iPhone launched in US

Eager US customers are lining up to be among the first to get their hands on the coveted new mobile phone from Apple.

The iPhone, which combines the functions of a mobile, iPod and wireless web browser, will go on sale at Apple and AT&T stores at 6pm today in each US time zone.

“This phone is going to blow everything out of the water,” Tony Cecchini, 40, said while waiting in the rain outside an AT&T store in Texas.

Apple and AT&T – the phone’s exclusive mobile carrier in the US – have not disclosed how many units will be available at launch, adding to the frenzy that more typically accompanies the releases of video game consoles.

Featuring a 3.5in touchscreen display, the iPhone will cost nearly €370 for a four-gigabyte model and €450 for an eight-gigabyte edition.

People with sleeping bags and folding chairs started lining up on Monday outside Apple’s flagship store in New York City, but in the company’s San Francisco Bay area back yard, residents did not start lining up until yesterday.

“I got here at 8am and was shocked I was the first in line,” said Jerry Taylor, 54, who set up a golf putting green on the pavement to keep himself and a friend entertained.

Others were looking to turn a quick profit, expecting the product to sell out quickly and drive up online auction bids to triple the retail price.

“We’re college kids looking for money,” said Josh May, 18, who, with four California friends, formed an ad hoc business called “iWait” on Wednesday to stand in line for people who could not do it themselves.

Apple said it was limiting purchases to two per person at its retail stores, while AT&T said it would impose a purchase limit of one per person at its stores.