iPhone: rumors and consumer rebellion

Apple's 3G iPhone continues to drum up controversy and incite rumors. Here's a roundup of some of the latest tantalizing iPhone tidbits that are circulating:

* Will the 3G iPhone be distributed at retailers such as Best Buy and RadioShack? When the original iPhone was launched last year, consumers could only purchase it online or at AT&T company-owned stores or Apple stores. But rumors are circulating that the 3G iPhone may be available at both Best Buy and RadioShack stores. Story

* Canadians are outraged over the Rogers Wireless 3G iPhone rate structure and are petitioning Apple CEO Steve Jobs over the deal. On Friday, Rogers said that customers who purchase the 3G iPhone would have to sign a mandatory three-year contract and the company will cap data usage at 750 MB with high fees for users who go over their monthly limit. Story

* RBC Analyst Mike Abramsky says that there is "unprecedented demand" for the 3G iPhone. RBC's research indicates that 55 percent of those planning to buy a smartphone in the next 90 days will purchase an iPhone, up from 35 percent in March. Story

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AT&T will subsidize 3G iPhone