Why the Apple iPhone 3G is still not in Malaysia?

A recently published article by The Star explains why clearly Malaysia telcos know of the Apple iPhone’s popularity but isn’t willing to sacrifice profits for a mere cool Apple iPhone.

Some of the parts in the article explains this:

Apple plans to distribute the device in Malaysia similar to how it was done in the US, via an agreement to appoint AT&T as the exclusive service provider of the device…

…Many have been asking why Maxis has taken so long to bring the phone to our shores. Some pointed out that a new model generally takes about six months to get here and some phone models are even launched in Malaysia before other markets…

…Industry players said Apple was also known to take a big cut from the service provider’s sales for the iPhone; therefore, local service providers were reluctant to bring the phone into Malaysia.

And to add, Star has tried contacting Apple to comment on the matter but no news so far. So for everyone still waiting – remember to shave. Otherwise, as some already my reseller is selling the Apple iPhone 3G in Malaysia.

Buy the Apple iPhone 3G in Malaysia

Updated November 4, 2008:
Bundle offer from my Apple iPhone 3G reseller in Malaysia:

Buy an Apple iPhone 8GB and get USD200 (RM720) iTunes Credit and this credit can be used to purchase from the US iTunes Store. This’ll let you purchase not only applications but music, movies and even TV shows!

Contact me now to get this bundle offer at only RM3200.

It’s been 365 days since the Apple iPhone landed in Malaysia. As you may already have heard and seen, iPhone 3G is now in Malaysia. However, it’s not officially brought in by Apple and sold at Apple Malaysia resellers. And despite rumours of Maxis bringing the iPhone 3G to Malaysia, it remains a rumour only.

If you’ve waited and waited and waited even longer, stop waiting. The price for the iPhone isn’t dropping in Malaysia unless it’s a second-hand or older generation iPhone in Malaysia – my 4GB iPhone. Back then, average price of an iPhone in Malaysia ranged from RM1800-3500. Now, my reseller has shared the iPhone 3G price in Malaysia is between RM3000-3500. Indeed, it’s more expensive but one of the things he did share with me is it does NOT require TurboSim.

Continue reading Buy the Apple iPhone 3G in Malaysia

iPhone Upgrade From Firmware 1.1.4 to 2.0.1 Success

Despite owning an iPhone in Malaysia for almost a year, upgrading my iPhone firmware still gives me the chiils to the bone. I don’t know why but it might be because I don’t want to damage this delicate and fragile iPhone. And, I do remember sharing how to Unlock the Apple iPhone 1.1.1 in Malaysia last year.

The process to unlock and jailbreak an iPhone in Malaysia or elsewhere is almost worry free now. Unless you share my worries too, not wanting to brick (break) your own iPhone. But yes, I took the leap earlier yesterday evening to upgrade, jailbreak and unlock my iPhone from firmware 1.1.4 to 2.0.1. Skipped over 2.0 right away – no biggie.

Continue reading iPhone Upgrade From Firmware 1.1.4 to 2.0.1 Success

Singtel Brings iPhone 3G to Singapore

It’s finally here, people. And boy, do I have some great news to share. Just to underline the topic of the day, the iPhone 3G has officially landed on our neighbouring shores and makes it debut today, August the 22nd. Those of us who’ve been holding out on the iPhone 3G hit since July 11th, get your passports and vehicles fueled up, because this is gonna be one awesome trip you don’t wanna miss As of now, reports are already gushing in from the frontlines of Apple Stores all over the island next door, and from the pictures taken I believe this has marked Apple’s biggest event around these places in the last…. I don’t know, decade? One word, the queues. And of course, my fellow Malaysians, there’s another reason for us to join in the festivities.

Continue reading Singtel Brings iPhone 3G to Singapore

Is Maxis Bringing iPhone 3G to Malaysia?

This is breaking news and it’s been openly announced on the Internet. Just a few minutes ago, one of my commenters shared a source with me. Apparently, Maxis Malaysia is bringing in the iPhone 3G to Malaysia.

Whether or not its true all we have from here on is skepticism and blank bullets to fire off. However, I’ve checked the source and they seem to be a reputable place of information. They openly said:

Its understood that Maxis will offer the iPhone 3G in Malaysia at a competitive price below RM1,000.

Source: The Malaysian Insider

I’m rather stunned by this. I know rumours were Maxis was planning on bringing the iPhone to Malaysia but I’m quite shocked its true. Don’t know why.

What do you guys think about Maxis bringing the iPhone 3G to Malaysia?