UK launch details for you, guv’nor

Despite the fact that I did live in the UK for a little while, I won’t incur your wrath and raucous laughter by attempting to write the following post like I have a British accent. That’s your second reason for celebration this week: the first is that on Friday the iPhone arrives on your shores—consider it our gift to you, in return for all that you’ve given us Americans (by which we mean, of course, Beatlemania).

Apple’s announced some details of the UK launch: as we know, the iPhone will be available from Apple Stores, O2 Stores, and Carphone Warehouse (which has to be possibly my favorite name for a retail store, ever). As in the US, the iPhone goes on sale in the evening, though Apple says that doors open at the rather bizarre time of 6:02PM. Genius Bars will be ready to offer support, and starting Saturday morning, you can go into the Apple Store for training.

You’ll be able to purchase up to two iPhones per person, which you can activate via iTunes later. Activation will require a new 18-month contract with O2; presumably current O2 customers will be able to extend their current contracts. Data use will be truly unlimited, despite previous claims to the contrary.

So there you go, UK folks—get ready for iPhonemania starting on Friday. Oh, and, one more thing: can you please take the Beckhams back? Thanks.

Category: News

Posted by Dan Moren on Nov 6 2007, 9:59 AM ET

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