iPhone 5 Release Date: Apple Stores Have Best iPhone 4S Stock
Consumers looking to buy the iPhone 4S can check their local Apple Store for the steadiest supply, industry experts suggested.
Apple is reportedly giving its own retail stores priority in stocking the fifth-generation smartphone that released on Oct. 14.
According to Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore, stores have experienced iPhone 4S selling out on a daily basis, but the store still has the most reliable supply. Stock supply for carriers and retail partners are more sporadic.
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“Apple employees are directing customers to make an online appointment (first come first serve) for next day pick up at nearby Apple retail stores as stocks appear to be refreshed daily at most locations,” said Whitmore in a note to clients.
“Our calls to carrier stores reveal infrequent shipments and no certainty when the next shipment will arrive with widespread shortages,” Whitmore added.
The iPhone 4S is in high demand since its release. Reports said the smartphone not only sold out of pre-orders in 24 hours on Oct. 7, but it also sold over 4 million handsets during its launch weekend.
Carrier AT&T reported activating over 1 million handsets during the premier weekend of the iPhone 4S, while carrier Sprint reported having its best day of sales on Oct. 14.
Whitmore suggested more countries acquire the smartphone as a holiday approach. The industry estimate of the iPhone 4S selling 28 million handsets during the holiday quarter is a possibility and may be a "conservative" approximation.
Reports also indicate the iPhone 4 continues to sell well at its new discounted price of $99. AT&T noted the iPhone 3GS is now free with a two-year contract has also been experiencing sell outs on the network's online store.
