Earlier this week, rumors surfaced that AT&T would start selling the iPhone 3G without the standard two-year contract. The purchaser would pay more for the iPhone: $599 for the 8GB and $699 for the 16GB, but would not be required to activate the phone at the store.

It’s not in-home activation, but it’s as close as you’re likely to get for the foreseeable future. Apple has updated their website to include an option to make it easier than ever to buy an iPhone 3G. The process begins online at the new page and ends at an Apple Store. It’s a four step more »