Walmart, Radio Shack join Apple in selling new iPhone 4 on its launch day

For the first time, consumers don't need to camp out at an Apple or AT&T store to get an iPhone.

Walmart will be selling Apple's new iPhone 4 when it launches June 24 and Radio Shack has announced on its Twitter account that some of its stores will be taking pre-orders for the new iPhone 4 starting June 14 along with Apple.

Walmart spokeswoman Melissa O'Brien tells Consumer Ally in an e-mail that retailer will sell the iPhone 4 in about 1,500 stores when the product launches. She didn't elaborate on which stores would be carrying the iPhone 4 on June 24 because the final store list is still being determined. The iPhone 4 will not be carried on walmart.com and the retailer won't be taking advance orders.

"We suggest customers call their local stores next week to inquire," she said in the email.

The addition of other retailers to an iPhone launch is a change from the way Apple has introduced previous iPhones, when consumers have sometimes waited in line for days to buy one.

Radio Shack first announced that last Tuesday and its Twitter feed since then has been dominated by the pre-order news. A call by Consumer Ally for comment was not immediately returned today.

"JUST IN: #iPhone4 pre-orders start next Tuesday @RadioShack... and that's only the beginning. RT!" says the tweet from Radio Shack last week. Consumers will have to give a $50 deposit to pre-order the iPhone. Radio Shack is also offering a $200 trade-in for the 3GS if the unit is in good condition. Consumers need to check with their local store to see if it's participating.

Apple will be selling the iPhone 4 for a suggested retail price of $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB version. Apple says it will be available in Apple and AT&T retail and online stores and Best Buy and Walmart stores.

The iPhone 4 has a faster processor and higher resolution than its predecessor. Check out WalletPop's rundown of its new features for more info.