Steve Jobs, the Apple chief executive, has made the announcement that employees of his company will each receive a free iPhoneOrlando (EON) - Steve Jobs, the Apple chief executive, has made the announcement that employees of his company will each receive a free iPhone.

The announcement is a huge suprirse for the company which has over 20,000 employees. This means that each employee would receive a $599 iPhone costing Apple a reported $12 million.

The iPhone launch in the US is just hours away with over 164 retail stores set to stay open until midnight to try and cater to fans who want to be among the first to get their hand on the high tech device.

The launch will begin at 6pm EST.

Customers will be limited to 2 iPhones each to try and keep supply available for all customers as well.