Despite a report to the contrary, none of Australia’s major telcos will confirm whether they are planning to host a midnight launch party when Apple’s new iPhone 4 goes on sale in Australia on Friday 30 July.

This morning The Next Web reported that Optus would host a midnight launch party for the iPhone 4 — as it has in the past for other releases — so that customers would be able to pick up the handset the minute it goes on sale. But contacted this afternoon, a spokesperson for the telco would not confirm or deny the report.

“Optus is gearing up for the launch of iPhone 4 on July 30. We look forward to sharing information on pricing and our launch activities soon,” they said. Optus also owns the Virgin Mobile brand in Australia — which will also sell the iPhone.

It was a similar story when representatives from both Telstra and VHA (which operates the Vodafone and 3 brands in Australia) were contacted — both telcos said they had nothing yet to announce on the matter. None of the telcos have confirmed Australian pricing yet for the iPhone 4.

Is is typical of Apple launches in Australia that the company will closely coordinate with its telco partners the timing of the launch of its devices. Typically iPhones will be sold from both official Apple stores as well as the telco’s own retail outlets.

While the iPad went on sale at 8AM in the morning and coincided with the launch of Apple’s new store in Bondi Junction, Sydney, iPhone models have typically gone on sale at midnight on the launch day — so Thursday night for a Friday launch.

In Sydney, the midnight launch has in the past resulted in crowds gathering around lengthy queues in the area around front of Apple’s Sydney CBD store — which is located across the road from one of Telstra’s flagship T-Life stores and a large Optus store closely.

The iPhone 4′s launch in Australia comes as many purchasers of the first Apple handset to be available in Australia – the iPhone 3G – are completing their two-year contracts for their existing handset.

Image credit: Apple

Related posts:

1. Optus confirms midnight iPhone 4 launch
2. No Australian midnight launch for iPhone 4?
3. Virgin confirms iPhone 4 launch
4. Telstra, VHA confirm iPhone 4 launch
5. Details: iPhone 4 launch parties around Sydney

1. ahrenm
   Posted 20/07/2010 at 1:30 pm | Permalink | Reply

   It’s problematic to hold a reception for the iPhone 4.

   Sorry….couldn’t resist…. ;-)

   • Jenna Pitcher
     Posted 20/07/2010 at 1:35 pm | Permalink | Reply

     +1

   • Renai LeMay
     Posted 20/07/2010 at 1:37 pm | Permalink | Reply

     *sigh* someone had to do it

     • ahrenm
       Posted 20/07/2010 at 1:41 pm | Permalink | Reply

       And it’s usually me.

       To be honest I want one of these sooo badly.
       My 3G is laggy as all get out and thats without “upgrading” to iOS 4.

       My current contract is up in November and they need to have actually fixed the design flaw, or I just can justify going with the unit.

       Time will tell but, I suspect Oz sales on launch day will not be swift.

       • Bryn
         Posted 20/07/2010 at 1:52 pm | Permalink | Reply

         I was having a play with one today, and the way I currently hold my phone doesn’t actually bridge the antenna gaps anyway.

         My take on it is that its pretty stupid of Apple to have not coated it, that I don’t hold it in the way that seems to cause issues anyway & that any sort of cover seems to negate the issue (including the stick on contact-like clear film), at which point I don’t really care.

         • ahrenm
           Posted 20/07/2010 at 2:12 pm | Permalink | Reply

           Yeah, thats fair.

           To be honest I’ve always kept my iPhone in a hard plastic case anyway as my phones tend to lead a “physical” life.

           Apple’s hype machine sets the bar so dam high, that when they stumble the world takes notice. And their customers take the flak in the coffee room, the bar and the living room.

           So maybe I’m just miffed because deep down I know I’m going to get one anyway and am resentful that my consumer choice has been made the subject of ridicule.

           Using advertising to tie a product to your customer’s individuality/lifestyle all sounds great in the quarterly marketing meeting, but if your product has simple fundamental flaws, then regardless of workarounds, the association is going to bite.

           Hope that makes some sense???

2. Jenna Pitcher
   Posted 20/07/2010 at 1:36 pm | Permalink | Reply

   That reminds me. Are you going to hit the pavement next Monday night, Renai?

   • Renai LeMay
     Posted 20/07/2010 at 1:37 pm | Permalink | Reply

     Monday night? What’s happening on Monday night?

     • Jenna Pitcher
       Posted 20/07/2010 at 2:26 pm | Permalink | Reply

       StarCraft II Aussie launch

       • ahrenm
         Posted 20/07/2010 at 2:28 pm | Permalink | Reply

         Independent reporting of Australian IT comes to a screaming halt….

       • Renai LeMay
         Posted 20/07/2010 at 2:50 pm | Permalink | Reply

         The launch is in Brisbane ;)

         • Jenna Pitcher
           Posted 20/07/2010 at 3:14 pm | Permalink | Reply

           Sorry – “hit the pavement” was referring to the launches at various retail outlets in Sydney.

3. Allen Jones
   Posted 20/07/2010 at 2:11 pm | Permalink | Reply

   I know someone who hosted an iPhone themed wedding. The ceremony went without a hitch, but the reception was terrible.

   • Renai LeMay
     Posted 20/07/2010 at 2:50 pm | Permalink | Reply

     Boom boom tish.

   • StupidGirl
     Posted 29/07/2010 at 1:00 pm | Permalink | Reply

     Nerd.

4. tosser
   Posted 20/07/2010 at 5:33 pm | Permalink | Reply

   All you imbociles who line up at these marketing hypeups dont know how stupid you look lining up for the ‘next’ apple whatever. To top it off you go onto a Singtel/optus foreign owned network thats crap!!! The sad thing is despite being “sucked” by hype you actually think you are cool! Idiots

   • ahrenm
     Posted 20/07/2010 at 5:41 pm | Permalink | Reply

     …..achem……troll…..cough….