Orange UK confirms Apple iPhone 3GS launch

Orange UK has confirmed that it will start selling the Apple iPhone 3G and 3GS later this year.

The move will be a blow to O2 which for the past two years has been the exclusive distributor of the iPhone in the UK.

While it had been rumoured that O2 would lose the exclusive rights to the iPhone 3G to Orange and T-Mobile, it was thought that it would retain sole access to the newer 3GS.

Orange - part of France Telecom - has been the exclusive outlet for the iPhone in France. The company gave little information out about pricing plans or release dates apart from saying it would launch 'later this year' and would be sold through 'selected high street partners' as well as its direct channels.

Punters who want to register their interest in the Orange iPhone can leave their details on the Orange iPhone website.