Business Standard reports, quoting “Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) retail sources” that the iPhone will be launched in India the first week of September with Vodafone (NYSE: VOD). We have not been able to confirm this independently, so it’s anybodys guess. However, readers might remember this story from BS about the Google Mobile Phone being launched in India. Ironically, that launch was supposed to happen in September as well (last year), and we know that never happened.

As per the story, the 8GB version of the iPhone will be launched in September 2008, at a rather high price of Rs. 27000-28000 ($680-700), much above its $399 (Rs. 15960) price tag. Compared to that, unlocked iPhones are fairly common now in Indian metros, with the 8GB costing between Rs. 18,000-21,000 ($450-$525); Cerius bought a 16 GB version recently for Rs. 21,000 ($525). The story also claims that an exclusive deal is being worked out with Vodafone for India - though I don’t see how Voda will be able to lock-in customers. If the launch does happen, lets just hope that the existing unlocked iPhones in India don’t get bricked just to make that exclusive deal count. I know a few Vodafone subscribers who wouldn’t be too happy. More as we have it.