A number of rumors about a possible return to in-home iPhone activations have begun to circulate after Apple Store employees reported seeing a new "Home" activation option during the purchasing process. The news was quickly clarified, and AppleInsider has the details of the actual home pre-qualification program that led to the home activation rumors.

The in-store activation process made our list of iPhone 3G problems in August. The device still needs to be activated in an Apple Store, and unlocked versions aren't yet available. The goods news is that the new pre-qualification may simplify the process a bit, at least for some buyers. When an iPhone purchase occurs, the device appears as full price, but is then discounted by a rebate tied to the buyer's contract. Because some buyers may not be eligible for the rebate or may have corporate plans, AT&T is offering a site that will pre-qualify those iPhone buyers.

Besides allowing users to check their rebate eligibility, the site lets people set up the upgrade and shave a few minutes off of the in-store activation process. Sure, it's not activation in the comfort of your own living room, and it appears that the functionality is limited to current AT&T customers, but now you'll have a few more minutes of free time when you go in to buy your new iPhone.