iPhone 3G sales surprise even Apple; iTunes leaves many unactivated

Apple may have learnt from the first iPhone launch, but today’s release of the iPhone 3G still didn’t quite go smoothly.  Demand once again exceeded supply; I stopped by the Apple store in San Francisco this morning, where staff were surprised by the 300+ queue that had stretched around the block before the 8am opening.  Even before the doors opened, supervising staff were voicing uncertainty as to whether they’d have enough handsets to meet demand.  Despite their best efforts and extended trading hours, queues had to be curtailed in order for stores across the country to close in time.

Once customers were in-store, things weren’t necessarily any easier.  San Francisco at least was experiencing delays in the credit card system, keeping buyers waiting as Apple employees tapped frantically at their card machines, and then iTunes was swamped by attempted activations and only stumbled back into life mid-afternoon.

First in line at the Apple Store San Francisco - and only 36hrs wait!

A common problem has been a shortage of 16GB handsets, with buyers perhaps learning from the last time around and bypassing the smaller 8GB model despite its lower sticker price.  Apple themselves, despite my best efforts, were remaining coy about how many each store were hoping or expecting to sell; the only figure they’d discuss was the aim of 10m by the end of the year.

Did you queue for an iPhone and leave empty handed?  Or perhaps you’re reading this post on your new iPhone 3G.  I’m curious as to who picked black and who chose white; the latter was surprisingly attractive on the display shelves.  Was 8GB enough, or are you having to go back to collect a 16GB model when stock comes in?  Let us know in the comments.