iPhone arrives in UK

Updated 16.23 Tue Sep 18 2007

Keywords: Steve Jobs, apple, iPhone

Apple has announced the UK launch of its long-awaited iPhone.

The 8GB device will hit stores in mid-November and be compatible with an established UK mobile phone network.

With a price tag of £269, it will retail at a higher price in the UK than the States, but Apple chief executive Steve Jobs defended the price difference

Apple has sold more than one million iPhones in the US since its launch there on June 29.

With a price tag of £269, it will retail at a higher cost in the UK than the States, but Apple chief executive Steve Jobs defended the price difference.

"The majority is, of course, the VAT. The US price doesn't include any sales tax and the UK price does. That is the majority of the difference. Then there is a little bit more because it is more expensive to do business here," he said.

The iPhone combines a touch-sensitive mobile phone handset with a built-in iPod media player and a wireless internet browser.

The web browser function will be compatible with 7,500 Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK plus other areas where the internet can be accessed wirelessly.