O2 stores across South West London saw queues start from as early as 7am today
Eager Apple fans came out in force across South West London this morning to get their hands on the latest iPhone model.
The iPhone 4S hit stores across the world from midnight and has seen a predictably large demand from devoted followers of the California technology giant.
Customers queued as early as 7am at the O2 store on Wimbledon Broadway to secure their phone.
O2 Sales Assistant Charlene Wami said: “People will always come out early for a new Apple product and their following is unique to that company.”
She added that although the store was well stocked to meet a big level of demand, some people would inevitably end up disappointed.
Released just nine days after the death of former Apple Chief Executive and co-founder Steve Jobs, the latest model sees the company attempting to cement the iPhone’s status as the world’s leading smart phone.
The new model boasts 200 new software features including Siri, a programme that carries out tasks for users upon voice command.
It is hoped that the upgrade of the iPhone 4 could better the 1.7million sales it’s predecessor achieved within its first week of release in June 2010.
It is anticipated to be Apple’s most advanced product yet, with fans flocking to Twitter and Facebook throughout the last 24 hours to express their excitement.
Apple fan Robert Rutter, who owns numerous products including an iPad and a Macbook, said he waited especially for the release date to upgrade his handset.
“I tried other phones like Androids but they are far too fiddly for my liking,” he said.
“Apple’s products are much more user-friendly and they have always made sophisticated technology accessible to people worldwide.”
Shivra Bagshar, who queued outside the store on his day off work, believes the appeal lies in the company’s mixing innovation and fun.
“Even in the 80s during their so-called decline I still loved the products, but for the last 10 years they’ve been on another level, and that’s thanks to the late, great Steve Jobs,” he said.
O2 confirmed that all of its 64GB white 4S phones had sold out by noon in the South West London area, while stores in Putney and Clapham had sold out of every 4S product by 1pm.
When contacted by the South West Londoner, Apple’s PR department refused to disclose first day sales, but stated today had “gone above expectation”.
