iPhone is 'unavailable' in UK and US Apple stores; 3G release imminent?

As many of our intrepid readers have pointed out, iPhones are unavailable at the online Apple Store in both the US and the UK. As we mentioned earlier in the week, cell carrier and Apple retail stores on both continents are reportedly facing shortages as well.With all the buzz surrounding the 3G model, the international rollout and the SDK, this is just one more sign that the release of a new device is right around the corner.While I'm obviously not privy to any official dates (or even unofficial speculation), my past experiences in the cell phone retail world lead me to believe that an early June release seems very, very probable.Thanks to everyone who sent this in! Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

US, UK Apple Stores halt iPhone orders

Apple has quietly updated its online Apple Store in both the US and the UK to stop orders of the iPhone, marking the first time the company has ceased orders altogether since the iPhone's launch last year. Both 8GB and 16GB versions are listed as "currently unavailable" and are not given estimates for when they should return to the ordering system...

Apple posts job listings for Munich Apple Store

In June of last year, we wrote about the Apple Store that has been planned for Munich, Germany. At the time, rumors identified an opening date of "...the 2nd half of 2008."Today, Apple has posted several retail job openings for Munich, from concierge up to store manager; eleven in total. If they've begun looking for employees, the store must be near completion. The iPhone was made available to Germans in November of last year, and a June store opening would coincide nicely with the rumored 3G iPhone release.If you're a TUAW reader in Munich, head down to 1 Rosenstrasse (formerly home to Sport Schuster sporting goods) and let us know what you find! The time has almost come for Germany's first Apple Store!Thanks, Chris!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Willowbrook Mall Apple Store to open in Houston June 7th

Section: Apple, Apple News, Retail & Apple Store This Saturday, June 7th, the new Apple retail store located at the Willowbrook Mall in Houston Texas is to open just in time for WWDC. The doors will officially open at 10 a.m. and remain open until 9 p.m. As usual with Apple Stores, you will be able to make One to One reservations and meet with a Genius to help get the best experience out of using your Mac. The store will feature Apple TV and Apple Camp, according to its site, but there are currently no workshops scheduled. I assume this is because the store will be busy with all the new goodies that arrive from WWDC, as well as just getting up and running in their first week.  It’s going to be a busy one for them. One nice thing I found while searching the store’s site was that Apple has offered some shopping tips for their customers. According to Apple, it is best to: Shop early, shop late - The store tends to be busiest in the middle of the day. Shopping early in the morning or late in the evening helps you avoid the crowds. Make an appointment - Test-drive new products and learn all about them by making a Personal Shopping appointment. Don’t be afraid to ask for help - If you have any questions, speak to a Concierge (in the bright orange shirt). The Concierge, your guide to the Apple Retail Store, will always point you in the right direction. If you can make the opening, be sure to take some photos for us! Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

Apple Stores to host a variety of concerts

It's Black Music month, and Apple is celebrating. Along with the special section of the iTunes Store [link], Apple Stores in seven US cities will play host to live music events. Artists like Tiffany Evans, Malcolm Jamal Warner (yes, Theo), Wyclef Jean and Anthony David will perform at Atlanta, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Santa Monica and Troy, Michigan Apple Stores. You can get the full schedule of appearances here.We can only assume that these performances will eventually be available in the iTunes Store. You'll notice that the new flagship store in Boston is missing from the list, but that's because Boston lacks a decent music scene.*[Via Ars Technica]*I can make this joke because I went to Berklee. Just simmer down.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

An Apple Store in Paris' Louvre pyramid

According to French newspaper La Tribune, Apple plans to build a 7700 square foot, two-level store underneath Le Louvre's pyramid. There's a shopping gallery underneath the world-famous museum, which attracts 8.7 million visitors each year and is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, according to La Tribune.Quite a grand location for what will be France's first official Apple Store.We've got no details on when construction will begin or when the store will open, so we'll ask any TUAW readers in Paris to keep their eyes peeled for us. Thanks for the tip, Tim!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments