It looks like Apple is changing its strategy for the iphone. New developments in Europe show that Apple maybe dropping its exclusive deals.

In a surprise press release by Cosmote [mobile phone carrier owned by T-Mobile] in Greece, they announced that they will be carrying the iphone from Monday 23rd March 2009.

Vodafone is already flogging iphones in Greece since June ‘08. Vodafone Greece had hinted that they had an exclusive deal, when they first carried the iphone 8 months ago.

In Italy Vodafone holds a non exclusive deal to carry the iphone as Telecom Italia also markets the phone in Italy.

Both countries were in the same batch of countries announced very quietly back in May 2008.

Vodafone to Offer Apple’s iPhone in Ten Markets

06 May 2008

Vodafone today announced it has signed an agreement with Apple to sell the iPhone in ten of its markets around the globe. Later this year, Vodafone customers in Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa and Turkey will be able to purchase the iPhone for use on the Vodafone network.

So, has Apple broken out of an exclusive deal with Vodafone GR? It is rumored that Apple is disappointed with the way Vodafone markets the iphone in countries were it has no retail presence [No Apple or apple stores in Greece]. The answer is probably NOT.

It is more likely that Vodafone in Greece never had an exclusive deal or had a very short exclusive period [6 months]. BUT the question that begs to be answered is in how many countries does Apple hold non-exclusive deals, or exclusive deals that have now lapsed or are about to lapse?

Could it be that all 10 countries Vodafone quietly announced it was marketing the iphone [Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa and Turkey] are all of them non-exclusive or have a short exclusivity period???