As expected, Apple has announced that they’ll be expanding their global reach by introducing the iPhone 3G to 20 additional markets next month. Despite handset shortages and sell-outs, Apple is committed to launching the heralded handset in over 70 global markets, including markets in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and Europe.
Following on AT&T’s announcement that they’ve moved almost twice as many Apple iPhone 3G handsets during the first 12-days as they had with the original iPhone, Apple has set its sights on hitting the global market hard and fast with the iPhone 3G. On being grilled about the Apple’s difficulties in keeping up with frenzied demand for the iPhone 3G, leading to stock-issues, Apple’s COO Tim Cook stated that Apple would be increasing iPhone 3G production. “I like what I’m seeing in the production ramp,” Cook said.
The iPhone 3G is currently available in 22 countries worldwide, and Apple’s website lists 50 countries under their “Coming Soon.” Apple is going to have to ramp their iPhone 3G production goals to meet demand in currently available market, as well as stock enough hardware to meet the inevitable rush for iPhone 3G’s in additional countries if they plan to satisfy global demand for the handset and meet their sales-goal of 10 million units by the end of 2008.
Apple stopped short of announcing which countries comprised the 20 new markets in Apple’s crosshairs. But, with the iPhone 3G planned to go live in dozens of markets around the globe, Apple should be seeing iPhone sales in Q3 2008 increase to record levels.
[Via: Macworld]