Wal-Mart to Sell iPhones, But at What Price?

Apple's iPhone is one of the few products selling well this holiday season and Wal-Mart is one of the few retailers where people are shopping these days. So some marketing geniuses have decided (ta-da) it makes sense to sell iPhones at Wal-Mart stores.

Actually, it is a very good idea for both firms: Apple is seeking to dominate the smartphone apps market like Microsoft dominates PC software. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart is looking to cement its reputation as the essential retailer — and not just in bad times.

This deal should help both companies pursue those goals, although various reports say the iPhone won't be available in Wal-Mart on Dec. 28, which may cannibalize some holiday sales.

The key issue of contention right now is the price, with many sources refuting the "$99 iPhone" story, as AppleInsider.com details.