Does master account holder have to be present to pick up iPhone?

[Diviant]

Basically, my situation is this: I'm not yet 18, so my mother would have to create the AT&T account for my iPhone when I get one, however she isn't going to be around on launch day, and thus I won't be able to create the account in-store.

Now, there's been speculation that the Apple stores may not actually do the activation for you, but rather sell you the iPhone which will essentially be locked until you go home and call up AT&T to activate it/create an account. Has there been any confirmation of this process? It seems this would be the only way for me to secure an iPhone on launch, because if I'm required to create a service plan BEFORE actually being allowed to purchase the phone, I'm crap out of luck. Obviously it would be better for Apple if account creation was handled this way, because it would be more streamlined and thus result in a smoother launch.

 

[ColsTiger]

Basically, my situation is this: I'm not yet 18, so my mother would have to create the AT&T account for my iPhone when I get one, however she isn't going to be around on launch day, and thus I won't be able to create the account in-store.

Now, there's been speculation that the Apple stores may not actually do the activation for you, but rather sell you the iPhone which will essentially be locked until you go home and call up AT&T to activate it/create an account. Has there been any confirmation of this process? It seems this would be the only way for me to secure an iPhone on launch, because if I'm required to create a service plan BEFORE actually being allowed to purchase the phone, I'm crap out of luck. Obviously it would be better for Apple if account creation was handled this way, because it would be more streamlined and thus result in a smoother launch.

They'll probably set up the account online. She'll need her SS# for the credit check. Don't do anything that'll get you in trouble.

 

[Diviant]

They'll probably set up the account online. She'll need her SS# for the credit check. Don't do anything that'll get you in trouble.

Er, what do you mean? I'm saying she won't be there to create the account. I'm not talking about forging my mom's info. I'm just wondering if I'll be able to get the iPhone, then activate it/sign up for AT&T later.

 

[ColsTiger]

Er, what do you mean? I'm saying she won't be there to create the account. I'm not talking about forging my mom's info. I'm just wondering if I'll be able to get the iPhone, then activate it/sign up for AT&T later.

Yes. Apple will sell the phone outright, then activation will take place over the phone. They'll provide a 1-800 number for you to call to activate your new phone.

 

[ColsTiger]

Looks like you'll be able to use all the features except the phone feature until your mom activates the account.

from another post:

• You are chatting with Danielle, an Apple Expert

• Hi, my name is Danielle. Welcome to Apple!
• Danielle: How may I help you today?
• You: If I buy an iPhone online Fri., and don't call AT&T to register, will the iPhone still work? I know the calling part wont, but can it still do everything else?
• Danielle: It will work but not as a phone without service.
• Danielle: Did you check out our information online?
• Danielle: Check out the tour on iPhone
• You: could I still use everything else like maps?
• Danielle: There will be wireless on the iPhone.
• You: wifi?
• Danielle: Yes.
• You: Thanks!
• Danielle: See You on the 29th!
• You: Bye.

 

[Napoleon PhoneApart]

Danielle sounds hot...

 

[Diviant]

That's awesome. My mom will be able to activate it THAT day, easily, it's just that she won't be able to go to the store (she'll be out of state, but she can call AT&T from there).

Now, is this policy just for Apple stores, or will it work for AT&T stores as well?

 

[ColsTiger]

That's awesome. My mom will be able to activate it THAT day, easily, it's just that she won't be able to go to the store (she'll be out of state, but she can call AT&T from there).

Now, is this policy just for Apple stores, or will it work for AT&T stores as well?

Probably just for Apple stores. I'm not certain that they'll sell you the phone if you're under 18. You might want to call customer care.

 

[jtlax3]

where do you go to chat with these Apple Experts? Is it just a .Mac feature?

 

[ps49556n]

Activation will most likely be done through iTunes where you give credit card info and they could run a credit check in seconds.

 

[Diviant]

Probably just for Apple stores. I'm not certain that they'll sell you the phone if you're under 18. You might want to call customer care.

Why wouldn't they sell something to a minor? Especially one comming in willing to spend $700+.

 

[Saiko]

Why wouldn't they sell something to a minor? Especially one comming in willing to spend $700+.

You must be over 18 for a contract to be valid, they can sign you to one but it won't be valid in the court of law... (afaik) My law businesss law classes were a while ago... and with the phone purchase, you must buy the plan with the phone which requires a 2 year contract agreement with AT&T. That's probably why they wouldn't let a minor purchase it. (Sorry, OP. I'm also in the same boat as you.)

 

[Diviant]

You must be over 18 for a contract to be valid, they can sign you to one but it won't be valid in the court of law... (afaik) My law businesss law classes were a while ago... and with the phone purchase, you must buy the plan with the phone which requires a 2 year contract agreement with AT&T. That's probably why they wouldn't let a minor purchase it. (Sorry, OP. I'm also in the same boat as you.)

I get that part, but it was previously mentioned that you wouldn't need to actually activate an account until you call up AT&T. Thus, you could buy the phone, bring it home, and have an adult activate it for you at a later time.

 

[Saiko]

I get that part, but it was previously mentioned that you wouldn't need to actually activate an account until you call up AT&T. Thus, you could buy the phone, bring it home, and have an adult activate it for you at a later time.

Is that so? I really, really, really hope that is true. For example, you give the $642 (600+7%tax) to the sales rep, walk out of the store, and then call the AT&T person on a number included in the box or whatever, and they ask you which plan you'd like to sign up under? you give credit card information and a SSN# for a credit check? I guess that isn't too farfetched...

 

[Marksman]

I would prefer they not do it that way because that is going to feed the e-bay sharks and make it harder for real users to get the phone initially.

I would rather they force a commitment before turning over the phone, but that does not sound like it is going to happen.

 

[Saiko]

I would prefer they not do it that way because that is going to feed the e-bay sharks and make it harder for real users to get the phone initially.

I would rather they force a commitment before turning over the phone, but that does not sound like it is going to happen.

Yeah its a double edged sword... Those who REALLY want one (the ones willing to wait in line a few days) will get one... But those ebay sharks will be fed too. Time will tell.