Apple Computer is expected to launch its iconic Apple iPhone in India with telecom giant Vodafone in the first week of September.
Initially the 8 GB version of iPhone, which has Wi-Fi capabilities, email client, TV feeds, online music store and map-based location guide, will be launched at a price ranging between Rs 27,200 and Rs 28,000. Depending on buyers response, the 16 GB version will be launched in the middle of 2009.
Apple claims to have shipped four million iPhones this January since its US launch on June 29 last year, and its chief Steve Jobs has targeted sales of 10 million units by December 2008.
"The carrier deal for India is being worked out with Vodafone," said an Apple source, adding: "Vodafone could also become the carrier for the Australian market once iPhone is launched there, though more than one carrier is likely for Australia."
When contacted, Vodafone company sources confirmed the iPhone carrier deal with Apple, though the exact commercial terms were not disclosed. Mobile carriers that offer the iPhone share a percentage of their sales with Apple.
The Apple retail sources also did not rule out Apple extending universal access for iPhone users to all major telecom carriers in India.
"Post launch in India, the iPhone can be 'unlocked' (or configured to use SIM cards from all telecom carriers), though the company is not fully open to such a possibility," the source said.
Apple claims to have shipped four million iPhones this January since its US launch on June 29 last year, and its chief Steve Jobs has targeted sales of 10 million units by December 2008.
"The carrier deal for India is being worked out with Vodafone," said an Apple source, adding: "Vodafone could also become the carrier for the Australian market once iPhone is launched there, though more than one carrier is likely for Australia."
When contacted, Vodafone company sources confirmed the iPhone carrier deal with Apple, though the exact commercial terms were not disclosed. Mobile carriers that offer the iPhone share a percentage of their sales with Apple.
The Apple retail sources also did not rule out Apple extending universal access for iPhone users to all major telecom carriers in India.
"Post launch in India, the iPhone can be 'unlocked' (or configured to use SIM cards from all telecom carriers), though the company is not fully open to such a possibility," the source said.
