Apple UK will begin selling the white iPhone 3G tomorrow, Friday 22nd, through its own stores, O2 and retail partner Carphone Warehouse. According to a loose-lipped UK source connected with the handset, the white 16GB version – which, unlike in the US, has not been available to UK buyers – will be announced at the end of the week, much sooner than the “just before Christmas” promise each of the companies have been making up until now.
The source also had news on the PAYG (pay-as-you-go, or pre-pay) options, which had been promised at the same time as the original iPhone 3G UK announcement but delayed until after the contract handset went on sale. No specific release dates, but apparently they will land “months before” their expected Christmas launch. Pricing is as yet unknown, but predicted to be in the region of £300 ($557) for the 8GB and £360 ($669) for the 16GB.
The official announcement is set for tomorrow, apparently, with all stores receiving stock at some point throughout the day. It’s likely to be limited numbers, however, which could lead to more queueing despite the iPhone 3G having been available for some time now.
The white iPhone 3G has been available in the UK from launch – but only via Apple’s own stores. This new availability is likely to be for O2 and Carphone Warehouse stores – which previously only offered the 8Gb and the black 16Gb iPhone 3G. Handy for upgraders from the previous iPhone though – as they can only upgrade at O2 or Carphone Warehouse.