O2 out of iPhones

British carrier O2 today issued a statement on its website (not available outside of the UK) that the company has stopped selling the current-generation iPhone. Both the 8GB and 16GB models are listed as "no longer available" and have not been given a restocking date by the provider. Apple itself continues to list both versions as shipping within 24 hours, though independent phone retailer Carphone Warehouse has also reported selling out all its supply without expectations of new shipments.

O2 recently instituted a temporary price cut to help drive sales but is thought to have underestimated demand, triggering a sales spike that dried up supplies of the 8GB model covered by the discount.

The device has been in chronic shortages in recent weeks across both the US and Europe, and is believed by many to have effectively been phased out by Apple in favor of a replacement expected at next month's Worldwide Developer Conference. California-based Apple has not explained the early shortfall other than to suggest that demand has been stronger than anticipated.

by MacNN Staff