Chew on this iPhone alternative

The Fido-compatible iBone.

This Friday, Apple nuts around Australia will be fronting up to various telco stores at an unholy hour and buying a ticket to iPhone heaven.

Of course, this means that for the rest of the day — and probably the entire weekend, if not the rest of July — family members and pets will be ignored as all attention is devoted to the wondrous Apple accoutrement.

Pooches deprived of pats and walks can console themselves with the iBone, a soft, squeaky toy from the enterprising folk at the Snooty Paws online pet boutique.

Described in a media release as a "dog toy for the gadget loving pooch", the iBone is styled after the feverishly anticipated handset. It joins the previously released iPaw, a chewable version of the ubiquitous music player.

The iBone is available now for AU$23 from the Snooty Paws website.