Seattle - According to a survey conducted in April, 64% of U.S. mobile phone users were aware of Apple's iPhone, and 9% -- which includes about 19 million people -- have expressed "strong interest" in purchasing one.

The report from market research firm M:Metrics also noted that 67% of those most inclined to purchase an iPhone were not current AT&T subscribers; the carrier has a five-year exclusive deal with Apple to offer the iPhone, and requires a two-year contract with purchase.

"19 million Americans reported strong interest in purchasing an iPhone -- an impressive figure, when you consider that the installed base of most high-end devices rarely approaches one million and respondents were informed of the price point as well as of the AT&T exclusive," said M:Metrics senior vice president and senior analyst Mark Donovan.

Interest in the iPhone is even more pronounced in the U.K., where the survey found 56% of mobile users are aware of the device, and 30% (7 million) reported "strong interest" in purchasing one -- even though a European launch date for the device has not yet been announced.

Related Links:
http://www.mmetrics.com/press/PressRelease.aspx?article=20070615-iphone