Vodafone UK began selling the iPhone this morning in the UK and confirmed that it had shipped 50,000 units to pre-registered customers.

The 50,000 units were ordered by customers who signed up ahead of the launch said Vodafone UK chief executive Guy Laurence.

Vodafone UK is offering the 8GB iPhone 3G for £59 on a 24-month contract that features 300 minutes, and unlimited texts and 1GB of data. On a £35 month contract the iPhone 3G is free alongside 600 minutes. iPhone 3GS 16GB is free on a £45 a month, 24-month contract offering 1200 minutes and unlimited texts with 1GB of data.