New iPhone may not be O2 exclusive in 2009

The UK mobile phone network O2 who has had the exclusivity agreement with Apple and its iPhone might be about to end in 2009. This could be a huge blow to Telefonica-owned O2, as having the iPhone smartphone as an exclusive has been key to its success.

You have to wonder if O2 had already knew that Apple were thinking of allowing other UK networks the right to offer the iPhone, as they have since signed a deal with Palm to offer its Pre handset. IT Pro Portal reports that the agreement between O2 and Apple was not meant to run out until 2011, but it looks as though rivals in the UK are going to push Apple on the matter.

The iPhone has proved popular in the two years that it has been available in the UK, and offering the handset to more than one carrier will be a big boost for Apple in these troubling times. Apple have seen a reduction in profits in key areas of its business, it is the sales of the Apple iPhone that has helped give them a steady income, so offering the new iPhone to other carriers in the UK could be the best decision that they have ever made.

Which UK carrier would you like to see the new Apple iPhone on?