O2 says they're stocking the iPhone 5S and 5C despite being left off Apple's website

O2 has confirmed that it will be offering the new iPhone 5C and 5S on its ultrafast 4G network, despite not being listed as a carrier on Apple’s own website.

Although the new smartphones will be available on O2’s slower, 3G network, small print from O2’s website has revealed that the 4G network won’t be available for iPhone users until later in the year:

"iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C are both 4G-ready devices that will be enabled to run on our 4G network within the coming weeks – this will happen when new settings are ready to be sent by Apple and we will inform customers when they are available.”

This update might not happen until “weeks” after the 20 September release date for the 5S and the 5C, though O2 will knock £5 of your bill until 4G arrives.

Both phones were released at worldwide events this Tuesday, with the iPhone 5S offered as an update to Apple’s flagship range with a faster processor and improved camera; and the 5C providing a cheaper option, with hardware specs equivalent to the iPhone 5 but also sporting colourful plastic cases.

Although the 5C was rumoured to be a ‘budget’ version of the iPhone pundits have been dismayed by its relatively high price. You can pre-order it from Apple’s website from 13 September for a 20 September delivery date. For SIM-free models it costs £469 for 16GB of memory and £549 for 32GB.

O2 will be offering the 16GB 5C model for £50 up front on a £32/month contract, but this is just for 3G internet. 4G speeds will cost an extra £10/month and £100 upfront, with O2 offering 5GB of data a month, and unlimited calls and texts.

These contracts are all for the (depressingly normal) two-year, and are even more expensive if you’re considering the iPhone 5S. A 16GB 5S will cost £120 upfront with a £37/month contract for 1Gb of 3G data; with the same model on 4G costing the same upfront but with £47/month for 5GB of data.