iPhone 5S UK launch frustrating due to stock shortages

BBC reports that mobile networks were frustrated over iPhone 5s stock shortages during UK launch.

14:41 20 September 2013

The BBC have reported that several networks say there is a serious stock shortage of Apple’s latest premium model – the iPhone 5S and confirmed that this is likely to disappoint their customers. Less than an hour before the new smartphone was going on sale in the UK, the 5S was listed as unavailable for 7-10 business days on Apple’s website. 

Meanwhile, O2 has confirmed that on the launch day, it will not sell the 5S in its store. Rather, they will let customers try a demo model and encourage them to place order via their website. A spokesman confirmed that O2 was forced to put all of its stock online because of low availability. 

However, a Vodafone spokesman has confirmed that the new smartphone will be available to customers. He said: "We will have models of both 5S and 5C in our stores across the country from tomorrow."

"We are doing as much as we can to ensure every store has every configuration. We will be very open with our customers about what we have available to them."