iPhone No Longer Available in UK

[MacRumors]

Engadget reports that O2 has posted a notice on their website that both the 8GB and 16GB iPhones are no longer available in the UK. This confirms earlier reports that O2 had end-of-life'd the 8GB iPhone, though it appears even the 16GB iPhone has also run its course.

While the next generation iPhone has been long rumored, most expectations have pointed to an announcement at Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference which is not scheduled for more than a month from now.

Meanwhile, we have heard that U.S. stock for the 8GB iPhone has also dwindled down dramatically with few new shipments coming in.

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[gifford]

thats a long gap til late june

[arn]

so, the question becomes... is Apple really going to stop selling the iPhone altogether in the UK for the next 4 weeks?

I suppose sales probably dwindled down anyway, but it's still surprising they let it get to 0.

arn

[djellison]

For the phone to really take off, the 3G version must be available across multiple carriers, on both pay monthly, and pay as you go.

But I, like a lot of people, will not pay £250+ for a phone, AND £35+ a month for a contract I simply don't need.

Doug

[swagi]

O.K. Just seems plausible, as I just bought an iPhone for my wife.

Now could we please get the next iteration out?

[stephenli]

i suppose this is the first time for such kind of announcement on Apple products. Isn't it better to let users know for a new product is coming within a month?! Or, isn't it better to lower the price for the current lineup of iPhone?

[G4DP]

Is it just me, or has this not been fully thought through?

Leaving a over a months gap. Most people are going to think that it is no longer available at all, not just being replaced in June/July.

This is a bad idea.

[thelairster]

It's too spooky and too long until the end of june. Maybe they will dust off some unsold newtons to bridge the gap?

[swagi]

Originally Posted by arn

so, the question becomes... is Apple really going to stop selling the iPhone altogether in the UK for the next 4 weeks?

I suppose sales probably dwindled down anyway, but it's still surprising they let it get to 0.

arn

I can't imagine, that a CEO thinks this is a wise decision. Four weeks of absolutely NO iPhone sale will send the stock price down. I'm currently desperately waiting on news, or I should just sell my stock!

[Omni Geno]

Or maybe they'll announce the 3G iPhone this Tuesday.

[queshy]

lol, randomness. I guess all it means is that a new rev. is coming SOON.

[sjo]

well, no longer available from o2 in uk. apple store uk seems to be selling them with shipping within 24h. o2 just got rid of their stock. maybe they're taking a break to decide whether to carry the next generation model or not, and on what terms.

[Bakey]

Is this not reminiscent to the iMac debacle from way back?

[EricNau]

I guess we can expect a release on or near WWDC, as compared to an announcement with a release in the following months.

They probably figure it's pointless to sell these phones weeks before another release, causing another outrage in which they have to issue giftcards.

[bozs13]

this development is making me antsy

[Project]

It could simply be an inventory issue. They knew that the 3G iPhone was coming on a certain date but realised that they had a backlog of them which they just wouldn't be able to sell in that time frame.

So they introduce the subsidy and it sells out far quicker than expected. Leaving the gap we have now.

A minor anecdote... I went 4 months without seeing another iPhone in the UK. In the past few weeks I have spotted at least 10.

[jmadlena]

Originally Posted by swagi

I can't imagine, that a CEO thinks this is a wise decision. Four weeks of absolutely NO iPhone sale will send the stock price down. I'm currently desperately waiting on news, or I should just sell my stock!

I don't think it would be a good idea to sell your Apple stock just because there _might_ be a downturn temporarily. I think we all know that Apple is going a lot higher than $183. If you believe in the company and that it is a sound investment, stick with them.

My 2¢.

[Project]

Originally Posted by swagi

I can't imagine, that a CEO thinks this is a wise decision. Four weeks of absolutely NO iPhone sale will send the stock price down. I'm currently desperately waiting on news, or I should just sell my stock!

It is available in the UK Apple stores.

[adamjohn_98]

US Apple Store now quoting 5-7 business day shipping time on BOTH 8gb and 16gb...Is this new?

[OllyW]

Originally Posted by Project

It is available in the UK Apple stores.

Yes, but it's still at the full price. It only started selling well when O2 and Carphone Warehouse dropped the price.

[mooty]

I guess this puts to rest the possible "August summer holiday" release for Europe of the next-gen iPhone... There is no way Apple would make the phone unavailable for this long.

[t0mat0]

Originally Posted by swagi

I can't imagine, that a CEO thinks this is a wise decision. Four weeks of absolutely NO iPhone sale will send the stock price down. I'm currently desperately waiting on news, or I should just sell my stock!

You were around for the Letter Jobs had to write due to the price drop angering people? Don't you think the world would want a subtle sign a new phone is coming? Not being able to (easily) buy the current version helps the uninformed customer.

What's 4 weeks of sales? Jeeez - They'll sell that amount in the first few days. Apple is ratcheting up the tension and anticipation, to get it all ready to be turned into sales.

The stock is going to go FLYING UP, due to the amazing new products that have been in the infamous pipeline.
If you're that short sighted, I wouldn't recommend having stock.

It was "by" August mooty Here's to that being this side of July.

[Willis]

This doesnt take into account it's retail stores.

I went into one of the 02 store in Nottingham last tuesday, when the 8GB model was already sold out, yet they still had some in stock.

I think that simply represents the online store. But then, I could be wrong. I will have to go past the 02 store in Lincoln today and see if they still have a poster up.

Lincoln isnt that big of a place, I'm pretty sure they'll have stock in.

[johnnyjibbs]

Cool! Can't wait for the 3G version.

LOL! I guess it takes a while for the Google ads to update...

[TheSpecialist]

Originally Posted by adamjohn_98

US Apple Store now quoting 5-7 business day shipping time on BOTH 8gb and 16gb...Is this new?

Correct, expecting a 3G iPhone ANY moment now!