iPhone is now Canada-bound

Apple Inc.'s iPhone is heading to Canada; but when exactly the release this year is still undetermined. Reports are circulating though that the 3G version of the iPhone has something to do with all the mystery behind the release date.

Roger Communications Inc. has been tapped as the carrier partner of Apple. In a prepared statement, Ted Rogers, president and CEO of Rogers Communications remarked: "We're thrilled to announce that we have a deal with Apple to bring the iPhone to Canada later this year. We can't tell you any more about it right now, but stay tuned."

Industry forecasters see the possibility of iPhone sales hitting 10 million units this year. This figure may get a boost with rumours circulating that Apple is set to release a 3G version of the iPhone by June, a year after the company released the ultrapopular gadget. June also marks the month when Apple will make available the iPhone 2.0 software that will let outside developers weave their magic into the handset.

The iPhone is available in the United States through AT&T, and in certain parts of Europe. In Asia, Apple is said to be still negotiating terms particularly in China and Japan. Apple previously announced that it is bringing the iPhone to Asia this year but offered no further details.