The network provider announced that it had picked up the rights to the iPhone in September, but refused to narrow the launch date beyond "before Christmas."
However, reports suggest it will be available in two weeks time through the company's own shops and Phones4U. Around 200,000 people have reportedly pre-registered their interest in buying an iPhone through Orange.
Customers are more likely to ask how much does the tariff cost, how much does the device cost? That's where they'll compete
Orange would not confirm the reports, or answer questions on the pricing of the device. With Vodafone due to enter the iPhone fray next year there were hopes we might see a price war, but analysts claim it's unlikely that will stretch to contracts.
"The cost of the handsets means the contracts have to last longer, so operators would rather have 18 month contracts, or 24 month contracts," says Emeka Obiodu, senior analyst at Ovum.
"Customers are more likely to ask how much does the tariff cost, how much does the device cost? That's where they'll compete."
While the loss of the exclusive iPhone deal was expected to hurt O2, the company has described itself as "not an iPhone house" and turned its attention to the Palm Pre - which was released on the 16 October.
By Stuart Turton at PC Pro
