Big box retailer Walmart is selling the 3G iPhone beginning today. The second retailer outside of Apple and AT&T to sell the massively popular phone, after Best Buy, Walmart will be pricing the 8 GB model $2 under the list price–$197. The 16 GB model will sell for $297. Best Buy currently sells the iPhone for $9 under the list price, but Walmart says it will match better-priced offers. Of course, it should be no surprise that new AT&T customers will require a 2-year contract with the purchase and existing customers a qualifying upgrade.
Going into 2009 I’m guessing that Walmart will do quite a bit to boost the iPhone’s already strong sales. With Walmart known as a discount retailer, its own brand should help Apple reach a consumer segment it wouldn’t be able to on its own or even through the usually expensive Best Buy. This is a smart move by Apple and I’m sure we’ll see more distribution partnerships in the future as Apple tries to dominate the global smartphone market with its sole offering.
(Image Credit: crawfishpie)