Opinion: Will the iPhone be available to all independent Apple resellers in June?

Apple will carefully choose which resellers it rolls the product out to, as the vendor will no doubt sell the products through its new Apple store located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD area.

A few days ago online technology site Cnet.com.au reported that an industry insider claimed Optus will be one of several Australian mobile service providers selling Apple's iPhone, with sales and service commencing in the last week of June. The site also stated: “It has also been rumoured that Apple may intend to sell the iPhone directly through Apple stores and resellers, and that these phones would be unlocked.”

This isn’t the first time such reports have sprung up, although this is the closest to a solid news lead on Apple’s iPhone plans for the local marketplace. Although in April Australian online Macintosh community forum – MacTalk – went wild with rumours regarding the impending Australian launch of the iPhone.

At the time, a MacTalk user wrote: “Apple has been informing resellers of their iPhone strategy for Australia. Resellers have been informed of the following things: last week of June release; more than one carrier; no contract lock in; and current resellers will be able to sell phones.”

The MacTalk user added: “This ties in perfectly with the Sydney Apple store opening, any WWDC announcements, iPhone 2.0 software and time for stock to filter in to the country.”

Apple confirmed with the world on 26 April that Steve Jobs will take the wraps off the much-hyped 3G iPhone during his keynote speech at the Worldwide Developers between the 9-13 June.

With all the evidence pointing to a late June, early July release of the iPhone in Australia, it is doubtful independent Apple resellers will be able to get their hands on the iPhone straightaway. Consider this; Apple is opening its own stores, which will have direct competition from mobile phone carriers and its channel, all vying for a slice of the iPhone market share in Australia.

Apple has had a history of keeping hot demand products close to the vendor and taking the market share before releasing the product out to its own channel. Will the release of the iPhone prove anything different? Time will tell.