Germany's biggest Apple retailer is getting 1,000 enquiries every day about buying the new iPhone, which is expected to go on sale towards the end of the year, the retailer's head told a newspaper.

Fifty-seven thousand interested people have already registered with us, the head of retailer Gravis, Archibald Horlitz, told Germany's Tagesspiegel in comments due to be published on Friday. Every day, we get about 1,000 more.

Horlitz said almost 58 percent of those interested in buying the much-hyped iPhone -- which incorporates an iPod music player, Web browser and email software -- said they would consider switching operators if necessary.

Vodafone, T-Mobile and O2 have all been named in media speculation as likely candidates to get an exclusive or shared deal to sell the iPhone.

Horlitz said he expected Gravis would also be allowed to sell the iPhone in its 29 German branches. I assume that we'll be part of it, he said.

Apple Germany was not immediately reachable for comment. Apple has declined to reveal any details regarding how it plans to sell the iPhone in Europe.

The iPhone went on sale for the first time in the United States on June 29 and analysts estimate up to 700,000 were sold in the first weekend. In the United States, the iPhone is exclusively available through operator AT&T.

(Additional reporting by Jens Hack)

Germany Ipod Electronics Apple