iPhone shortages ahead, get in line!

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 08 July 2008 03:15

Your IT - Mobility

If you haven't already got a confirmed place in line for an iPhone 3G, you might not get one when Apple's new phone goes on sale on Friday.

Reports are filtering in from both North America and Europe that the initial batch of iPhone 3G will be in short supply. Meanwhile, here in Australia there are also indications that there will be a shortage of iPhone 3G stock from at least one carrier come July 11.

Shortages of Apple gear on launch day is nothing new, though the company hasn't done too badly in recent years. The US debut of the iPhone in 2007 was accompanied by substantial queues at many locations, with stock-outs - especially of the version equipped with additional memory - occurring at AT&T and Apple Stores around the country.

But the initial demand for the original iPhone wasn't as strong in Europe.

The iPhone 3G has renewed interest in the handset, with reports of a queue forming at the 5th Avenue Apple Store in New York a week ahead of the phone going on sale.

Across the Atlantic, iPhone carrier partner O2 is saying "Due to huge demand for iPhone 3G, we're currently out of stock online. Come back on 10 July for more information."

What abour Australia and Canada? Please read on.