14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has officially canceled the launch of the iPhone 4S at some retail locations in Beijing and Shanghai, following outbreaks at the company’s stores where entire teams of ‘scalpers’ were waiting to buy the iconic handset.
Apple has confirmed in a statement provided to AllThingsD that the company will delay sales of the smartphone at a number of retail stores in Beijing and Shanghai.
“The demand for iPhone 4S has been incredible, and our stores in China have already sold out,” an Apple spokesperson told the blog.
“Unfortunately we were unable to open our store at Sanlitun due to the large crowd, and to ensure the safety of our customers and employees, iPhone will not available in our retail stores in Beijing and Shanghai for the time being,” the Apple spokesperson said. “Customers can still order iPhone through the Apple Online Store, or buy at China Unicom and other authorized resellers.”
On-site reporters from various publications confirmed that the retail staff at the Sanlitun Apple Store in Beijing put out signs that read: "This store will not be selling the iPhone in the recent future."
The reason Apple decided to postpone the iPhone 4S launch at these stores was because ‘scalpers’ (planning to sell the devices on the street) had started riots, as the staff were preparing to open the doors.
According to reports, some of them even pelted a Beijing store with eggs, while others threatened to assault the police. Some were escorted away by the Chinese police, after shouting profanities at Apple.
Beginning Friday, January 13, iPhone 4S will be available in over 90 countries, which marks Apple’s fastest iPhone rollout ever, according to company CEO, Tim Cook.
In addition to China, Apple is also launching the iconic phone in several new territories across Africa, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and some countries in Central America.