iPhone 3G Turns Orange In October!
There had been rumours swirling around for a little while now, but we think that all of the pieces fit into place only too perfectly to sit on this bombshell…
We have word from a very, very credible source on the inside that the iPhone 3G will be available on Orange in the UK, possibly as soon as October.
We know. It sounds a bit hard to believe, but in light of recent events it seems a great deal more likely than not. Let us weigh up the evidence for the iPhone 3G’s October emancipation…
- o2 did win out in the UK, but don’t forget that Orange snagged the iPhone 3G in France, and T-Mobile in Germany. It is also freely available on the Optus, Telstra and Vodafone networks in Australia. So allegiance to a single network as far as Europe is concerned could easily be temporary.
- The possibility of o2/Apple exclusivity being a limited time offer due to lackluster sales of the first iPhone in the UK. Apple playing so nice and o2 giving phones out for free is a far cry from £269 for an 8GB a year ago, there had to be a catch to them delivering arguably the best value iPhone 3G deals in the world. Three months for o2 as the sole vendor, then all bets are off? Apple wants to sell as many phones as possible, an exclusive carrier is not in their best interests.
- With Apple capturing casual consumer interest through o2’s morning launches and queues round the block, then who better than Orange to pair with when it comes to tackling that more elusive discerning corporate user?
Or is it just an Omio fever dream? Do you think there’s something here, or are we making a few too many leaps of faith in our thinking? Let us know in the forums!
*UPDATE: It’s half way through October and no news, what gives? Well, after much twisting of arms and pulling of hair, we managed to extract some information from our source.
He admits to having been slightly “overzealous” in his ‘October for iPhone’ statement, and says that the success of the iPhone 3G and PAYG option have delayed if not scuppered Orange’s plans to break the monopoly.
Oh well, at least there are a wealth of iPhone alternatives on the networks this festive period…
In the meantime we have the top O2 deals on the iPhone 3gs 16gb and iPhone 3GS 32GB at Omio.
OMG - That’s HUGE news!!!
Personally I’d love to see o2 get a little competition, let’s see a price war! Definitely great news for consumers…
WANT. I’m far, far too lazy to change providers. This way I can stay with my beloved Orange and get an iPhone.
[...] to the mobile fans at Omio, they’ve had “word from a very, very credible source on the inside that the iPhone 3G will be [...]
If this does happen - i’d say its likely to hit Voda UK too - given that they already sell it in 21 markets globally
I’m all for it being available through all networks
None of the Apple UK product shots have had the o2 network tag on it.. nor does any of the product information in the box.. It’s always “the carrier” or generic words to that effect. I’ve always assumed that o2’s exclusivity wouldn’t be eternal, following other phone launches “only on o2 [initially]“, and wouldn’t be at all surprised if Orange start getting the phone, and, to be honest, why not Vodafone too? The same arguments can be made about them being on other European networks / more elusive corporate (or individuals for that matter). And while i’m on to it, what makes any body think that Orange (in France) will keep exclusivity of the iPhone there?? Their sales of the first iphone were pretty miserable, and SFR has a solid network. Above all, I don’t see why Apple benefits from this exclusive network stuff anymore now that they don’t get kick-backs from the montly contract.. so why on earth not?
It’s very true,
Apple are not benifiting from an exclusivity deal with the carrier other than i’m assuming the one-off deal with O2. I reckon O2 have bought out the rights to sell the phone exclusivily for however many months/years, and maybe if this is true, it’s their contract coming to an end with Apple. I don’t know whether Apple want to renew with 02 as it’s not in their interest financially, to do so. It would explain if this “credible source” is correct about the avaliability on Orange.
I was discussing this the other day, but came to the conclusion that O2 would hold on for as long as possible and put in more money where necessary. I thought it would at LEAST be a few years before loosing the exclusivity.
I’d personally like to see the iPhone come out on other networks.
I’m stuck on 02 PAYG at the moment and it’s crap for the iPhone. On their contracts I would end up spending approx £540 a year, which I, at the moment don’t want to boxed into getting.
Let the price war commense…
[...] the weekend, El Reg alerted me to a blog post at Omio which reckons Orange will be the next iPhone provider in the UK. The original iPhone was only [...]
[...] Pig, a fairly reputable tech news website in the UK, published the claims of the website Omio who have spoken with a “very, very credible source on the inside that the iPhone 3G will be [...]
this is great
the iphone and apple will get much more money this way bringing the iphone 3g on many different networks now i can get one 
wow this is amazing if its true i will deffinatly be buying one i hope you hear this APPLE!
I, too, hope Apple are listening! I’m not changing from Orange. All my family are on it, it is good value, and definitely the best signal in Devon, where stay regularly. I actually searched for “iPhone Orange” to find this, so you can imagine my delight at reading it. I just hope the rumour is borne out. I love all things Apple and badly need the use of something really portable whereby I can stay in touch with someone with whom email is my only source of contact, in privacy, and have fast internet access, too.
