In the wake of O2 UK losing its exclusivity deal on the Apple iPhone, O2 has confirmed that it has sold over two million iPhones since launch. No details were released with regard to iPhone sales compared to specific dates, or for different iPhone types i.e. iPhone 3Gs, iPhone 3G or iPhone or whether sales have been affected by the loss of the exclusivity deal between Apple and O2.

Vodafone and Orange recently commenced sales of the iPhone after Apple announced that O2's exclusivity deal had ended. In January during the first week of the iPhone’s launch on Vodafone UK over 100,000 iPhones were sold and this clearly outlines the importance of iPhone sales within the UK.

With 2 million iPhone customers, O2 UK will be extremely keen not to lose any of these when their customer's contracts expire. In fact O2 claim they are the UK’s leading 3G operator with regard to customer retention.

With three 3G operators now offering the iPhone, they are focusing on the strengths of their respective 3G network to attract and retain iPhone customers. Additionally, more and more operator specific iPhone Apps will be launched with the aim of attracting new iPhone customers or persuading them to stay with their existing mobile operator.

A good example of this is the iPhone Account Application App released by O2 for the iPhone. This provides an instant status report on your account e.g. messages and minutes remaining. You can buy an iPhone on O2 from here.