Apple to expand iPhone sales on July 30

Apple Inc said on Monday its popular iPhone 4 model will go on sale in an additional 17 countries on Friday, July 30.

The newest version of iPhone went on sale in France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. in late June, creating a carnival-like atmosphere and drawing tens of thousands of eager fans to Apple stores and retail partners.

The iPhone is Apple's main growth driver and is expected to soon become its biggest source of revenue. The latest version will be in 88 countries by September -- the company's fastest-ever global product roll-out.

At a press conference last week, Apple chief executive Steve Jobs noted that the handset is not rolling out on time in South Korea, home turf for two of Apple top rivals, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and LG Electronics Inc.

It's going to take us a little longer to get government approval there, he said.

(Reporting by Franklin Paul, editing by Gerald E. McCormick)