Apple iPhone 4 supplies remain limited

Apple's latest iPhone has flown off the shelves, despite reports of reception problems

Eight days on from the much anticipated launch of the iPhone 4, availability continues to be a problem for consumers, with two major networks, Three and T-Mobile still not selling the device.

Supplies of the device continue to be extremely limited across O2, Orange and Vodafone and users flocking to Apple’s online store are still being told it will take three weeks to ship.

At Apple's Regent Street store a sales assistant said there are no handsets available in any of the firm's UK stores.

An O2 spokesman told V3.co.uk that supply is limited at the moment, but shipments of the device are going out to “key areas” today. The stock locator will continue to be updated to give customers an idea of which stores are still selling the much sought after device, he added.

At the time of writing the stock locator showed that there were only 20 O2 stores nationwide stocking the iPhone 4.

Vodafone told V3.co.uk that is has already received and dispatched additional iPhone 4 stock to customers since original stocks sold out.

"We're working closely with Apple to secure more stock and the best way for customers to secure their iPhone 4 on Vodafone is to order online,” a Vodafone spokesman confirmed.

“This will ensure that as soon as further stock arrives with us it will be sent to customers in turn."

Meanwhile, Three is only allowing customers to register on its website for the iPhone 4. The operator told V3.co.uk that although it began selling the 3GS last week, it doesn't expects to stock the iPhone 4 until later this month.

T-Mobile customers continue to remain in the dark over when the handset will be available. There have been no developments, with pricing and launch details unconfirmed, said a T-Mobile representative.

The Orange website states that it is sold out and V3.co.uk is waiting to hear back from the operator.

Even though the device has been plagued by reports of reception problems, it continues to fly off the shelves at an unrelenting pace. Apple