The iPhone 5s is proving popular.
Well…to the point that Apple sold nine million units over the weekend and has now removed its in-store pickup feature for the handset after just one day.
Per The Unofficial Apple Weblog, Apple’s website now says that the iPhone 5s is not eligible for pickup and that all purchases must be made in the store.
It’s unknown as to why the change took place, but it’s possible that the reservation system went online earlier than planned. Apple typically has sold new iPhones in the store on a first-come, first-serve basis for the first few weeks after launch. Once demand and supply start to even out, the company then enables in-store pickup on its website. It’s also possible Apple will turn on the option and turn it off as inventory ebbs and flows.
If you are still on the hunt for an iPhone 5s, your best bet is to keep checking back with Apple, your wireless carrier and retailers like Best Buy, Radio Shack and Walmart. It’ll take time, but your persistence will pay off eventually.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.