Apple says Jet Black iPhone 7 and all 7 Plus models sold out; breaking news to those in line

Apple has issued a statement advising that it has completely sold out of the Jet Black iPhone 7 and all versions of the iPhone 7 Plus, thanks to pre-orders. It adds that ‘limited quantities’ of other finishes of the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 will be available to walk-in customers tomorrow.

We couldn’t be happier with the initial response to iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, and we are looking forward to beginning sales through our retail stores and partners around the world.  

Beginning Friday, limited quantities of iPhone 7 in silver, gold, rose gold, and black will be available for walk-in customers at Apple retail stores. During the online pre-order period, initial quantities of iPhone 7 Plus in all finishes and iPhone 7 in jet black sold out and will not be available for walk-in customers. Availability at partner locations for all finishes may vary and we recommend checking directly with them. 

Customers can continue to order all models in all colors on apple.com. We sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience as we work hard to get the new iPhone into the hands of everyone who wants one as quickly as possible.

In Australia, staff have been breaking the news to those waiting in line at Apple Stores, informing them that not even those at the head of the line would be able to buy a 7 Plus. It handed out AUS$100 ($75) gift cards to those in line at a Sydney store by way of apology.

TechCrunch adds that iPhones with the Jet Black finish are in such short supply that Apple didn’t even make them available to most reviewers.

Our own sources yesterday told us that most Apple Stores would have limited or no stock available to walk-in customers. This may be in part due to Apple’s making additional supplies available to iPhone Upgrade Customers after complaints that they were being sent to the back of the virtual queue.

Demand for the new iPhones appears to be higher than anticipated, two U.S. carriers announcing record pre-orders, and an unconfirmed report suggesting that Apple is aiming to make 100 million units by the end of the year. However, Apple had warned that supply constraints would limit initial sales, so the sell-out could simply be due to limited stock.

So if you’re hoping to snag a 7 Plus or a Jet Black 7 tomorrow, third-party retailers look like your only hope.