Irish consumers may have to wait longer than expected to purchase Apple's iPhone as reports suggest that the iPod manufacturer is close to signing an exclusive deal with T-Mobile.

MarketingWeek has reported that the Deutsche Telecom subsidiary has edged in front of Vodafone as favourite to get the distribution deal for the iPhone.

T-Mobile does not have a subsidiary in Ireland or a relationship with any of the Irish mobile networks.

The iPhone, Apple's hotly-anticipated combined media player, mobile phone and internet access device, will be launched in the US next month and in Europe in the autumn. If Apple signs an exclusive distribution agreement with T-Mobile, the device will not be initially available in Ireland.