APPLE’S FLAGSHIP store in Beijing was forced to cancel the launch of the company’s newest iPhone model due to the huge crowds gathered outside.
People began turning angry when the store didn’t open as scheduled this morning at 7am, with some throwing eggs at the shop and shouting at employees.
Scalpers had hired groups of migrant workers to queue up overnight and stock up on the new iPhone 4S devices, according to the AP. Many others queueing outside since yesterday afternoon despite freezing conditions were simply there to upgrade their phones, they told reporters.
Reuters reports that some of those who had been waiting outside said fighting broke out and that several people were injured in the scuffles.
The latest iPhone device was being released in China today. Ahead of today’s release, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook said: “Customer response to our products in China has been off the charts.”
Here is some footage taken outside the Beijing store this morning:
(Video via Joemudhk)
Employees posted a sign saying the phone had sold up and police arrived on the scene to distribute the crowd and cordon off the area.
Apple spokesperson Carolyn Wu said that the store in Beijing’s Sanlitun district was not opened this morning in order to ensure the safety of customers and staff. Wu said that the iPhone 4S had sold out at other Apple stores in China today.
It will not be available at Apple stores in Beijing or Shanghai but will continue to be sold through authorised stores and online through Apple’s Chinese carrier.
The iPhone 4S was being launched in 21 other countries today including the Dominican Republic, Guam, Ivory Coast and Botswana.
- Additional reporting by the AP
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