As the whole world awaits the launch of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) latest iPhones, several network operators are concerned and worried due to short supply of the high end iPhone 5S in the United Kingdom. However, they did not wanted to be identified fearing that they will be at a disadvantage when the supply is refueled, says a report from BBC.
Apple iPhone 5S supply short, 5C in abundant
Networks, further, told that supply of low cost iPhone 5C is available in abundant. Sources told BBC that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is looking forward to increase the sales of 5C models, but according to recent data, customers are not excited to put orders.
Customers cannot Place preorders for iPhone 5S, but they can for iPhone 5C. One of the Carriers spokesman said that there are “crates and crates” of the 5C, but the premium model iPhone 5S is not available in the market, leaving the retailers and networks guessing about the timing when Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will restock iPhone 5S.
The spokesman said that customers will be disappointed from network operators rather than Apple for the delay in the iPhone 5S availability. The iPhone 5S went unavailable in less than one hour after being available for sale in the United Kingdom.
Major network operators in a fix
Network operator O2 told BBC that it will not sell iPhone 5S in its stores on the launch date of the phone. However, the customers can take a look at the demo model and can place an order through their website.
This is the first time when O2 is selling whole stock online because of less supply. Situation at Vodafone store was not clear as some of the executives told that iPhone 5S will not be available in the store up to Saturday while some said that the model will be available at launch date in few network stores, but it is not confirmed which stores will be selected.
A Vodafone spokesman later clarified, saying: “We will have models of both 5S and 5C in our stores across the country from tomorrow.”
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) flagship store at London’s Regent Street said that the information about the stocks was not made available to the staff due to security reasons.
Other markets face similar situation
Markets in other countries may also bear the brunt of delayed supply as in Australia and China customers who are ordering the model directly through Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) have been told to wait for atleast seven working days. Customers in Hong Kong and Singapore are even in worse as they are being told that the phone is not available till October.