Listen up, Applie - If the iPhone’s not on the Orange network by Christmas, I shall be buying an alternative!
As a company we’re stuck on the Orange network, mainly because it’s good, however depending on the decision on Apple to allow Orange to sell the iPhone will determine whether we get the blackberry bold or iphone. I think it’s a silly decision to not offer it to all networks. Where has freedom of choice gone?
OMG this is great iv been with orange for years and lately i have been really really wanting the iphone. i have been keeping my eye on this since the news was released. now its getting closer and closer to october and i have not read anything else apart from rumors. Im starting to wonder if this is going to happen.
I just want to hear an update on this rumor
I dont think that you will hear anything other than rumours - with giants like apple and orange wont let anything slip until the deal is signed.
But I would also like to receive an iphone on the orange contract…
Pah…. I’m on Orange at the moment and HATE them. Can’t even get a decent signal in our flat in London. Really bad customer service too. Can’t wait until my contract runs out!
Hmmm…looking like a bust now. I think if it was going to happen in October they would have announced it already. I think the rumor is mixed up with October being the month that the iPhone can be sold by other retailers (still only on o2 though.
Great shame as I can’t get o2 where I am so was hoping for an Orange one. Waste of money getting an o2 version however much I’d like one (lots!)
yeah that’s really annoying as I can’t get O2 signal where I live. I’ll just have to hack the network lock!
[...] 6. The 3G reception on O2 is really ropey in Edinburgh. Its fine on wifi and when you can connect on 3G but alot of the time i’m back on GPRS i think. Hopefully orange will get the contract soon… [...]
Just got off the phone to Orange, asking how much it would cost me to upgrade today…cutting a long story short it was alot. The guy in the call centre advised me to wait til Feb when it would be free…HERE’S THE GOOD BIT…and that “between now and then the iPhone and N96 will be out too”
So don’t write this one off too soon!!!
Omg Apple please sort out ur contract with Orange as I would love an iphone 3G 16GB for Chrissy!
I also do not want to change my service provider or sign up to an 18 months contract with anyone! So come on in these difficult times share the monopoly with other providers to entice more customers & better deals than 500 texts blah ……………….
I want it on orange because i like orange and im not changing my provider! Its about time it opened to more providers
xx
The iphone should defiantly go to orange. to have an iphone on o2 where i live would be usless(i really want 1), so defiantly should be in orange stores.
Same here I want an iphone but on a good Network. O2 is one of the worse 3g Network in UK.
Why!!!???? Why!!!!????
you say that ipone is coming to orage but where in november now still no news so hurry up and let us no more info
Would be nice to here some news. i asked in an orange shop today and they said it isn’t coming to orange stores so would be nice if we were told whether it is available on orange in future or not
I think that Orange picked up the xperia x1 by Sony Ericcson and the newly released Blackberry Storm as well, so if go to compare mobile phone offers from Orange for the holidays, you are going to have a wide variety of options.
Any update on this? It was first reported back in July, and not heard a peep since. My contract has ended with Orange, and I am looking for a new phone, but dont want to particularly move from Orange, but I have had a good play around with the Iphone and well……………..I WANT ONE NOW!!! Please update with latest.
I was hoping this rumour was true…guess its wishful thinking. I’ve also heard that the X1 will be an orange exclusive but sign of it yet and the blackberry storm is exclusive to vodafone
need to change my w890i bloody thing keeps crashing and restarting itself!!!
what’s the omnia like??
I work for orange. We are releasing the iphone in May 09
OMG I have been waiting for this. Hopefully it will just be in time for renewing my contract. I really really want a Iphone. I’m getting fed up of having to go on the PC to put music on my Sony when I should be able do it from Itunes on my MAc. Why isn’t everything Apple. It would be so much easier.
I work for Orange. We are releasing theiphone in May 2011
Been doing some digging on this. The original exclusive agreement with 02 and Apple was for 18 months and started back in Nov 2007, therefore there could be some truth in the May 09, orange release.
ok then Mr.’i work for orange’ with his May 2011 iphone on orange release date, that’s over 2 yrs away. it’s gonna have to be some heck of an iphone by then if we’ve to wait that long. who u trying to fool?
Wicked thats soooooo MEGa Apple & Orange what a great fruity combination am sure this will be a winner I want to stay with Orange and I love the Iphone- well thats the problem solved for me. i will look forward eagerly in anticipation. be better even sooner too summer 09 would be fantastic! heres hoping….
[...] O2 is going to want to shift the remaining stock of the old models in anticipation of the next iPhone. With a million units sold of the first two generations of iPhone, the network is clearly keen to continue their success. However, Orange is said to be talking to Apple in freeing up the exclusivity deal for UK distribution. Yeah, we’ve been burnt by Orange insiders telling us that before… [...]
