Apple, AT&T Notifying iPhone 4 Buyers of Delivery

The company Tuesday afternoon announced the units would be available "on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last." However, you'll be able to pick up the smartphone this Thursday, if you pre-ordered the unit on June 15.

Of course, the guessing game now begins. What's to explain the different dates? Has a rift opened up between the companies as a result of AT&T's well-chronicled problems last week when its sales systems crashed, forcing the shutdown of iPhone pre-orders. Steve Jobs, a marketing impresario, has so far remained silent but he's likely displeased with a rollout that's been anything but flawless.

• Here are a few guidelines for customers buying iPhone 4 from AT&T:

• 

  Preordered for home or business delivery: iPhone 4 will begin arriving this week for customers who preordered. We'll send an email when each order has shipped.

• Preordered for store delivery: AT&T retail representatives will begin calling customers this week to let them know their iPhone 4 is available for pick up in store.

• Retail purchase (no preorder): AT&T plans to have iPhone 4 inventory - available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last - on June 29 in its retail locations, at www.att.com, and in business sales channels. As inventory sells out, AT&T will offer the convenient option of purchasing iPhone 4 and having it delivered to a home or business or an AT&T store. As always, customers will receive an email once their order is placed, and again when it ships.

Separately, reports have been circulating all day that Apple had begun notifying some customers that they are in line to receive their pre-orders on June 23.

The text of a letter purporting to be from Apple reads:

You recently received a Shipment Notification email from Apple advising you that your iPhone has shipped.

This email is to confirm that your delivery will occur on June 23rd. Although Apple and FedEx tracking information may currently indicate a later date, you can check the FedEx website the morning of the June 23rd to track your package to your doorstep.

In the event that you will not be available to accept delivery on June 23rd, it may be more convenient to use our pre-sign delivery option by visiting our Order Status website at http://www.apple.com/orderstatus

Sincerely,

The Apple Store Team