Apple launching 3G iPhone on June 9 – confirmed launch during WWDC keynote

We all suspected as much, and it’s been almost an unofficial launch date for Apple (NSDQ: AAPL)’s next-generation iPhone. But, today, Gizmodo has reportedly confirmed the launch of the 3G iPhone on June 9th during the keynote presentation at Apple’s WWDC conference. Citing a source “very, very close to the 3G iPhone launch,” the report says that Apple will be unveiling the successor to the heralded iPhone on the keynote stage – presumably with Steve Jobs introducing the new handset.

And, the fact that Spain will get the 3G iPhone on June 18th, to celebrate the grand opening of the Telefonica (NYSE: TEF) megastore in Madrid, bodes well for US availability of the 3G iPhone before June 18. That puts US 3G iPhone availability solidly in mid-June – hopefully.

Moreover, the 3G iPhone will usher in a new age of iPhone-pricing. Gone will be the days of fixed-price iPhones. Apple will be adopting the more traditional subsidized pricing schedules for the next-generation iPhone – at least in some countries. This means that certain carriers can offer discounts and subsidies on the Apple handset in return for a contract-commitment from the customer.

All that’s left is the wait for Apple’s WWDC to kick off on June 9th.

[Via: Apple Insider]