Despite the fanfare accompanying its release, the iPod touch could have a negative impact for Apple, it has been claimed.
Industry insiders have argued that the upcoming UK release of the iPhone could be overshadowed by the new addition to the iPod line.
Though Apple is to hold a press conference in London tomorrow (Tuesday September 18th) to confirm the British on-sale date for the iPhone, the similarities between the handset and the iPod touch could cause problems.
Ben Wood, a research director with CSS Insight, told the Independent: "I think the… [iPod touch] will have come as a shock to the network operators that have secured exclusive rights to sell the iPhone in Europe. The iPod touch risks dampening demand for the iPhone."
He added: "Users will quickly realise they can purchase the iPod touch and get all the benefits of the iPhone – plus an additional eight gigabits of storage – at the same price, without having to commit to a lengthy contract term."
Peter Erskine, chief executive of O2, one of the major phone companies linked with the iPhone, responded confidently regarding sales prospects for the new handset.
"Anything that creates a little sizzle in that space has to be positive," he commented.
Apple has sold one million iPhone handsets since its US launch in June.
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