Apple and AT&T today announced that iPhone users will be able to activate their new phones using iTunes software running on a PC or Mac computer, without having to wait in a store.

According to Apple, activating an iPhone takes only minutes as iTunes guides the user through simple steps to choose their service plan, authorize their credit and activate their iPhone. Based on the company’s past record with handling high traffic loads, buyers may expect to spend some time online waiting for the process to complete.

Once the iPhone is activated, users can then easily sync all of their phone numbers and other contact information, calendars, email accounts, web browser bookmarks, music, photos, podcasts, TV shows and movies just like they do when they sync their iPods with iTunes.

“Users will be able to activate their new iPhone in the comfort and privacy of their own home or office, without having to wait in a store while their phone is activated,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “There are tens of millions of people in the US who already know how to sync their iPods with iTunes, and syncing their new iPhone with iTunes works the same way.”

Requirements

• iPhone activation requires an Internet connection;
• an iTunes Store account or a major credit card;
• a valid Social Security number (as required by AT&T);
• the latest version of iTunes available at www.itunes.com; and
• a PC or Mac with a USB 2.0 port and one of the following operating systems: Mac OS¬Æ X v10.4.10 or later; Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later; or Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Enterprise or Ultimate Edition.
• iPhone requires a new two-year AT&T service plan. Customers with existing AT&T accounts will have the option of keeping their existing phone number and upgrading their account to work with iPhone.