I'm planning (hoping) to get the new iPhone on Thursday, buying it sim free directly from Apple. Does anyone know what kind of availability the main Regent Street store has? On the Apple site, they have a link to Reserve one for collection, but you can only do it after 9pm each night for collection the next day. My friend tried using this reserve service last week and it never seemed to allow him to reserve it (not sure if the link fails once stock is exhusted), anyway, I'm curious if anyone has managed to order via the reserve option on the site and collected their phone the next day?

BTW, I've noticed on the Apple site that it states, that new iPhone owners need a UK credit or debit card (with account number and sort code). Does anyone know if this applies to people buying the sim free phone outright or just if your taking a new contract?

All sold out most likely. Have you considered the Galaxy S2?

The Manchester Trafford Centre store had sold out signs when we went to the genius bar yesterday at about 4. I know it's nowhere near the store you want but it might give you some idea of stock and demand

The networks seem to have stock most times people I know have gone to them. It may be worth looking at buying one on PAYG from a network and getting them to unlock it if you can't get one from Apple. Both O2 and 3 will unlock for £15 on pay as you go I believe. This will cost slightly more than going sim free though and the unlock process can take up to 2 weeks though is normally much much quicker

Not really, I have my mind set on the iPhone 4S and while the S2 is getting very good reviews, I saw it the other day and its quite big.


I guess, I could go down the PAYG route, according to the VF website they have stock for delivery. The only thing putting me off is I wanted to get it directly from Apple as they have better customer service if I have an issue down the line. I think I'll try the reserve link tomorrow night and if it doesn't work, I guess I can always go down the PAYG route then.

Oh gosh no, it's thinner and lighter than the 4S!

You can still use Apple support such as Genius Bar even if you buy from the network. AppleCare can also be added if you wish. You may want to check Vodafone's unlocking policy if you did want an unlocked one as I am not sure what their policy is myself

Obviously sim free is the better option but thought I'd suggest the PAYG route in case stock was an issue still on Thursday and you didn't want to wait

Quite possibly, but its also quite a bit wider and taller, too big for my liking, plus I've had an android phone for the last year and its been frustrating at times (probably handset ralted rather than specifically android) so I'd like to give the iPhone a try.