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2012-01-13 09:26:42
Apple has said it will halt the sale of all iPhone models from its stores in
China, after large crowds disrupted the launch of the iPhone 4S.
An Apple store in the Sanlitun area of Beijing failed to open after a large
crowd gathered outside in anticipation of the launch.
The crowd became unruly, throwing eggs. Scuffles broke out with police.
China is the world's largest mobile phone market, and Apple's second-biggest
market.
The iPhone 4S, which has voice-activated functions, was being introduced
through official Apple stores in China for the first time.
Tough market
Apple said in a statement that it decided not to open its store at Sanlitun
"due to the large crowd, and to ensure the safety of our customers and
employees".
Police outside Apple store in Beijing Police were there to contain the crowd of
about 500 people at the Sanlitun store
It also said that it was halting the sale of iPhones at all retail stores in
Beijing and Shanghai "for the time being".
However, Apple said Chinese customers can still purchase the phones either
through the Apple online store or at China Unicom and other authorised sellers.
The decision came despite the fact that other stores in Beijing and Shanghai
opened without incident and reported rapid sales.
Apple said all iPhone 4Ss were now sold out in stores in China.
'Broke hearts'
Crowds began gathering outside of Apple stores overnight and in the early
morning. Police were deployed to a number of stores to help control the crowds.
Eggs were thrown at Apple's Sanlitun store in Beijing after it failed to open
on Friday at 07:00 local time (23:00 GMT Thursday) as advertised.
When it was announced that the store would not be opening, there were shouts of
"open the door" and "liar".
Customers at the Sanlitun store said they were disappointed not to be walking
away with any purchases.
"I've been waiting here since yesterday afternoon, then this morning they say
they won't sell," a man in his 20s told Reuters TV. "They broke customers'
hearts."
By about 10:00 local time in Beijing, the crowds had cleared the area in front
of the store.