Apple lines up iPhone Asia deals

Exclusive in-country deals have been part of Apple's iPhone strategy.

Apple has signed deals with four mobile phone networks in the Asia-Pacific region, and the firms will offer the iPhone in their respective markets.

SingTel will sell the gadget in Singapore, while Bharti Airtel will introduce it in India.

Globe Telecom has the rights to the iPhone in the Philippines, and Optus will offer it in Australia.

The iPhone was launched in the US and Europe last year. Apple chose a single network provider in each country.

The latest announcement is confirmation that Apple is looking to expand iPhone sales, though no further details have been revealed.

Earlier this year Apple and China Mobile called off talks to launch the handset to Chinese consumers amid speculation that the two firms failed to agree on a revenue sharing deal.

Analysts said that this meant iPhone were unlikely to be released in China anytime soon.

Both the 8GB and 16GB version will also be available for pay as you go customers, with pricing to be announced later this month, O2 said.