Apple Extends .Mac Accounts For Early Registers

by , 8:00 AM EDT, August 20th, 2002

In a move that some will take as a sign that Apple does indeed listen to its customers, Apple has extended the service period for those who sign up before the September 30 deadline to include the time they sign up until September 20, 2003. This should give many folks who where waiting for the September 30 deadline to sign on a reason not to wait. Here's what the .Mac FAQ has to say:

Q: If I upgrade to a full .Mac membership today, does my annual membership begin immediately, or not until September 30th?

If you join .Mac on or before September 30, 2002, your membership will be extended to September 30, 2003. (Due to the large number of .Mac signups, however, don't be concerned if your expiration date is September 30 or a few days later. Check your account to see your exact expiration date.) If you purchase after September 30, 2002 your membership will begin immediately and will expire one year from the date or purchase. So, if you join on October 5, 2002, your membership will need to be renewed by October 5, 2003.

Ex-iTools users are getting the following in an e-mail for Apple:

Since we announced .Mac in July, we've welcomed thousands of new members into the .Mac community, and we can't wait to add more. As a former iTools member, now when you convert from a trial to a paid .Mac membership before September 30, 2002, your first year of .Mac membership will automatically be extended to September 30, 2003. That means that the sooner you join, the more time you get to enjoy the full benefits of .Mac membership, including expanded iDisk and Mac.com mail storage, Virex virus protection, peace of mind with Backup, and more. So join today and start enjoying those benefits right away. We look forward to welcoming you into the .Mac community.

Stop by Apple's .Mac Web site for more information.

The Mac Observer Spin:

Apple is working hard to make sure that this quarter is at least a break-even quarter, and with the smart money waiting until the last second to move from iTools to .Mac in order to get as much time as possible for one's US$49, Apple shot itself in the foot by not making this offer in the first place. In other words, this is a very good move from Apple in terms of customer service and Apple's own bottom line, and we welcome it.

Apple .Mac