Vodafone gets a slice of Apple's iPhone pie

Make room O2, Vodafone follows Orange into iPhone deal - but not until 2010

Vodafone has revealed it will be the third mobile operator to offer Apple's iPhone in the UK and Ireland.

The announcement follows hot on the heels of news yesterday that rival network Orange has signed a deal to sell Apple's handset in the UK, ending O2's exclusive deal.

O2 will still continue to offer the iPhone on its network but it will have to compete for iPhone-loving customers with Orange - and now Vodafone. However, while Orange will start to sell the iPhone later this year, it will be "early 2010" that Vodafone will be offering the handet - missing out on the vital Christmas rush for consumers.

Apple's iPhone will soon be available to Vodafone customers
(Photo credit: Apple)

Vodafone has yet to announce specific pricing and availability for the smartphone or for the speedier version the iPhone 3G S.

Customers can register their interest in the iPhone on Vodafone here.

Vodafone said it now offers the iPhone through 13 of its operating companies.