Britain’s largest retailer Tesco said it hoped to offer Apple’s iPhone in its stores before Christmas, a move that will likely kick off price war.

Tesco said that it wanted the 3G and 3GS models of the iPhone to be available in its stores before Christmas, but exact launch date was yet to be fixed.

Tesco Mobile is a joint venture between network provider 02 and Tesco.

The retailer has promised that it would bring a bit of Tesco value to Apple’s iPhone.

Speaking on the issue of price, Tesco said, “We want to bring a bit of Tesco value to the iPhone on tariffs. It will be slightly different and is not going to replicate what is already out there.”

In addition, Tesco will grant Clubcard loyalty points to iPhone buyers.

Tesco will make iPhones available on contract and pay-as-you-go deals.

Vodafone has also plans to offer the iPhones from early next year.