Wednesday, 19 September 2007

Apple Picks O2 for UK iPhone Launch

Amidst wild rumors, Apple finally confirmed yesterday that it has signed an exclusive carrier deal with O2 to launch its coveted iPhone in the UK come November 9. Apple said that after meeting a slew of major mobile operators in the UK, it decided on Telefonica’s O2 because both companies shared a similar culture...

Amidst wild rumors, Apple finally confirmed yesterday that it has signed an exclusive carrier deal with O2 to launch its coveted iPhone in the UK come November 9.

Apple said that after meeting a slew of major mobile operators in the UK, it decided on Telefonica’s O2 because both companies shared a similar culture.

Analysts say this “common culture” might have something to do with O2’s subscriber base, which is relatively young and tech savvy and since the iPhone is predominantly music-centric, it would sell well in that market.

Apple which has an iPhone target sales of 10 million worldwide by 2008 will be selling the device at 269 GBP. The cheaper 4-gigabyte version will not go on sale at all in the UK.

Earlier this month, the Cupertino, California based computer giant got into hot soup when it decided to slash its iPhone prices in the US. To calm down its angry consumers, Apple than issued an apology together with a USD 100 credit.