Upgrade from the iPhone 3G to 3G S for $199 (Maybe)

If you are an iPhone 3G owner wanting to upgrade to the 3G S, AT&T just announced that they will lower the price to $199 for some iPhone owners wanting to upgrade. The catch is this – the lower price will apply for customers who would have qualified for the "new buyer" price between now and September. If that's not you, expect to pay $399 for the upgrade.

Customers qualify for the "new buyer" price after a certain period, determined by how much the monthly plan is (and if payments are current). If you pay at least $100 a month, you would usually qualify 12 to 18 months after purchase, AT&T said. But, since the 3G went on sale about 11 months ago, current 3G owners wouldn't qualify for the "new buyer" price. So, Apple is actually (surprise!) letting you get the upgrade a little bit early (that is, if you qualify).

In other iPhone news, Apple announced that they will be opening their Apple retail stores at 7am on Friday (an hour earlier than they originally planned). AT&T stores will open at 7am for those that have preordered the 3G S, 9am for those who haven't. Phones will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.