AT&T and Apple sell out of launch-day iPhone 4s, setting scene for June 24 scramble

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AT&T, Apple sell out of launch-day iPhone 4s

NEW YORK — The launch of the new iPhone looks set to cause long lines at stores next week, because Apple and AT&T have stopped taking “pre-orders” for the device.

The two companies started accepting orders for the iPhone 4 on Tuesday, and quickly sold out. On Wednesday morning, AT&T Inc.’s website was no longer accepting orders. Apple Inc.’s site was accepting orders for black models only, and only for shipping by July 2, more than a week after the June 24 launch.

Buyers had a lot of trouble getting their orders through on Tuesday because computer systems were unable to handle the onslaught.