Vodafone today announced it has signed an agreement with Apple to sell the iPhone in 10 of its markets around the globe.

Although not in the UK or any market the iPhone is already available, Vodafone has said that from later in the year it will sell the iPhone in Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa.

So far no details had been launched to the launch in Australia, with rumours suggesting that it would be operator free.

The news that it will not be until later in the year rather than today suggests a new model (3G) is on the cards.

In the UK both O2 and Carphone Warehouse are reporting shortages of stock for the 8GB and 16GB models.

We will keep you posted.