Orange is to start selling the iPhone just 24 hours after rival operator O2's exclusive distribution deal ends, according to reports.

O2 signed its deal to sell the iPhone back in 2007, but had exclusive rights for only two years. Now that the two years are almost up, Orange and a handful of competitors are expected to announce their own sales dates and pricing information for the Apple smartphone.

T-Mobile, which currently sells the handset in Germany, is also tipped to make an announcement, but Orange is expected to be the first to offer the iPhone to its customers.

During a call to the Orange press office, the firm did not deny 10 November as a launch date.

"While we haven't yet announced a launch date, we have announced that the iPhone will be available from Orange before Christmas. We look forward to announcing a launch date and pricing plans in the coming weeks," the company said in a statement.

Orange has created an iPhone pre-registration site for interested parties.

Meanwhile, e-commerce giant Amazon has released the Amazon App for iPhone and iPod touch handsets, which it describes as perfect for the run-up to Christmas. The app includes 1-Click ordering and package tracking services.

"Customers have been requesting an Amazon.co.uk shopping app for their iPhone and iPod touch, and we are thrilled to introduce the Amazon App in time for Christmas," said Brian McBride, managing director of Amazon.co.uk.

"Experience in the US tells us that the Amazon Remembers feature is proving very useful to customers because it remembers items of interest for them, helping to keep track of products and matching photos with items to buy on Amazon."

Other features of Amazon App make use of the iPhone's camera to identify potential purchases and search for them online. Photos taken with the camera can be automatically uploaded to Amazon and matched against product photos. Amazon said that this could be used for price comparison or to add an item to a wish list.