Apple has issued a statement revealing the iPhone 7 launch supply will be severely limited. If you plan on attending an Apple Store on September 16, don’t expect to walk out with any model in jet black coloring, or indeed, any iPhone 7 Plus’ at all.
It’s a familiar sight on launch day to see long queues from the early hours of the morning for eager purchasers waiting to get their hands on the tech, but this is the first time an entire model or color has been entirely unavailable.
Here’s Apple’s full statement”
“We couldn’t be happier with the initial response to iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, and we are looking forward to beginning sales through our retail stores and partners around the world.
Beginning Friday, limited quantities of iPhone 7 in silver, gold, rose gold, and black will be available for walk-in customers at Apple retail stores. During the online pre-order period, initial quantities of iPhone 7 Plus in all finishes and iPhone 7 in jet black sold out and will not be available for walk-in customers. Availability at partner locations for all finishes may vary and we recommend checking directly with them.
Customers can continue to order all models in all colors on apple.com. We sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience as we work hard to get the new iPhone into the hands of everyone who wants one as quickly as possible.”
Of course, Apple retain a possible spin on things, championing the new devices success, but while the devices certainly impressed more than perhaps many anticipated, this is certainly the worst shortage we’ve seen in years. Apple may have under-estimated the importance of new colors in a year where many expected an entirely new design, or it could simply be that the process for making the larger and jet black models are much harder.
Either way, if you’re looking to pick one up from an Apple Store on launch day, take note that you’ll be left with only the regular sized iPhone 7 in either black, silver, gold, or rose gold.
However, note that if you intend to purchase an iPhone 7 via a mobile carrier, their stock levels may differ.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus