iPhone News Updated

Lessons learned from the first release of the iPhone have prompted AT&T Inc. to plan opening stores at 8 a.m. Friday for customers looking to purchase the latest version of Apple Inc.’s smart phone.

Gearing up for a busy day at its stores, AT&T will open the doors “bright and early to sell Cupertino-based Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone 3G at 8 a.m. instead of last year’s 6 p.m.,” AT&T spokesman Cathy Lewandowski said. All activation will be done in-store this time, she added.

Starting Friday, third-generation technology iPhones will be available for $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model with a two-year contract with AT&T. Existing AT&T customers may purchase the iPhone 3G for $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB model. Both options require a new two-year service agreement. In the future, AT&T will offer a no-contract-required option for $599 (8GB) or $699 (16GB).

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a communications holding company and Apple’s exclusive iPhone partner.