Apple and AT&T: Can Apple Trust AT&T?

Apple and AT&T: From past stories, you are probably well aware that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) have a good partnership going. The smartphone giant relies on the mobile carrier to market its device to tens of millions of people. And of course, AT&T benefits by all the business it brings to the company.

While both sides are sure to benefit in many ways, a recent release by AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has some wondering how the wireless carrier is treating Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).

Here is the release in question: AT&T Offers Newest Smartphones at 50 Percent-Off with Trade-In of Current Smartphone

As you can see, this is an awesome promotion for AT&T customers who are on the fence about whether or not they should trade up to a new phone. With a little bit of financial incentive, these people may finally head online or to their local store to purchase an upgraded device.

What does this have to do with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)? Take a look at the first paragraph of the release:

“Beginning May 1, consumers who trade in their current smartphone to AT&T will be eligible to receive at least $100 off the purchase of a new smartphone, including the new Samsung Galaxy S 4, BlackBerry Z10 or 32 GB HTC One.  These devices are normally $199.99 with a qualifying two-year agreement but, with this limited time promotion, they will be available for $99.99.”

What is missing? As you can see, the release talks about upgrading to three models: Samsung Galaxy S 4, BlackBerry Z10 or 32 GB HTC One. Where is the Apple iPhone on that list?

There is a good chance that this is nothing more than an oversight on the part of the person responsible for sending out the release. However, this is a pretty big oversight being that the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone pushes plenty of volume for the carrier.

At this point, you may be questioning whether or not the Apple iPhone is even part of the promotion. Well, it appears that it is if you read the fine print as there is a reference to the iPhone.

This is nothing to blow out of proportion, but it is strange that AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) would not include a mention of the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone in a release such as this.

It will be interesting to see how many people take advantage of the promotion, and which smartphone they end up buying.

For more information on the partnership between the two companies, visit the following page:

Disclosure: none

Check back here for more updates on Apple and AT&T.

For more news stories, visit these pages:

Apple Beating Google In Hunt For Local Ads

Apple’s Big iPhone Is a Big Deal

Ride Apple’s Coattails to Double-Digit Profits With This $10 Stock