Orange UK Debuts iPhone, Sells 30K Units

Apple's highly popular iPhone became available in the UK via Orange on Tuesday, marking the end of the exclusivity period O2 had on the handset. According to the wireless carrier, the first day of iPhone sales went pretty well, as it managed to deliver more than 30,000 units to its users, and it is very pleased with the way things are moving.

“Orange UK had sold more than 30k iPhones, smashing what we believe is the previously published first day sales records for a phone in the UK!” Orange marketing manager Conor Maples stated via Twitter. However, it should be noted that O2 also announced “tens of thousands” of iPhones sold during the first day of availability, back in November 2007.

O2 UK had the iPhone available for its users for the past two years, yet other carriers in the country have been trying hard to get the device on their airwaves too, so as to gain a little more market share in the country. Vodafone UK is another operator that will have the Apple device on its offering, only that this will happen in early 2010, it seems, while T-Mobile's users should also receive access to the iPhone through the recently announced joint venture between Orange and T-Mobile.

“Our Orange Wednesdays app has gone to the top slot in the Entertainment Category, & hit 2nd place in the free apps chart on Apple App Store,” the company also announced. This shows that the carriers weren't the only ones looking out for the iPhone, but users were also interested in seeing the device available via more carriers in the UK.

The competition on the UK market is expected to intensify due to the broader availability of the iPhone, although it seems that the carriers might not engage into a price war over the Apple device. Even so, it remains to be seen how things will evolve, especially when Vodafone also enters the race. Those who would like to learn more on Orange's offering regarding the iPhone should head here.