Apple's iPhone 3G Stocks Shortage Last Into August

Saying Apple was not prepared for the demand; a Piper Jaffray analyst predicts iPhone 3G shortages for two to four weeks.

Apple's iPhone 3G stocks continue to dwindle. Gene Munster, a Piper Jaffray analyst, has predicted a shortage will last well into August. He said Apple was not prepared for the demand, and it will take some time to refill the supply lines. Moreover, he added, sales internationally have taken inventory away from the United States.

The iPhone 3G, with its lower price, integrated GPS and high-speed 3G capabilities, was a highly anticipated device. Despite long lines and activation issues, Apple sold one million handsets over the launch weekend. However, this initial sales success also has depleted stock, and an earlier report this week based on the iPhone availability widget determined that the smartphone was sold in more than 21 states.

A reason for the short supply is the international availability of the new iPhone. Last year, the iPhone debuted only in the U.S. market. However, the iPhone 3G was rolled out in 21 countries last Friday. The phenomenon is international demand for the iPhone 3G has been high, with a preorder rush bringing down a U.K. carrier's website.
A representative of AT&T, said that 1,200 retail stores of the company are also nearly out of iPhones. The wireless carrier's stores do allow customers to buy the new touch screen smartphone in advance, and return to the store for activation once it comes in.

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