Apple, telcos warn of shortages and delays as iPhone 7 hits the streets

A queue formed outside Vodafone's Queen Street, Auckland store from 6am for its iPhone 7 launch today.

But it's not clear what they're queuing for. Some models have sold out via Apple's website, leaving no stock for bricks-and-mortar retailers and stores operated by Vodafone, Spark and 2degrees.

A Reuters report out of the US says:

Initial quantities of the iPhone 7 Plus have sold out globally.

Supplies of the larger size of Apple's new phone have been exhausted in all shades, and the smaller iPhone 7 has also sold out in the new jet black color, the company said.

Customers who enter Apple Stores Friday, when the gadgets hit shelves, will not be able to purchase the sold-out phones on site, but they can continue to place orders for their desired models online, Apple said.

Apple Australia-New Zealand did not have anything to add beyond what was in the Reuters report.

NBR queried Vodafone NZ through its social media about whether some models would not be onsale in its stores today, or only available for contract customers. 

The most detailed response was "Stocks are limited due to huge popularity, stock will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis." 

Spark says "stock is limited, particularly of the Plus." All models are restricted to those on a contract worth $60 a month or more.

2degrees says, "All iPhone 7 Plus models are in very short supply right now along with iPhone 7 Jet Black. All iPhone 7 models are restricted to our contract customers for now – existing 2degrees contract customers can purchase the phone outright if they wish."

Delivery times up to six weeks
Apple's website lists a range of delivery times based on models. Some iPhone 7 models (from $1199) are listed as 1 to 2 weeks, though the new jet black option is three to five weeks.

The iPhone 7 Plus in jet black has a delivery time of "November", implying a wait of up to six weeks.

For a silver 7 Plus, the delivery timeframe is two to three weeks.

We won't know to what degree the sellouts are due to constrained supply (cynics note that Apple's shares were up 3% today on the "sold out" buzz), or a genuine buying frenzy, until Apple reveals sales numbers.

But it's notable the tide has turned in reviews and popular reaction on social media. 

An initial freakout about the lack of a headphone jack has been replaced by positive notices about features like the 2X optical zoom camera (on the Plus) and its waterproofing at up to 1m for 30 minutes (across all models).

The companion wireless AirPods ($269), have also drawn good reviews for their performance and usability.

More mobile data
Today's iPhone 7 release coincided with bids by Spark and Vodafone to boost mobile data.

The pair's latest plans:

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