Is Maxis Bringing iPhone 3G to Malaysia?

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iphone malaysia imageThis 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?

69 thoughts on “Is Maxis Bringing iPhone 3G to Malaysia?”

  4. i do hope that maxis will bring iphone into malaysia…

    but i’m doubt that its below 1k…. hahaha

  5. If Maxis brings in iphone to Malaysia, being a Digi subscriber I would love get one without contract (maybe pay higher RM) and use it on Digi.

    Question is WHEN this Maxis will be officialy announcing this? I am planning to get iphone 3g unlock from other countries now, if Maxis is serious about that then i would hold off my purchase…

  6. nicktay:
    Well, better to set lower expectation and delivering a higher one eh. ;)

    iptouch:
    I’m still skeptical so I’m putting my hopes up too high.

    flisterz:
    Now, that’s a very good question. And I bl*rdy want an Apple Store to open here. Damnit!

    Bryan:
    If you get it overseas, there’s the unlocking issue according to many. As for the authenticity of this news, I’m still not sold. So like others who’ve waited for an iPhone, if you really want it then might as well get it. :)

  9. rockstar:
    Cool. Though Timothy told me lots of problems with the stability of the new iPhone at the moment. Eek!

    flisterz:
    Timothy told me it was old news when I told him. LOL!

    Though it’s only happy times for a second, we’re still missing purchase of videos and music. :( I’d purchase from iTunes store rather than any other kiosk we have available now.

  10. Hi there again!!

    I am sure you know that Apple has released iTunes version 7.7, and with that, it offers iPhone users the upgrade to version 2.0.

    I have a jailbroken/unlocked iPhone (what’s the difference?! I’m getting confused with the stuff I read on the net) running on 1.1.4, so should I assume that I should NOT upgrade my iPhone to version 2.0 and risk my iPhone being bricked?

    Or is it already safe to upgrade?

    Thank you!

  11. About damn time!sick of this bull having to register with some AT&T service provider.But the question still stands-When?

  12. About damn time.Was thinking of waiting for the Nokia 5800 ,but it’s coming out next year,so i was bummed.But if Iphone was realeased here and Itunes store finally opens,then it’s all good.But will the price still be RM 956.80 (i.e 299 american dollars for the 16 GB model) or higher? Knowing the dealers in Malaysia,that could be the case. :-(

  13. I’ve just found out while checking out the iTunes Store (‘cos I download motherloads of podcasts) that the iTunes’ App Store is available in Malaysia. I’ve registered and got an account there already. The bummer is ONLY the App Store is available here and the rest of the stuff on iTunes still isn’t. Anyone here knows when is it available in Singapore?

  14. Dear Blabarella,

    Thanks for the inquiry. It’s good you asked before taking drastic actions which may have costed you heavily. However though, there’s good news. The iPhone 2.0 software has already been successfully jailbroken and unlocked by the iPhone Dev Team just under 2 days since it’s release. They have released some video footage demonstrating them newly updated PwnageTool 2.0. According to them, the tool will be released to the public within a week or so. Until then, we’ll just have to satisfy ourselves by watching the video ;)

    Additionally, if you HAVE accidentally upgraded your firmware to the latest 2.0 version, the process is very much reversible with some command line, but NOT RECOMMENDED as there’s no particular reason you’d want to upgrade at the moment seeing as the 2.0 software cannot be jailbroken. Hope that answers your questions! :)

    Sincerely,
    Timothy

  15. unfortunately with optus it will be locked too. you are able to unlock it AFTER u sign the contract. for prepaid, u need to purchase the phones full price.

  17. I’m definitely getting one if Maxis is letting them go at below 1k. Not to mention that I’m already a Maxis user.

  18. I’m in the same boat as Blabarella post on 12th July.

    Please let us know when we can start downloading the 2.0 firmware.
    but more importantly when it can be jailbroken.

    Thanks

  20. How could maxis bring the iphone 3g to msia, when Apple didn’t even announce it coming here. Quite unbelievable.

  21. may be it’s gonna be like the blackberry? cause maxis brings black berry to MY rite? i dont know =P random guess

  22. Apparently, some Malaysia dealers are saying they already have the new 3G iPhones in hand. However, I still remain skeptical over the stability of the new 2.0 firmware. Plus, what’s with the yellowish tint on the screen. Gasp!

  23. NO. WAY. Get out of here.

    Below $1k? That’s possible if they charge us a bomb on data packages like AT&T do.

    No one should upgrade their firmware to 2.0, especially since I read on iPhone Buzz that 2.0 isn’t really finetuned for the original iPhone yet. Not to mention the whole unlock-jailbreak stability issue.

    Great coverage Danny.

    B.H.

  24. By the way, anyone have further solutions to hike up the volume (besides software apps and “poking” the speaker, done it all)?

    I hate missing calls and being barely able to hear people speaking on the other line. Damned Apple.

