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If I had missed out on preordering and wasn't able to get one on the 24th, I would get to an apple store asap Friday morning, as any reservations that didn't get to the store by end of day launch day are fair game the next day. Now I know I wouldn't miss my launch day reservation for anything, but there are bound to be a few folks here and there.
 
will the stores be sold out on day one or will everyone be able to get a phone Thursday?

supply vs demand + location

my guess is that most (if not all) Apple stores will sell out, but it will depend on location. I bought my 3GS last year a day after the release, my Apple store had sold out of 16gb White and both 32gb models, all they had left was 16gb Black (which is what I wanted).

but the demand seems to be higher this year.
 
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