No iPhones for Canadian Apple Stores?

On Tuesday, Apple enthusiast Web site AppleInsiderposted a story saying that Apple--unhappy about Canadian iPhone partner Rogers Wireless' expensive iPhone 3G plans--would not be selling iPhones in any of its six Apple Stores in Canada (possibly in response to the petition started by unhappy Canadians). As Macworld's resident Canadian, I've already expressed my dismay at Roger's pricing, and wanted to see if this story had merit.

I called three Apple stores in Canada and received the same response from all of them--they don't know at this point if they'll be selling the iPhone or not. The Apple store reps did say that Rogers would have the iPhones for sure on launch day.

So did Apple bring the hammer down on Rogers, unhappy with the negative press Rogers is generating around the iPhone? Perhaps, as it looks like Apple may be leaving the work of signing people up to these less-than-ideal plans to Rogers.

And to be honest, I think that's the best course of action. Apple gets to step aside (if only slightly) and let Rogers shoulder the brunt of the anger from customers.