Apple Inc has signed deals to bring the iPhone to Singapore,India,Australia and the Philippines this year,which should help the company surpass its sales goal of 10 million units by the end of 2008.On Monday, Apple's online store listed the iPhone as 'unavailable', a possible sign that the company is reducing inventory before the unveiling of an updated version of the device, expected next month.

Expectations are high that Apple will unveil a faster model of the iPhone next month, a year after the product first went on sale in the United States with wireless partner AT&T Inc.Furthering its push abroad, Apple said deals with Singapore Telecommunications Ltd and three of its affiliates to expand the reach of the iPhone in Asia.

Furthering its push abroad, Apple said deals with Singapore Telecommunications Ltd and three of its affiliates to expand the reach of the iPhone in Asia.An Apple spokeswoman said the iPhone would make its debut in those countries "later this year," and declined to comment on plans to bring the iPhone to Japan and China.Apple shares rose 2.6 per cent to close at $188.16 on the Nasdaq. The stock has soared 50 per cent over the past three months as investors regain confidence that Apple can sustain growth even in a weakening economy.