Mobile Phones - iPhone Set For Launch on Further Networks
There have been persistent murmurings over the last couple of months, but finally this week Orange revealed that it would be launching the iPhone 3G and 3G S handsets on its network from October.
Following the expected merger of Orange and T-Mobile, it is likely that the latter will also launch Apple mobile handsets before the Christmas period.
This latest move is expected to see Apple take its share of the mobile contract market to 10%, a rise of 4% in the last three months.
O2 have enjoyed exclusivity for the Apple iPhone since its initial release but with their current deal expiring in November, Apple has the opportunity to capitalise on a variety of UK networks prior to the Christmas buzz.
Perhaps the most interesting outcome of this development is that competition for attractive iPhone deals will most certainly become fierce in the lead up to Christmas.
With net profits of around £750m revealed by Apple at the end of June, there appears to be no let up in the success of their mobile handsets.
Apple sold 5.
2m iPhones in the last quarter, a staggering 656% increase on this time last year - highlighting its undeniable demand.
Both Orange and T-Mobile have already begun notifying customers of the likelihood that they will be stocking the iPhone, while O2 has admitted that it was never likely to hold permanent exclusivity for the iPhone rights.
A tremendous number of Apple mobile phone accessories have also increased profitability for the technology giants.
Innovative desktop stands and car cradles have maintained the iPhone's accessibility in the office and on the move, while Bluetooth products have also developed popular hands-free methods of use.
A challenge to O2's iPhone handset prices and contract tariffs will certainly come under the microscope in the coming weeks as Orange and T-Mobile seek to stamp their authority on the UK market.
Following the expected merger of Orange and T-Mobile, it is likely that the latter will also launch Apple mobile handsets before the Christmas period.
This latest move is expected to see Apple take its share of the mobile contract market to 10%, a rise of 4% in the last three months.
O2 have enjoyed exclusivity for the Apple iPhone since its initial release but with their current deal expiring in November, Apple has the opportunity to capitalise on a variety of UK networks prior to the Christmas buzz.
Perhaps the most interesting outcome of this development is that competition for attractive iPhone deals will most certainly become fierce in the lead up to Christmas.
With net profits of around £750m revealed by Apple at the end of June, there appears to be no let up in the success of their mobile handsets.
Apple sold 5.
2m iPhones in the last quarter, a staggering 656% increase on this time last year - highlighting its undeniable demand.
Both Orange and T-Mobile have already begun notifying customers of the likelihood that they will be stocking the iPhone, while O2 has admitted that it was never likely to hold permanent exclusivity for the iPhone rights.
A tremendous number of Apple mobile phone accessories have also increased profitability for the technology giants.
Innovative desktop stands and car cradles have maintained the iPhone's accessibility in the office and on the move, while Bluetooth products have also developed popular hands-free methods of use.
A challenge to O2's iPhone handset prices and contract tariffs will certainly come under the microscope in the coming weeks as Orange and T-Mobile seek to stamp their authority on the UK market.
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