iPhone in B. Buy, R. Shack

Apple may yet allow American sales of the iPhone 3G beyond AT&T stores and its own retail outlets, a rumor suggests. BGR cites someone it calls a reliable source, who indicates that Apple has already secured deals to sell the iPhone at Best Buy and Radio Shack locations. The source cannot, however, say whether such sales will begin as soon as July 11th, or if they are only part of a long-term plan.

The deal would likely be a means of helping Apple reach sales targets, which are set for 10 million within 2008 alone. The company may also be worried about compensating for lost revenue sharing profits, or even extended wait times triggered by its in-store activation policy. The latter could become a problem of its own at stores such as Best Buy, as the shops are generally not prepared for the special SIM activation the 3G will require.

by MacNN Staff