@whmurray I'm referring to the new contract/early upgrade prices of $199 and $299. They are a staple and will either stay the same or even possibly become LOWER. But Apple will not bring them up to $399. Not a chance. I buy each phone and am eligible for early upgrade each year, and I pay the new contract price.
@loudrims_inc The 16GB model will not be $299, and when did the 3GS's price go down? About a week ago, at Wal-Mart only, when the new iPhone was well on its way... It's not a good price when the new version is right around the corner and you're signing a 2 year contract with last year's hardware. It wasn't even an official price cut, and Apple still sells the 3GS at $199 and $299 just as they did on the release date.
It's not going to get a price cut this year, especially not as early as October. You might be better off just paying the extra this year in the 2 month release period, then you'll be eligible for early upgrade next year. Bite the bullet once and you won't have to deal with the headache ever again. Right?