iPhone requires iTunes Store account?
updated 01:50 pm EDT, Tue June 12, 2007
iPhone iTunes Store E-mail
The iPhone requires an iTunes Store account, according to a new e-mail circulating to those who signed up for notifications from Apple. The message, which admonishes its recipients to "get ready for iPhone," asks users to specifically launch iTunes and register for a new account if one doesn't already exist. No mention is made of why the registration is required or why users demands more than a standard Apple ID used for the company's web-based shop, with the bulk of the e-mail summarizing the phone's well-known features.
"To set up your iPhone, you'll need an account with Apple's iTunes Store," the e-mail says. "If you already have an iTunes account, make sure you know your account name and password. If you don't have an account, you should set one up now to save time later."
Apple's first cellphone will by definition need extra registration beyond typical products from the company, including a minimum subscription through AT&T for cellular service. The California-based company has also said it will provide free Yahoo 'push' e-mail accounts to all iPhone owners.
so what?
06/12, 02:13pm reply
I have one. I costs me nothing. I never buy songs. I just get the 1 to 3 free songs every week and rip everything else.
jpellino
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 1999
Re: so what?
06/12, 02:54pm reply
Well, I guess the 'so what' is "Why?". For what ungodly reason would it be required for me to get an iTMS account to use a phone???
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
the ungodly reason
06/12, 03:01pm reply
is because it's an ipod
pharmacopoeia
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2001
Re: the ungodly reason
06/12, 03:48pm reply
is because it's an ipod
Since when does an iPod require an iTMS account? Unless you're playing iTMS music?
Again, if you don't have music, why do you have to sign up for an account?
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Advertising...
06/12, 03:58pm reply
...numbers tracking & possibly theft / loss prevention...?
bobolicious
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
because they hate you
06/12, 04:08pm reply
They plan to steal your credit card (and your children). By forcing you (and they are forcing you, gun to the head and all) to sign up now they get the added bonus of s******* you over without even having to turn over an iPhone.
jasong
Mac Elite
Joined: Mar 2000
it's not...
06/12, 06:33pm reply
The email was ambiguous. The way I read mine was that to download songs and movies you need to have an ITMS account.
my guess is that ITMS will also be the interface for applications to use on the phone.
shmoolie
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2002
This is
06/12, 08:19pm reply
no bother. Mosty of us alreadyd have an iTS account.
I'm wondering what the subscription plan will be. I would imagine that Apple and ATT may have made a set of plans to specifically cater to the iPhone. I can't imagine that Apple would want users to have a non-unlimited data program, as that would, ultimately, reflect badly on the phone itself.
I want to see the plans man.
e:leaf
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2006
don't get hysterical yet
06/12, 10:47pm reply
I agree with schmoolie - it's quite possible you will only need an iTunes account if you want to download songs or movies. So far it's not clear.
elroth
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2006
probably...
06/13, 09:26am reply
to handle the sales of the at&t contracts. one less thing to be done in the store, and can be done later, allowing the customer to select the plan they want in the comfort of their own home, pay their bill online, change plans, etc etc
maybesew
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Joined: Apr 2007