Since it's launch in late 2007 the Apple iPhone has been an exclusive for the O2 carrier network in the UK. O2 have been the only carrier to supply the original iPhone, iPhone 3G and the more recent iPhone 3GS. Now though Orange customers will soon be able to get their hands on the iPhone 3G and 3GS which will bring to an end the two year exclusivity O2 had over the iPhone.

According to TechRadar.com, Orange UK have hinted to them that the iPhone could be made available to it's customers by the end of the year, which could mean that many people might get Orange iPhones for Christmas. For a while it has been thought that O2 will loose its exclusivity some time on or around October 8th. Which means we could see the iPhone on Orange much sooner than the end of the year.

Orange wouldn't divulge any details on pricing to TechRadar but said, "In terms of pricing, we're going to be releasing information of that closer to the release date. We're actually going to hold back [on price announcements] for some time, as there's no need to alert our competitors about our pricing before we need to".

However pricing for the iPhone on Orange is expected to be similar to that of O2's pricing as it is thought that O2 already subsidise the cost of the handset quite a bit. Orange went on to say, "It's very important we're competitive [in terms of pricing with O2] and we bring other interesting things to the melting pot. We'll certainly be competitive, and will offer some new angles that are different for Orange customers [over O2's offering]".

One of these "new angles" might be shorter contracts, which might suit some people as Apple appear to be releasing a new iPhone every year. Another angle is Orange iPhone firmware, however given that Apple like complete control of their products it is thought that if any Orange firmware does appear on the iPhone it will be minimal.

When asked about firmware Orange said, "In terms of our signature Orange firmware we'll release more information nearer the time. We all know the way Apple operate and what other operators have managed to implement on the iPhone across the world, so it will be relatively minimal".

For those that are exited by the prospect of the iPhone coming to Orange UK, the company has already launched an Orange iPhone website, where you can register your interest in the Orange iPhone and be notified of any updates. Keep an eye out for any updates regarding the iPhone on Orange as we will have more information when it is released.