iPhone 4S launch draws thousands, but plenty of stock halts disappointment

The iPhone 4S was released to the public this morning, and hundreds queuing outside Apple stores, Telstra shops and various retail outlets have finally been able to get their hands on the tech giant’s latest product.

The launch, which comes several hours ahead of the United States, appears to have run much smoother than previous years, with more retail outlets, including JB Hi-Fi, selling the gadget to the public. Reports indicate lines at these stores are virtually non-existent.

While last year many stores reported they only had a few dozen phones in stock, reports indicate more Telstra stores have more than one hundred units each, with some of the larger stores selling hundreds. But although stock appears to be more plentiful than last year, the telco issued a statement saying it has broken a sales record already.

“Victorians were keenest to get in early to order the iPhone 4S online — accounting for a third of online pre-orders, followed closely by New South Wales. Trailing behind were sales from customers in Queensland, WA, SA, TAS and NT,” it told ZDNet.com.au.

This comes just days after Apple announced it had recorded over one million pre-orders in just 24 hours for the new device. Vodafone and Optus have reported strong demand, although official figures are yet to be revealed. 

Those users who pre-ordered devices online are also now receiving confirmation and tracking numbers, with devices being shipped all the way from China and set to arrive within the next few days.

Early reports from customers waiting in line also indicate that stock is selling out quickly at Apple stores in Sydney and Melbourne, where hundreds have lined up. Some stores have already sold out of certain models, with the 64GB versions going fast.

Reports also indicate some other businesses have taken advantage of the long lines, with Groupon guerrilla marketers showing up to entertain the crowds at Sydney Apple stores.

For those users who are ordering the device on the Apple Store, shipping is still expected to take between one and two weeks, but if this year’s launch repeats the annual trend, that time will increase as more customers order the device.

Customers wanting to get their hands on the iPhone 4S probably won’t have any luck trying at Apple Stores. Instead, users should try their local JB Hi-Fi and telco stores, which are likely to have more stock available.