14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has barely launched its official Chinese online store and its popular, yet controversial handset is already sold out. By taking a trip to store thinking to buy an iPhone 4, customers will be disappointed to see “no supply” listings for both the 16GB and 32GB models.
On October 26, Apple officially announced the debut of its Chinese online store, which “features free shipping, free personalized engraving on any iPod or iPad, and the ability to custom configure any Mac with just a few clicks,” a rough description said.
“Just in time for the holiday shopping season, signature gift wrap is available with the purchase of most Apple products including iPod, iPad and iPhone,” Apple added. “The online Apple Store also lets eligible students and faculty members take advantage of special education pricing on Apple products.”
The company also announced that a version of the App Store was also available in Simplified Chinese, starting then.
This, apparently, was enough to kick start massive amounts of iPhone 4 orders, leaving stock dry two days into the store’s launch.
What’s even worse is that Apple hasn’t said anything about when stock might be replenished.
Refilling with the white version of the handset is out of the question (as many of our readers should know), with Apple confirming that the handset is being delayed, again, this time until Spring 2011.
Some believe the troublesome white version of the iPhone 4 might never see the light of day at all.
A report published on the Business section of the Global Times says that the new online store is expected to help Apple thwart gray market sales in China, which would enlarge its market share, according to Ji Chendong, a technology consultant with Frost & Sullivan.
Contacted by the Global Times on Thursday, a customer service representative with the online store said that, after the sellout, no new orders are being accepted: "We are out of stock for the moment," the Apple representative reportedly said.
Customers are encouraged to check back with their local store or online for updates on availability, according to Apple China Spokesperson Carolyn Wu.
The report also notes that the iPad is more than available to anyone who wants to order one in China.