Although few details are known about the anticipated launch of the iPhone in Europe, analysts agree that Apple Inc. could be forced to pursue a different distribution strategy than it has in the U.S. and may even tweak a technical feature or two.
Discussion of the iPhone’s arrival in Europe intensified following a report in the Financial Times about a deal between Apple and mobile phone operators in three key European markets.
Germany’s T-Mobile Deutschland GmbH, France’s Orange SA and Britain’s O2 (UK) Ltd. are reported to have signed exclusive deals to sell the iPhone in their respective markets, with an announcement expected as early as next week, according to the report, which cited unnamed sources.
As part of the deal, the operators agreed to give Apple 10 percent of the revenue they generate from the sale of voice and data services for the device, the report said.
All three operators declined to comment. Other potential partners, including Telef