Apple, O2 working together to allow Apple stores to sell iPhone 3G

There have been various reports on the internet that the new iPhone 3G will be available exclusively from O2 and Carphone Warehouse, not from Apple stores (in the UK, anyway). The reports came after the UK version of the iPhone site listed only O2 and Carphone Warehouse under “Where to Buy.” But, it seems Apple will indeed be selling the new iPhone in their stores, after all.

MacWorld UK reports that O2 is working closely with Apple to enable them to sell the iPhone at the O2 subsidized cost throughout Apple stores in the UK.

Apple currently can’t sell the iPhone 3G at its stores due to the need for credit checks (which Apple can’t currently do in-store) and because their staff is currently not trained to sell contracts, which is required for the iPhone 3G because it will be activated in-store only.

“We are currently working closely with Apple to enable them to issue contracts in store. Full details are still to be confirmed,” explained a spokesperson for O2. The new iPhone, launching July 11th, will be available in the UK at O2 stores, The Carphone Warehouse, and, if all goes well, Apple stores too.

I had a feeling that Apple would be selling in store; after all, it’s their product!

Via [Macworld UK]