Apple has suspended sales of all iPhone models from its stores in China following violent scenes at the launch of the iPhone 4S in Beijing. The company said it decided not to open its Sanlitun store due to large crowds and safety concerns.
Crowds had gathered overnight outside Apple stores across the country. At the Sanlitun store, when it failed to open at 07:00 local time as advertised, customers threw eggs and scuffles broke out with police. Shouts of 'open the door' and 'liar' were heard.
Apple stated it was halting iPhone sales at all its retail stores in Beijing and Shanghai 'for the time being'. However, customers can still purchase the phones through the Apple online store or at authorised resellers such as China Unicom.
China is the world's largest mobile phone market and Apple's second-biggest market. The iPhone 4S, featuring voice-activated functions, was being introduced through official Apple stores in China for the first time.
Despite the disruptions, other stores in Beijing and Shanghai opened without incident and reported rapid sales. Apple confirmed that all iPhone 4S units in stores were now sold out.
