iPhone 5 Release Date: AT&T iPhone 3GS Sold Out Online
The release of the iPhone 4S has rekindled demand for its predecessor, the iPhone 3GS, which is sold out on the AT&T network online.
At the Oct. 4 “Let’s Talk iPhone” media event, where the iPhone 4S was unveiled, Apple announced the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS would receive price cuts.
The 16 GB and 32 GB iPhone 4 models are retailing for $149.99 and $199.99 respectively while supplies last, and the 8 GB iPhone 4 is priced at $99.
The iPhone 3GS is currently free with a two-year contract; however, AT&T reports that the iPhone 3GS sold out on its online store.
"We've seen a tremendous, tremendous demand for that device even though it's a generation old," said Ralph de la Vega, AT&T mobility chief executive officer, at a media event.
The iPhone 3GS, released in 2009, is exclusive to AT&T. The network saw a similar influx of iPhone 3GS sales when the iPhone 4 was released in 2010.
Before the release of the iPhone 4S, analysts suggested that millions of 3GS users would upgrade their iPhones. However, many Apple enthusiasts are disappointed that the iPhone 4S has no external updates.
It remains unknown how many iPhone 3GS’s have been purchased since it became free with contract, but AT&T recently announced the network has activated over 1 million iPhone 4S’s since Oct. 14.
The iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS make up 56 percent of all smartphone activations on the AT&T network.
