Orange to launch iPhone in UK on 10 November

Orange looks set to release its version of Apple's iPhone 3GS from 10 November, according to industry sources.

The Guardian is stating that it 'understands' the release date will be early next month, which is the day after O2 loses exclusivity for the device.

It's unlikely that the move will trigger any price war though, with Apple said to be holding firm on the cost it wants to deliver the iPhone at.

This means that when Vodafone launches its device early next year, the price is also likely to stay the same, with the networks offering packages around the iPhone rather than further subsidising the cost.

Price war

However, when 3 picks up the phone next year (as TechRadar exclusively revealed last week) it seems possible the iPhone 3GS will be mature enough to take a small drop in price, as nearly all the networks look for differentiation.

The new iPhone will be offered through Orange's online and high street retail chains, and also from Phones4U. The Carphone Warehouse, which is a re-seller of the device for O2, is also expected to follow suit.

We've spoken to Orange and are waiting to find out any more information about pricing and availability, as it seems likely there will be strong interest from Orange customers looking to get their hands on the device.

Source: http://www.techradar.com/