Error Code 9838 and the 3G iPhone

With the release of Apple's new 3G iPhone, users are experiencing errors in trying to connect to iTunes for the first time. Error code 9838 is being returned as users try to activate their new iPhones. This system error is caused not by any fault of the iPhone, but rather with the iTunes servers themselves. Error 9838 is being caused by the very popularity of the new phone.

The Cause of Error Code 9838

When the iTunes servers are overloaded with people trying to activate their phones, users will receive error code 9838 along with the following text error message: We could not complete your iTunes Store request. An unknown error occurred (-9838). Looking up error code 9838 at Apple's website won't help; there is essentially nothing you can do from your end. This is an Apple infrastructure issue. Users of the new 3G iPhone have fallen victim to their own need to have the latest and greatest gadget on its first day of release.

How to Avoid Error Code 9838

The simple answer to avoiding error code 9838 is to wait. People who try to activate their phones after the initial rush will likely not experience error code 9838 since traffic to the sign-up servers will taper off over time relieving the problem. Stores selling the 3G iPhone initially tried to activate each phone directly in the store. Error code 9838 and failed attempts to connect with iTunes 7.7, however, put an end to that during the mid-morning hours. Instead, customers who purchase the 3G iPhone are being asked to activate the phones themselves from home in order to avoid receiving the error code 9838.

Of course, those who rush home and quickly try to activate their new 3G iPhone will experience error code 9838 anyway since the problem will recur until the volume of new activations slows down. Unfortunately, the type of customer most motivated to buy the 3G iPhone on the first day of its release are the ones most eager to activate the device. Error code 9838 and the need to wait to activate their new 3G iPhones has left many of them frustrated. Apple is hoping that their frustration doesn't result in returning the 3G iPhone to the store.