible for an update…
lol
i find that hard to believe, isn't it 199$ for 16gb?
I love the summary. Thanks. I have been checking out posts a number of times each day over the last two weeks….my husband thinks I have gone crazy over iPhone 4 which I think is true. My question that I haven't yet been able to answer is: Are we sure that you can't by an iPhone from Rogers through the phone? I did this for my 3Gs with no problems one year ago and have called Rogers two times this week and have been told I can still buy phones through the call centre. Would sure beat standing in line. However, posts I have seen on this website appear to indicate differently. Some clear info on this would be great. Good luck everyone on Friday.
I called Rogers earlier today and was told no additional cost upgrade at 2 years, so $199 for the 16Gb and $299 for the 32Gb. I was then told phones with less thaan 2 years could be HUP'd for additional $100 per year. So a 1 year HUP is $299 and less than 1 year HUP is $399 both for the 16Gb. We'll see soon.
Ex,
I've looked through some of the forums but can't seem to find the answer to my question. If you purchase the iPhone from Rogers or another carrier (not apple), will you be able to get a bumper right then in store, or is that only an option for those who buy it from apple. I know that there is a app that you can download to sign up for a bumper I'm just worried about going an extra week without a protector for it. Let me know!
And great job keeping people up to date over the last few weeks! It's been really helpful!
So Gary this means no online orders on the 30th?
Hi,
Here is my situation, I am a fido client since at least 6 years and ive got iphone 3g on october of 2008 and since then i bought the iphone 3gs full price… Now i was wondering something.
Im not quite sure to understand everything. When you say that apple store CAN do HUP does it means i can go there and get a HUP with fido?… like HUP paying the 779$ or HUP paying the 299$???
Or if i decide to go wait at Fido Store downtown Montreal is it possible that they only get 5 of each like some people said or since its in one the big city in canada they'll get more…
I just wanna go wait at the right place to make sure i have one!
Thank you very much :)!
How about Fido? I know it's probably the same as Rogers, but it'd be nice to see it in there 🙂
I did interact with the rep and ask about the $199 and he said no $159 he assured me.
Hmmm, think you may have convinced me to buy unlocked, if you really think it will sell at a premium next year. Anyone else swayed?
I literally JUST hung up the phone with Bell. My previous 3 year contract expired yesterday so I'm taking it as a sign to get my first iphone!
So of course I asked the CSA about the iphone and he had zero details about prices but I asked him “it does come out on the 30th, right?” His response, “no, the 31st.” WTF?? Do they really know that little this close to launch?
Also, I'm still unsure about getting a locked or unlocked one but this helps a lot. Thanks!
I went to my local Best Buy (south surrey) and they told me they would have approximately 9… and their doors will be opening at 10am…lame…
I'm planning on going to best buy too.. I hope mine has more then that though.
Excellent work here, Gary. I think you should know that your information is not only helpful to Canadians (which, although I don't live in Canada, I am), but also those overseas. I live in Bermuda now, and will be travelling to Tornoto in a few weeks and may be picking up a factory-unlocked iPhone 4. I've been glued to this site the past few days for the latest news, and this article, which consolidated every piece of information one would need in a handy FAQ-style post, is perhaps your most helpful one yet. Geek up the good work! 🙂
So unlocked phones are not avail at carrier stores?
For some reason I thought even if people upgraded their phone/renewed contract, the phone itself would be unlocked – just them personally would be locked into the contract.
PLEASE REPLY. PLEASE. PLEASE. IF I buy an iPhone 4 from Rogers will it be unlocked? Or are just the ones from Apple Unlocked???????????????????????? Please reply. I need to know what store to line up at!!!
Will the apple online store sell the iphone 4? and will it include free micro sim of you choice?
Please reply. Please. If I get the 4 from Rogers is it unlocked or are just the ones from Apple unlocked?
I called Rogers this evening about another matter and while I was on the phone the CSR advised that my year-old 3GS was eligible for “Early Upgrade” based on the amount of money I spend on my account. He said to upgrade it first before upgrading my two-year-old 3G on the account, because it is eligible for the regular upgrade but if it's upgraded first the early upgrade on the other won't work any more.
Hope he's right.
Spoke with Southgate Centre mall security. He stated that doors will be open at 6:30 so I guess we'll be lining up outside near the starbucks.
He also figured there would be an extra guard to ensure it wasn't a stampede to the apple store, luckily it's fairly close and a straight line. 😀
May change by Friday, but I guess I'll bring an umbrella too just in case.
rogers wont sell unlocked phone and from what ive heard from apple store worker …when u buy unlock as soon as it is activate on a network it become locked to that carrier..thats what he explained to me …
I sadly work at Future Shop, and I know that my store is 110% getting the iPhone 4 on launch day.
Gary, I hope this doesn't sound too stupid but I've never had an iphone before so pardon the stupid question.
Can anyone go to the apple store and buy the iphone and then activate it later?? I work all day so can't line up but would love one on friday. My mom works next door to an apple store. Is it possible for her to pick me up an unlocked one (if there is any left after the line up) and then I would take it to the one of the phone companies to get it activated in my name?
Also, I'm currently month to month with bell. If I buy an unlocked phone from apple and then take it to telus, would they be able to switch my number even if I'm not signing a contract with them??
Thanks for the answers!
West Edmonton Mall will open at 7AM, so that means since the Apple Store is inside, I'm just going to book it inside to the Apple Store as soon as the doors to the mall open.
That's nice that the Canadian Apple store will sell the unlocked ones for non-Canadians. Last year, I visited two American Apple stores and asked if I can buy it outright. They said I could but I had to show them an American ID. I'm guessing it's to stop visitors from buying a whole bunch and then selling it abroad, but the Canadian stores don't care.
Can i order i4 from rogers.com? Not sure if i can make it to a rogers store on fri…
If you get the iphone 4 at rogers it will be locked to rogers and Only Apple store will sell factory unlocked phone
are we getting the case at the same time when we are purchusing the iphone 4 at apple store? i'm heading to the apple store!!
I need at least 4 units but they will sell just two per customer. If I am among the first ones, get out the store at 7:30 and rush to another store (Toronto), do I have any change to buy two more units or it will be impossible due to all being sold out in minutes?
You will only receive an unlocked iPhone 4 if you get it on the Apple Online Store, or at the Apple Store. Everywhere else, only locked iPhone 4s will be available.
really. Well if I buy from Apple will I get the discount price that I would get from Rogers? thanks for the reply