iPhone 4: AT&T already sold out

AT&T has announced that it has already run out of iPhone 4 handsets in the US ahead of the iPhone launch on Thursday 24 June.

In a move that is likely to cause friendly Americans to get angry, AT&T fearful of huge crowds in the US, has issued a statement on Tuesday warning that it won't have any further stock until Tuesday 29 June.

"AT&T is on-track to deliver iPhone 4 to customers who pre-ordered the device on June 15. We look forward to offering iPhone 4 to all other customers beginning Tuesday, June 29, when it goes on sale in all AT&T sales channels".

Those who have already managed to pre-order the new handset will still be getting it - don't panic - with the US operator claiming that those who have will get their shiny new iPhone 4 this week, either direct to their door or via in-store pick-up.

However, those who haven't are out of luck. AT&T stresses that it won't have any in store available to buy on Thursday and will only be able to help people on a "first-come, first-served basis while supplies last - on June 29 in its retail locations, at www.att.com, and in business sales channels".

The news doesn't bode well for stock in the UK, with UK operators already suggesting they will have limited stock come launch day. 

For the iPad launch, Apple held back the UK launch by over a month as it tried to get enough stock to supply an international launch, one has to wonder whether or not they are wishing they had done that for the iPhone as well.

Have you pre-ordered your iPhone 4 or are you hoping to chance it on Thursday? Let us know in the comments below.