What Was the Launch Price of the iPhone 3G in the US?

This article details the original retail cost of the iPhone 3G when it was first released in the United States. It covers the specific pricing structures for different storage capacities and explains the carrier contract requirements that defined the final launch price for consumers.

When Apple unveiled the iPhone 3G on June 9, 2008, it marked a significant shift in smartphone pricing strategy. The device went on sale on July 11, 2008, with a subsidized price point that made it more accessible than its predecessor. The 8GB model was priced at $199, while the 16GB model was available for $299.

These prices were contingent upon customers signing a two-year service contract with AT&T, which was the exclusive carrier partner at the time. Without the contract subsidy, the full retail price was significantly higher, but the advertised launch figures remained the standard reference for the device’s market entry cost. This pricing model helped propel the iPhone 3G to become one of the best-selling smartphones of its era.