There have been reports swirling around the internet, from Engadget to Dvice to ComputerWorld. I’ve heard that Walmart will pick up the iPhones prior to Christmas or just after. I’ve heard they’ll sell a 4GB version for $99. I’ve heard that the $99 is way off-base.
What I’m hearing now, via Gregg Keizer is that “employees at several stores in the discount retail chain [have confirmed the rumor that they'll sell the iPhone]. Wal-Mart’s corporate headquarters, however, would not confirm that the company will sell the iconic iPhone. A spokeswoman said only that ‘we are not making an official announcement at this time’.”
Engadget has this to say: “Walmart training materials (pictured above) have been seen in the wild, so there’s a grain of truth to this madness somewhere. Plus, a $99 iPhone just sounds so Walmart-ey, doesn’t it?”
Again, Keizer says “The Wal-Mart workers said that they didn’t know what Wal-Mart would be charging for the iPhone. Apple currently sells two models: an 8GB version for $199, and a 16GB device for $299.”
Whatever the cost, I’m not surprised that this will be happening as much as I’m thrilled I might be able to get one early next year!
Keizer nails it when he notes, “Wal-Mart sells iPods, don’t they?” he asked. “I don’t see this changing the Apple image. I don’t see it terribly much affecting Apple one way or the other.”
