FANS here may be able to get their hands on the coveted Apple iPhone before the end of the month - possibly on Aug 22.

That's because Apple's chief financial officer, Mr Tim Cook, said recently that the next wave of iPhone 3G will be released in 20 countries then.

A source familiar with Reuters also said that SingTel will launch Apple's third-generation iPhone in Singapore before the end of August.

The company had said in June that it would offer the iPhone, but did not provide a date for the release.

"SingTel should be launching the 3G iPhone in Singapore before the end of the month," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Reuters.

In July, Apple rolled out the new iPhone, which offers faster Internet access and improved e-mail features, in more than 20 countries.

It has set a target of selling 10 million iPhones this year. -- REUTERS