SINGAPORE — A day before the latest iPhones were to be launched, some customers in Singapore, including those who had already paid for their iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, were told by their telcos that they might not be able to receive their pre-ordered handsets on Friday (Sept 16).

The affected models include all varients of the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone 7 in Jet Black and Silver.

On Facebook, customers, already frustrated by a raft of problems faced while ordering the phone, took to posting angry messages on all three telco’s pages. The telcos have pointed to supply issues.

Facebook user Kalvert Yeo wrote on M1's Facebook page: “We paid in advance for our phones, our monies are with your company and you just inform us 1 day before we collect our phones by saying you cannot commit to our pre-orders?”

Meanwhile, Junyu Quek, who is a Singtel customer, said he was told he had secured an iPhone 7, instead of an iPhone 7 Plus which he had ordered. Other Singtel customers also said they encountered similar issues regarding their orders.

Starhub customers also complained on Facebook of not being to order iPhone 7 Plus handsets.

M1 posted on Facebook that “Apple has informed us that some iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus stock has been delayed and will not arrive this weekend. Hence, some customers’ handsets will not be available for collection.” 

Singtel said on Thursday morning: “We have been informed that stocks for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in Jet Black, in all capacities, will not be arriving on 16 Sep as planned.”

Starhub sent text messages to customers, saying that “due to a last-minute change in iPhone 7 availability at the supplier's end, we are unable to offer you the iPhone 7 256GB in Jet Black or Silver at launch”, and offered customers the option to switch handset models.

On Thursday, Apple said supplies of the iPhone 7 Plus have been exhausted in all shades, and the iPhone 7 has also sold out in the new jet black color.  

When contacted, Apple said: "We couldn't be happier with the initial response to iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, and we are looking forward to beginning sales through our retail stores and partners around the world."

"During the online pre-order period, initial quantities of iPhone 7 Plus in all finishes and iPhone 7 in jet black sold out and will not be available for walk-in customers," Apple added. "Availability at partner locations for all finishes may vary and we recommend checking directly with them."

"Customers can continue to order all models in all colors on apple.com. We sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience as we work hard to get the new iPhone into the hands of everyone who wants one as quickly as possible."