iPhone 4 Launches in More Countries This Week

Despite ongoing manufacturing and inventory problems, Apple is forging ahead with its global rollout of the iPhone 4. Friday July 30 will see the introduction of iPhone 4 smart phones in 17 additional markets. Apple first launched the iPhone 4 on June 24 in the US, with cellular service exclusively provided by AT&T Wireless.

Over three million iPhone 4 units have already been sold. Apple recently announced it was not making the white iPhone 4 model available until later in 2010 due to manufacturing difficulties. The white version was previously expected to hit shelves at the end of July. The next batch of countries slated to receive the iPhone 4 include the following:

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Denmark
Finland
Hong Kong
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Singapore
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

South Korea was originally supposed to receive the iPhone 4 this Friday, but the release will be delayed due to preparations for radio testing involved in regulatory approval.

All iPhone 4 buyers who purchase the model before September 30 are eligible to receive a free case of their choosing from Apple. The offering stems from issues some users are experiencing with the external antenna found on the iPhone 4. A case prevents calls from being dropped when the lower left corner of the iPhone 4 is gripped tightly.

The Apple Online Store currently lists a three week waiting period for iPhone 4 shipping from the time of purchase. Apple sold 600,000 pre-orders for the iPhone 4 in the first day of release. If this is any indication of the popularity of the iPhone globally, then Apple Stores around the world are likely to experience long lines on Friday.