Apple iPhone fever begins to grow in UK and Germany

The Apple iPhone goes on sale in the UK and Germany this friday, with thousands expected to snap up the little device. Apple fans and excited customers have already started queuing outside the Apple Store in Regent Street, London, despite the unpleasant weather conditions.

However, there have been concerns over the limited choice of networks available for the iphone, with the UK iPhone only being available on O2, and Germany's iPhones on T-Mobile.

Which leaves the question for some customers who already have contracts with existing networks: do they unlock the iPhone and void the warranty or risk breaking the device as a result of Apple updates?

The iPhone will cost £269 ($567) in the UK and will only be avaliable with O2 for a minimum monthly contract of £35.