    I’m hooked and they’re forcing me to upgrade to the 3G version.

    B.H.

  25. B.H:
    That’s odd. I’ve not experienced any real volume issues on 1.1.4 so far. The only thing I did was installed an app called Amp (I think that’s what it’s called). I even installed it without really thinking cause I thought it’d be something I may need. :P

    And I’ve never probed my iPhone yet. LOL! Hmm…you’ve got one of those odd problems.

  26. Very likely…but I got a feeling they’ll bundle it with their ailing 3G broadband service…….and tie you dead for 2 years if you’re lucky…LOL!

  28. I’m still not sold on purchasing it from Maxis later. Want to know why?

    It’s because I don’t believe they’ve many trained technicians in the Apple iPhone. The common brands have service centres but Apple doesn’t have an official one here. So where do you think the iPhones will go for service when required. LOL!

    Maybe they’ll approach iPhones blog. :P

  31. Urm, a voucher book? I’ve not heard of one before.

    But I believe it’s still a lot of speculation. As for the iPhone and Maxis, it’s still being speculated. Not to mention how Apple has to tie up with someone and Timothy informed me Malaysia has a law to do with it.

    If you know about the Europe law at the time, you’ll know what we’d probably face later.

  32. it would be great to have the iphone available here in malaysia. but i doubt it would be under rm1000..looking at the trend & demand for this iphone (even the old one), it would be way more expensive…just look at their computer system price, that should portray how the price of the iphone would be IF it ever be made available here. how sad & disappointed i am..not that because we cannot afford, but would it be a justified expenditure…?

  33. Rightfully said, Sarsi. There are many things in our lifestyle which isn’t justified all thanks to the imbalance of our system. Sometimes I wonder if it was ever balanced. Maybe during the barter trade. :P

  34. I am quite surpise about iphone photo in the Maxis Voucher Book. I think maxis is pushing Apple guys for the deal. The problem is the supply. I call customer service, thier say is possible. But guys i think we need to wait until next year to get Iphone 3G.

  35. I think Apple might award the contract to multiple telcos, that would explain the delay in sealing the deal.

    This iPhone ad on Maxis Voucher could be another marketing ploy. They might not be in the run if they wait that long…Apple would pick the best of the best and Maxis just might not cut it.

  36. rockstar:
    What I was thinking. It’s probably one of those cameo type appearances to unconsciously entice iPhone lovers in Malaysia. LOL!

    Ahhh, the wonders of marketing.

  37. Sorry, I take back my earlier statement. I don’t think it’s right to call it an iPhone ad or marketing. If it was one Maxis could be in trouble for infringing on copyright law if no consent was given by Apple to use their product image.

    Although that would give an unfair advantage to Maxis. But then how do we know for sure that the image used was an iPhone?

  38. I think here’s the kink when using an iPhone in the ad. There’s no branding on the front. It’s in the back. Compared to as to when they use the Apple laptops because the computer has to be opened and the angle is shot half the time with the logo clearly seen – most agencies remove the logo.

    I’d say the iPhone has become such an icon you don’t need the branding on the front. You’ll just know it’s an iPhone because of it’s unique design. Same when someone mentioned when they see white earphones it reminds them of the iPod.

    Simply iconic. Apple has done it again! :P

  39. Hey guys!
    Dont be stupid… Maxis is not bring ing Unlocked iphone… it’s gonna bring the real original unmodified iPhone!

    – English:
    If Maxis is going to bring iPhone 3G to here that cost RM1000-, that will be great! but for sure…. it will ask you to sign up for a type of package like 2 year contract, unlimited 3G package, or some thing worse but i don’t think unlimited 3G plan is bad…. i want that actually… ha ha

    I don’t really care.. as long as that the iPhone 3G cost will be lower than RM1000 , i will buy it! (Try to buy it, if my father allows because i have an iPod Touch and i’m crazy on it)

    Please tell or notice me at [email protected] if the price of iPhone 3G cost RM1000-RM1500

    – Bahasa:
    Kalau Maxis akan bawa iPhone 3G ke Malaysia yang bernilai RM 1000-,ia betul bagus! mestilah…. ia akan pangil kau SIGN UP untuk pakaj macam 2 tahun contrak, pakaj taiada limit 3G, atau yang lebih teruk tetapi pakaj tiada limit 3G bukan teruk sangat…. aku yang mahu pakej itu… ha ha

    Saya tidak betul kesah…. kalau iPhone 3G akan dijual kurang daripada RM1000, Saya mesti akan beli!(Cuba bele, kalau bapa saya kasih kerana saya ada iPod Touch dan gila kerana itu)

    Sila pangil atau cakap dengan saya kalau iPhone 3G bernilai RM1000-RM1500 ([email protected])

  40. Nickson, we’re lying in wait over here as well. But we’re calling it a hoax at the moment. It’s a marketing ploy.

  42. Don’t worry. You’ll definetely hear about it later when it comes. All Malaysia bloggers will most likely be talking about it. ;)

  43. I have a first-gen iphone unlocked, jailbroken and running 2.0. I am in Penang temporarily (until February 2009) and I have service with DiGi. I used the iPwnage Tool 2.0 (from the iphone dev team) on my wife’s Mac and it worked flawlessly.

