Apple Inc (AAPL)

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07:57 AAPL Apple Computer iPhone to be Cingular-exclusive at launch - Think Secret (75.75 )

Think Secret reports Apple and Cingular (T)(BLS) have signed an agreement that will make the US' largest cell phone provider the exclusive carrier of Apple's forthcoming phone, sources report. Apple's iPhone remains on track for an early 2007 release. Apple's exclusive contract with Cingular is said to be good for the first six months, sources report, meaning other providers will be able to sell the phone in the second-half of 2007.

Cingular had an exclusive on the Motorola (MOT) ROKR—the first phone to feature iTunes—when it launched last year. Sources say Apple is in talks with providers in other parts of the world on exclusive deals, but are short on specifics. O2 had the exclusive on the ROKR in Europe, however, suggesting that provider may again be tapped to launch Apple's phone. Meanwhile, insiders say Apple is internally estimating that shipments of the iPhone will top a staggering 25 mln in 2007 alone.