Release Structure for iPhones

[BigRedFoodie]

I was wondering if anyone has any insight on the release structure iPhone works. I am a complete newbie.

Hypothetically, if the iPhone 5 is released on July 1st, is it only available from Apple? Then the purchaser would be responsible for activating it through their cell carrier?

Or if it is released on July 1st, is it available through all carriers? I'm figuring on some sort of wait time from Apple to carriers, right?

Thanks! Learning a lot reading all of the posts.

 

[emacna1]

I am pretty sure that as soon as the new iPhones go on sale that they're available through all channels (e.g. Apple stores, carrier stores, third party retailers, etc.).