Although Europeans, especially northern Europeans, are often introduced to new wireless and computing technology before it is released in America, they’re now finding out how it feels to be on the other end of technology curve. Apple’s iPhone will hit the European market this Friday, beginning with releases in Germany and Britain.

Of course the iPhone has been available in North America for four months now, so the Europeans are slow getting their hands on the new technology — at least for once.

Many phone and wireless technology manufacturers routinely release products in Europe months before they make it to the United States. Nokia devices, for example, are almost always released in Europe well ahead of the American market. And it is surprising to many Americans to learn that the new cutting edge phone they just purchased is already old news in places like Finland, Norway and even Iceland!

But at least for now, the Europeans are getting a taste of what it feels like to be second in line for a high technology release. Prices for the iPhone in the UK will be roughly the same as they were for its launch in the United States, and sales are expected to be “brisk,” according to Apple’s UK headquarters.

German sales are expected to also be substantial. CNBC Europe is reporting that pre-registration demand for the iPhone was “strong” in Germany. In fact Apple’s German headquarters expressed concern over whether they had enough devices to meet consumer demand.

Following the German and UK release, the iPhone will be introduced in France and Scandinavia on November 29th, and most of the rest of Europe in the weeks to follow.

Source: intomobile

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