Apple iPhone 6 Plus Shipments Delayed

Apple fans hoping to get one of the larger new iPhones, the iPhone 6 Plus, on the Sept. 19 launch date are going to have to wait a while. Due to a record number of pre-orders, those who purchased the iPhone 6 Plus might not receive their new phone for up to four weeks. Ouch. Tim Cook didn't mention that during Tuesday's keynote.

The new iPhones will launch next Friday in the U.S. and other places, and pre-orders began early this morning at 12 pm PT. The iPhone 6 Plus is the 5.5-inch version, and is substantially larger than the smaller 4.7-inch iPhone 6. So, while the 'Plus' model is back-ordered for up to a month, the smaller iPhone 6 is still available to arrive on schedule on Sept. 19 for those who pre-order now.

Apple's website wasn't the only retailer experiencing a shortage due to massive demand for the iPhone 6 Plus. According to Reuters, Verizon Wireless, AT&T and Sprint are also back-ordered for up to six weeks. That's quite a wait. Apple has acknowledged that the demand for the iPhone 6 Plus is greater than that of any previous iPhone model, and that's saying something.

Trudy Muller, an Apple spokesperson, said of the shortage, "Response to iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus has been incredible, with a record number of pre-orders overnight. Pre-orders are currently available online or through the Apple Store App." 

iPhone scarcity around launch date is quite common for Apple, especially when there is a completely redesigned iPhone coming out. And perhaps that explains the incredible demand for the iPhone 6 Plus. It is quite unlike any iPhone before it with its large screen, optical image stabilization compliant camera and super slim design. 

But this story is far worse for Apple fans in China, who will have to wait perhaps until the end of the year before they can purchase one in their country. According to Reuters, Apple hasn't even set an official iPhone 6 launch date for China. And given that China comprises the world's largest smartphone market, the fact that they might have to wait more than anyone else is kind of crazy when you think about it.

Part of the problem with launches of highly-anticipated devices is that re-sellers figure out ways to buy devices in bulk, a practice that severely limits the supply for everyone else. So, basically, if you like super big phones and were hoping to pick up an iPhone 6 Plus, you're probably upset right now if you didn't already successfully pre-order one before anyone else. On the other hand, if you like "normal" size phones and were hoping to pick up a new iPhone, you're good. That 4.7-inch model is waiting for you. Just waiting.