Apple has sold 1.7 million iPhone 4s since its launch, making it the company's most successful product launch ever, the company said Monday.
"This is the most successful product launch in Apple's history," Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said in a statement. "Even so, we apologize to those customers who were turned away because we did not have enough supply."
Though Apple fans placed 600,000 pre-orders on June 15, the Apple and AT&T Web sites were soon overwhelmed and had to freeze the pre-order process. Buyers who place orders for the iPhone 4 online are now facing wait times of up to three weeks.
Those who went to area Apple stores, AT&T stores, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, or Radio Shack on launch day were met with long lines and hours of wait time – many in sweltering heat. Stores had some phones in stock for those who did not pre-order the device, but not everyone got their hands on the phone.
The 16GB iPhone 4 retails for $199 while the 32GB version sells for $299. New features include FaceTime video calling, an 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, retina display, HD 720p video recording, and the iOS 4 software update, which supports multi-tasking, folders, and enhanced mail features.
Of late, the iPhone 4 has been beset by criticisms that holding it a certain way (known as the so-called iPhone 4 "death grip") can impede its ability to make calls. Apple has acknowledged the "death grip" issue. Reports have said that Apple may release a firmware or iOS update to alleviate the problem.
For more on the iPhone 4, see PCMag's full review of the device, as well as our unboxing, and hands-on video.