Its brill news and when in october will it be out ??
I can’t wait till Orange get the iPhone
I really really want an iphone and I dont want to leave orange either I’ve always been with them they have fantstic customer service and I always have better signal than my boyf BUT HE’S JUST GOT AN IPHONE!!!!! I’m suprised O2 are allowed to monopolise it. Come on Apple listen to the people!!!!
Got an iPhone last week and was so disappointed when I got home to find zero signal from O2 anywhere near our village! Had the phone for only 4 hours and it had to go back. In that time I had played and played with it and totally fell in love with it. I don’t think there;s anything like it, or the deal with O2, anywhere else in the marketplace at this time.
Come on Apple, let Orange have the iPhone!
Ok, so you’ve said it will be out in October, this was posted in 2008… it’s now 2009 and iPhone is still not out on Orange - I think you should have a very very strong word or two with your very, very credible source on the inside
Hi, I’m an iPhone user. Firstly it’s amazing and people shouldn’t let o2 put them off. Secondly, I’ve looked into it and found out from a director of sales at o2 that apple is keeping iPhone exclusive to them. It was a 5 year deal when the origional iPhone came out so there is still plenty of time left in that deal.
Orange fans, your in for a long wait, and that’s assuming o2 don’t get another deal!
The FD has said yes to us having iPhones, but the Company contract is with Orange - how frustrating is that!
Ha. Finally. Orange is by far the best tariff to be on. I am so glad that orange have got the iPhone. They will make thousands!
So, after spending far too much time googling around the globe to see if Orange (UK) is really getting the iphone does any one really really know ? I rang Orange today and as normal when I ring spoke to a very nice girl (in the UK) she told me they were aware they were loosing loads of customers because they don’t have the iphone but they where not getting it for the foreseeable future . . . . I like many others don’t won’t to leave Orange, I left o2 / BT/ Cell Net years ago with crap service and crap customer care but as a MAC user and owner of a Blackberry that struggles to do anything much with MAC I am not left with much choice am I ! ? Maybe “Mobile me” / “Missing sync” will work ?
Yeah i also just phoned Orange, they said they missed there chance last Christmas.
Unfortunately i have to leave Orange next month to get the new Iphone (End of June im told by O2)
Real shame, i have been with Orange for 10 years now. I find it astonishing that O2 can have a such a monopoly over this phone
ah well bye bye Orange ;-(
Like many people on this blog. I have been with orange for a while now and i have been to other operators over the years..I spoke to O2 yesterday and was told that the new iphone would not be out till christmas. But when looking on the web it points towards the end of June. there is a youtube video with the new iphone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJXk4KMx50c
with music in the background called “The Show” by Lenka. heard it on Radio One a few days ago as first air play. due for release 15th of june.. which ties in with 2 weeks from apple release and retails release.. the web points to the 29 June..
I also spoke to Orange and there said they did not have the iphone in the future but there did say that o2`s exclusive deal was coming to an end and to watch this space.. My thoughts are to wait for the new model with Orange but even with being on a good deal on orange with a blackberry internet bold on i do think that with the unlimited and free WIFI. When Orange get the iphone i do not think that wifi or unlimited internet will be there? Orange has the Best customer Service and that is why i have not moved before.
OMG this would e amazing
orange wednesdays + iPhone = brilliant!!!!!
only been with nokia & orange for decades allways upgradding when possible. large user,been waiting for ages,orange customer since their second year (great customer service (speak as you find )want i phone not prepared to change service provider so if orange get i phone great best things for ages.
I was speaking to Orange Tech support last week and the guy there told me that they had been sent all the config settings for the Iphone. Why would they have these unless they were planning on offering it…. He reckoned it will be October this year…
left o2 last year and moved to orange! its deffinatly better, there network seems to be alot faster and now i dont get that stupid interference with electrical devices around the house unlike with o2, due to o2’s network being 20 years old and using 900mhz, also only go on o2 if you enjoy the fact that the police can eavesdrop on your calls as they run allongside the o2 network
Why not get an unlocked, jailbreak or whatever it’s called, iPhone from eBay? Then you can have your Orange cake while eating a healthy Apple (pie) iPhone….
Apple are just about to spend six weeks shooting a commercial. Normally commercials are shot over one or two days. I’d say something big is about to be launched.
Ok,
I’m coming to the end of my orange contract. I really, really want the iphone. Are Orange getting the damn thing or not? And if they are…when? Need to renewe contract in the next month!
my contract is up now.spoke to several people going to wait and see looks good the future is bright for ipone on orange.
Just spoke to geico, they were offering me the iphone on any contract starting from october!!!!!!!!!!
so its a certainty, they will go to all networks with the iphone, sense i guess.
alex
alexwillink hotmail.com
Just got off the phone to Orange, lady on the phone said that Orange are in a bidding war at the mo to get rights for the iphone. This all comes to a end start of October, so we will find out then.