Is the iPhone coming to India this year?

Apple iPhone in India through Vodafone in September

Apple sources are telling the Business Standard that the iPhone is launching in India on carrier Vodafone, with an expected release date this September. It is said that initially the 8 GB version of the much-hyped touchscreen device — which combines Wi-Fi capabilities with a powerful email client, TV feeds, online music store and map-based location guide — will be launched at a price ranging between Rs 27,200 and Rs 28,000.

There is one catch -- apparently the price specified by Apple sources is around Rs 28,000, which is a whopping $700 US (for comparison, the price in the UK was £300 on release before the price drops, which comes to $599 US). So if these sources are legit, anyone wanting to take advantage of a Vodafone deal won't be doing so cheaply.

There is also a distinct possibility that they might bring the unlocked edition of iPhone especially when they can sell it here for a good premium.

With no iTunes store for India, Apple would not be making much revenue from the customer after the phone is sold. This is going to trouble them if they indeed launch the unlocked edition.
Till September, then.