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According to Cnews, a Russian IT news website, the iPhone could be released as soon as September or October 2007 in Russia. The emergence of the cellular market in this country is so strong that Apple would want to get in the market before other phone manufacturers grab a too large market share. The sales channel apparently hasn’t been determined so far, but these will most likely be federal chains, such as Euroset, Svyaznoy or Dixis.

Market participants believe if iPhone doesn’t appear on the market soon enough, consumers might become interested in other vendors’ products. “The company’s intention to introduce the phone in late 2007 is probably connected to its wish to win

from sales ahead of New Year celebrations”, said Onchar Manjikov, Euroset spokesman. “It is common knowledge that almost all vendors introduce new popular products in autumn. The company’s intention might as well be its reaction to new phones with a sensor screen from Samsung and LG, which are often compared to iPhone.

Dmitry Khavzhu, Maccenter Director, is of a similar opinion. “The more time the company takes to introduce the device, the less popular it will be. What is considered to be a “masterpiece” today will look rather poorly by the end of the year. That is why I believe Apple will introduce its iPhone earlier than it planned to”. [Cnews]

This information has not been confirmed by Apple. Let’s call this a rumor for now and see if turns out to be true or not.