Apple plans to begin selling the upcoming 3G iPhone in some European countries by or before August, according to a New York Times report. Citing a person close to the situation, the article starts with an August target date for the release, then states that Apple wants to start selling the 3G version of the iPhone in Europe before August, when many Europeans take their summer holidays. The use of both “by” and “before” in the article makes it unclear whether Apple plans to have the 3G iPhone on the market in Europe by the beginning of August, or plans to launch the handset earlier. An Apple spokesperson contacted for the report confirmed the now-official iPhone sales arrangements with Vodafone and TIM in Italy, but declined to comment on whether Vodafone had received exclusivity in other countries, leaving the door open for more multi-carrier arrangements. Earlier today, Vodafone announced that it would offer the iPhone in ten countries by the end of 2008.

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So does this mean that they will run the 2nd Generation (i.e. 2G) iPhone in Europe before turning it loose stateside? I hope not, as I’m trying to hold out for the new iPhone.

(On a side note, let’s stop calling it the “3G” iphone, people. 3G only refers to the cell radio. We’re really talking about the 2G iPhone, whether it has 3G cell technology or not.)

By jasonact on 05.06.08 at 10:51 AM

Why would they announce release plans in Europe prior to doing so for their home country?

I agree with jasonact above, that’s going to create a lot of confusion down the road when the third generation iPhone is released.

By Greg K on 05.06.08 at 12:59 PM

Because 3G networks are more widespread in Europe than in the US, while EDGE is more widespread in the US than in Europe.

By Nobody on 05.06.08 at 02:30 PM

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