iPhone 4 rollout: Apple fudge

GuyClapperton 0 447 Views

Let me get one thing straight: the iPhone 4 is undoubtedly a beautiful device. It's due out in the UK next week - stop giggling - and I would very much like one.

The problem is that although ordering started on Tuesday, I've been unable to order one. This is because I already have an iPhone. I want to upgrade my existing contract.

And I can't.

The reason is simple. Apple had all of the pre-order iPhones and the system went into meltdown. That much is well known.

What may not be so readily apparent to readers outside the UK is that our carriers have not yet been allowed to offer the phones.

, for example, has sent details of how you can go and buy a new sim for the new phone from them on Monday and insert it into your pre-order from the Apple shop. No thanks.

Orange, meanwhile, has published its upgrade prices (as has O2 but Orange got there first) but as yet no means to order or upgrade through its site.

I'm an existing iPhone customer. I'm excluded from upgrades. I could so easily change my loyalties around.

Memo to Apple and its partners: if you want to continue dominating the world, you really need to remember your customers are your best asset, not the enemy...

Dani AI

Generated

On 's point: the preorder mess in mid‑June left a lot of existing contract customers shut out. Below are concise, practical steps and checks that often get past the carrier/Apple logjam without repeating the rollout details already in the thread.

Immediate options and troubleshooting steps:

  • Check upgrade eligibility first: the single most useful fact is the contract end or upgrade date on the latest bill or the carrier account page. If eligibility is unclear, a store visit or a quick call will usually clarify whether an early upgrade fee applies.
  • Try an in‑store/manual upgrade: carrier shops can process upgrades that the online portal won’t. Bring photo ID, account number and last bill.
  • Buy a SIM‑free/unlocked handset if available: buying an unlocked phone removes the online‑upgrade gate, then the existing SIM (or a replacement micro‑SIM) can be used so service continues under the existing contract. This is a valid, if pricier, workaround.
  • Keep paper/electronic proof: order confirmations, payment receipts and timestamps of calls. Those make escalations and refunds much easier.

Activation and migration checklist:

  • Full backup before any swap (iCloud or local) and ensure contacts are synced.
  • Confirm SIM form factor (the iPhone 4 uses micro‑SIM); request a replacement SIM from the carrier rather than cutting an active SIM.
  • After activation, check carrier settings and APN for MMS/visual voicemail; a carrier settings update or iOS update often fixes missing services.

If problems persist, escalate to a store manager or AppleCare and insist on written confirmation of any refunds or upgrade promises. These steps usually avoid needless contract churn while preserving number and service.

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