AT&T planning all-evening iPhone events?
updated 02:35 pm EDT, Fri June 15, 2007
iPhone Launch Event Hint
AT&T hopes to make the launch of the iPhone a special event at its stores, according to a source in touch with the cell provider's plans. Similar to some of Apple's own launch events for Mac OS X in past years, AT&T will reportedly close all of the company-run stores at 4:30PM, giving staff the opportunity to prepare the store for the iPhone's launch at 6PM. All the stores in question would also stay open until 12AM to handle demand. The timing of the close is significant, according to the claims. Apple is said to be timing the phone shipments to arrive within the two hours preceding the launch to prevent uninformed or overly eager store employees from selling the iPhone in advance.
A number of accessories should also be available immediately on launch but may be relatively basic, ranging from a carrying case to car power adapters. Apple's Bluetooth headset may be an option but isn't certain given the devices already on sale.
No mention has been made of Apple's plans aside from the 6PM launch, though its two Manhattan-area flagships already stay open until midnight or later. [via BGR]
