Apple unable to cope with demand for iPhone 5 as buyers face delays of three weeks

Apple and other mobile networks began taking orders for the iPhone 5 yesterday, 14 September.

However, it has been revealed that Apple has been unable to cope with the sudden rush for its latest offering, with buyers of the 32GB model being told to expect a wait of 2-3 weeks and two weeks for the 16GB and 64GB models.

While 3, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone began taking pre-orders as soon as Apple allowed, O2 delayed publication of its price plans and was unable to take pre-order requests.

This news has followed claims that Apple faced a shortage of new, taller screens for the iPhone 5 because of slow production at Sharp, one of its major suppliers. The Wall Street Jounal said Sharp had only just begun shipping screens to Apple's Chinese assembly lines earlier this week after difficulties at a key LCD plant.

All models of the iPhone 5 are supposed to be available from Friday 21 September with more than 30 million expected to sell this quarter.