    After reading the previous comments, I wanted to clear something up. The latest iPwnage Tool does NOT unlock the iPhone 3G. It only jailbreaks it, though they ae getting closer to an unlock. For the first-gen iphone, it jailbreaks and unlocks it.

  45. This iPwnage Tool 2.01 is only for Mac right. Do any of you know of the PC/Windows based version.

    Please let me know

  46. Urm, I’ve not heard any Windows versions who can hack the 2.0 yet. Plus, I remember a commenter sharing the 2.0 or something can be jailbroken but not activated. Or something like that.

  47. The iphone dev team has made their iPwnage technology available in a way that it can be used across multiple platforms (mac, windows, linux, etc…)

    WinPwn is a windows utility that uses this iPwnage Tool technology.

    It’s available here:

    http://www.winpwn.com

    It now works on 2.0 and 2.01

    Also, just for clarity:

    iPwnage and WinPwn both do the following;

    First-Gen iPhone: jailbreak, unlock, activation

    iPhone 3g: only jailbreak

    Have fun!

  50. Yes indeed Maxis won the battle. Today i’ve had a chat with Digi Manager here about iPhone 3G as i was holding the iPhone 16G 2G here and still loving it. As he mention Maxis indeed will bring in iPhone 3G to Malaysia and when it will arrive and pricing is still to be confirm that’s what i’ve been told. so as its we will have to wait and see what’s the future will be as same as Singapore Starhub and M1 will have iPhone 3G coming by end of the year.

  51. Hmm..are you sure? My last check tells me that Apple has yet to come up with a plan for Malaysia and that Maxis was only hoping to become one of the operators to offer the iPhone.

    I think a win by any one telco is not a win that we want to see happen..

  52. Well for my consent that the phone wont be cheap after adding up all the bound just like Singapore which i assume Maxis will do, and the unit will add up to be 3k+

  53. at that $ i dont think any telco will win because most of us would wait for the $ to come down or worse..get an unlocked unit.

  54. Well Maxis wont be dump enough to pay for the subsidy for the phone and let it go for cheap there must be a catch just like it launch in US on July 11 as the phone is cheap only USD299 but u have to bond with AT&T for 2 year which added up the cost is much much more than the price u pay for the phone.

  55. feins:
    Either that or they’ll charge like Singtel. You want the phone? Fork out a large amount accumulating to a marked up 1-year contract to purchase only the iPhone. :P

  58. iphone 3g…thailand been lunching the iphone 3g and its official by apple inc.
    i dint malaysia is in the list of coming soon at apple.com
    i think malaysian are not geeting iphone 3g officially befaore the iphone2 roll out

  59. I wouldn’t know Jev, I wouldn’t know. We might hopefully see it this year since Apple has started to lift the one-carrier policy. :)

  60. My buddy, who is subscribing Maxis RM1500 plan, was told by one of Maxis staff that he could get an iPhone in April if he upgrade his subscription to RM1800 plan.

  62. walmart is selling iphone 3G for 199 USD..so its not weird..
    these seller in malaysia is selling it really expensive..

  63. Well, there are many other things more expensive in Malaysia as compared to its origin. And, Apple products is one of them.

    Anyway, the Malaysia VS International price debate is not new.

  65. wow… 8 months since this ‘news’ came up and not a breath from maxis… bravo… ur ‘lubang’ kena filter la…. not accurate one :(

  66. Edward, ask maxis. LOL!

    Well, it was all a hunch but it was indeed covered in Malaysia Kini or one of the news website at the time. Therefore, it seems the sources aren’t as accurate you’d say.

    Nonetheless, I’ve a feeling it’ll come here as soon as these telcos think make less from the phone and earn more from the plans. :P

    Or, maybe the 2nd generation 3G iPhone would come out by then. LOL!

  67. Maxis has sealed the iPhone deal with Apple last week. Expect a press conference to be held soon… shhhhhhh

  68. yalo, it quite late, but better than none, at least malaysia is taking the first step in taking in the product, and btw apple does not easily offer their product to the country unless they really feel the market here is really goood…….

    i think maxis is the second operator in whole south east asia to get the rights from apple for the iphone 3g after singtel. even like giant starhub also unable to get it.

    so i think maxis really have the quality as a whole, they must be a really strong power whole in malaysia and network only apple would give them this rights.

  69. @whistle: you are the man. LOL!

    @titati: well, it’s really about market share and marketing. Maxis owns the biggest right now if I’m not mistaken.

    anyway, in terms of quality, some existing users may have their own thoughts about them.

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