Apple Canceling iPhone 4 Orders in Hong Kong

In an effort to thwart iPhone 4 scalpers sucking store-load supplies in Hong Kong, Apple has proceeded to cancel the orders for those customers who applied to buy the phone in September.

Initially thought to be limited to customer who had ordered more units than they were allowed, the cancellation seems to affect almost all types of iPhone 4 orders, according to micgadget.com, which claims to have done some research on local forums.

M.I.C (“made-in-china” — or M-I-C) is a gadget blog about Chinese life and subculture, which includes knockoffs, funny gadgets, chinese food, events and everything else that comes under the genre.

The site posts Apple’s so-called “excuse” for the cancellation, sent out to customers via email (reproduced below).


Dear Apple Online Store Customer,

Thank you for your recent Apple order.

To ensure that all customers are given the opportunity to acquire iPhone, we have limited the quantity available per customer. Our records indicate that you’ve exceeded this limit for iPhone orders, therefore this order has been cancelled.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Sincerely,
Apple Online Store Customer Support


Apple reportedly did this to take action against scalpers ordering the iPhone 4 in large quantities from the company, although many of these cancelled orders seem to include legit customers as well.

Apple is also taking steps to stop folks from selling the iPhone 4 to the local grey market for profits.

Since the news of Hong Kong iPhone 4 order cancellations hit the wires, the handset’s price increased on the grey market, according o M.I.C gadget.

On September 19, 2010, Apple today announced that iPhone 4 would be available to customers in China beginning Saturday, September 25 at 8:00 a.m. at Apple Retail Stores including the new Apple Store Hong Kong Plaza in Shanghai and the new Apple Store Xidan Joy City in Beijing opening on the same day.

Soon after launch day, the Beijing Apple Store was shut down as fights broke out over the iPhone 4.

iPhone 4 also became available on Saturday at China Unicom retail stores for qualified buyers with a new two year contract.