Mobile operator Vodafone is to join O2 in selling the Apple iPhone in Ireland from 2010. Vodafone’s announcement sees the end of rival operator O2′s exclusive deal with Apple.

O2, which is owned by Telefonica of Spain, had won a two-year exclusivity period to sell the Apple iPhone back in 2007.

Meanwhile, both Vodafone and Orange will enter the iPhone market in Britain in the coming months. Orange – the British mobile phone division of France Telecom – yesterday said it would begin selling iPhones later this year.