THE long-awaited Apple iPhone is finally going to be launched in South Africa this afternoon \u2014 but customers will still not be able to download music.<\/p>\n
Vodacom, South Africa\u2019s exclusive distributor of the 3G phone, is expected to announce pricing packages for the gadget at a media launch today.<\/p>\n
There were rumours of delays according to which the phone would only reach South Africa in December, but Vodacom quickly dismissed the stories, saying that it was not aware of any delays.<\/p>\n
Customers who have been on a waiting list since last year received letters from Vodacom saying that the iPhone would be available by Friday.<\/p>\n
Steven Dollenberg, an avid iPhone fan, who is also on the waiting list for the iPhone, said yesterday:<\/p>\n
\u201c I just hope they\u2019ll have enough stock to meet the demand. It\u2019s the most sought-after gadget on the planet, and I don\u2019t think it will be different here.\u201d<\/p>\n
While customers won\u2019t be able to download music on their iPhones, they will still have access to i-App, and download the vast array of applications the phone offers.<\/p>\n
The local version will permit access to e- mails, maps, calendars and the phone.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe big thing is the MobileMe application where you can have [virtual] space on the Internet. When you change information such as phone numbers or appointments, it updates the information on your computer at home within 15 minutes,\u201d Dollenberg said.<\/p>\n