The Guardian has confirmed that in the United Kingdom, the Palm Pre when it launches next week will be exclusive to O2 UK according to an article on itproportal.

O2 has successful beaten off serious rival for the Palm Pre, Orange. The Palm Pre will also be available via the Carphone Warehouse alongside the iPhone 3GS.

There is a slight possibility that Apple could object to O2 selling the Palm Pre in their retail stores, although they do offer the Nokia N97, another rival to the iPhone 3GS, but only online.