14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has had two serious problems on its hands after the launch of the iPhone 3G and the transition to MobileMe. The issues surrounding the latter are still being ironed out by the Mac makers, as are those surrounding the former, particularly the shortages.
To "accommodate demand," Apple notes on its website, "Apple Retail Stores will now open at 8:00 a.m. every day but Sunday." As such, both Apple and the anxious iPhone fans will have a larger window of opportunity to complete the required activation process and money transactions. Besides imposing longer store hours, the company is also calling in reinforcements to cope with the increased number of customers. Apple's message in original is available right below.
Open Early
Your favorite Apple Retail Store is making it easier and more convenient to purchase an iPhone 3G. All stores will now open at 8:00 a.m. every day but Sunday and, to accommodate demand, we're adding staff to help you get up and running as quickly as possible. Customers will be prequalified to purchase while in line and will receive a claim ticket for an iPhone 3G. Your ticket can be redeemed on the spot or - if it would be more convenient to return later the same day - by 6:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. on Sundays).
The Cupertino-based electronics maker also used this opportunity to remind fans to check availability using the same page: Online, you can check store availability of iPhone 3G. Just return to this page after 9:00 p.m. to check the next day's availability for any Apple Retail Store. New iPhone shipments arrive most days and availability will be updated nightly.
However, just days ago, we reported that Top Muffin had launched the "iPhone3G Store availability tracker," based on Apple's JSON feed. The page updates every 15 minutes, according to a report, enabling users to keep a close eye on iPhone 3G availability at their local Apple Store.