20 September 2013 Last updated at 09:23 ET
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Short supply of the latest Apple iPhone has left mobile networks "frustrated" and "concerned", the BBC has learned.
Several networks said that UK stock of the latest premium model, the 5S, was severely limited and would be likely to cause disappointment.
No networks contacted wanted to be identified over worries they could be further disadvantaged when supplies were replenished.
Apple told the BBC it did not comment on stock levels.
However, networks contacted by the BBC pointed out that supplies of the new 5C, a lower-cost phone and newcomer to Apple's range, were plentiful.
Insiders from two of the companies told the BBC they suspected Apple was trying to drive sales of the cheaper 5C model, but that their own figures suggested customers had been hesitant to place orders.
Apple has prevented networks and retailers allowing customers to pre-order the 5S.
Continue reading the main story“Start Quote
End Quote Graeme Neill Deputy editor, MobileIt's always in their best interests to sell out within a couple of hoursâ€
One network spokesman said they had "crates and crates" of the 5C, but that the higher-end 5S was being "drip-fed" into the market, and networks and retailers had been left "in the dark" about Apple's schedule for replenishing the stock.
He added that he was concerned that customers would be angry with the networks for the delay rather than Apple.
Less than an hour after going on sale in the UK, the 5S was listed on Apple's website as being unavailable for seven to ten working days for the UK.
Delays in other marketsO2 confirmed to the BBC that it would not be selling the 5S in its stores on launch day, but that customers would be able to try a "demo" model and place an order through its website.
It is the first time that O2 has had to put all its stock online because of low availability, a spokesman confirmed.
On Friday morning, EE said interest in the 5S was strong.
Customers queuing in Covent Garden were cheered into store by staff "We've had call queues into the thousands," a spokesman told the BBC. "It's pretty unprecedented in terms of the volumes."
He added that extra 5S stock had been sent to 80 of the company's 630 stores, where demand was anticipated to be higher.
Some Vodafone staff appeared confused about their company's position. One call centre worker told the BBC that there would be no 5S units in stores until Saturday. Another said that stock would be available on launch day in some of the network's stores, but that the company was unable to say which.
Continue reading the main storyCustomer views
Readers of the BBC website have been getting in touch about their experiences of trying to buy the iPhone on Friday. Here is a selection of views:
"I walked past my Vodafone store just after they opened, and 10 minutes later I walked out with the 5S I wanted. No queue, no hanging around, just straight in and out. I took no longer than popping out to fill the car up." Rob White, Brixton, London
"I bought a 64GB iPhone 5S from Carphone Warehouse in Bluewater Shopping Centre. I got there at 8am - no queue, first in the door, in and out within 20 minutes! O2 shops weren't stocking it in store so I looked elsewhere. Carphone Warehouse was limited in what they had but said they had plenty of 5Cs available." Sam Harman, Greenhithe, Kent
"My partner and I arrived at the Apple Store in Sheffield at 5am intending to buy an iPhone 5S each. We weren't too fussed on configuration, but by 7.30am we were told that they were out of all models. There were maybe 150-200 people in front of us. All models of 5C were available and a member of staff told us that only one person so far had shown up for a 5C!" Jorge Bronze, UK
"I tried to buy a 5S this morning and after two hours of queuing I found out they had all sold out, meaning that only less than a quarter of the people queuing got an iPhone. I think the shortages are due to supply chain issues rather than 5C sales push. I've ordered online but have to wait two to three weeks." Aamir, Leeds
"As an avid fan of Apple products I was keen to get the new 5S today. Unfortunately, as I wanted it Sim-free and live some distance from an Apple store, my only real option was to order the phone online. At 0015 this morning as the website had only just come back online, I eagerly went to place my order only to be told it would be dispatched in seven to 10 days! Alas, as I have no other option, I shall have to wait with my rather dilapidated iPhone 4S and hope that Apple finds some stock to deliver sooner!" Darren, Chichester
"I upgraded my phone and my wife's phone this morning to 5S models (Space Grey 16 32GB) with Three on the phone. Two phone calls, each on hold for 20 minutes. I got through to offshore call centres but well-spoken helpful staff. Both phones will apparently arrive on Monday. I think whatever shortage there is, it will purely be down to component shortages with the fingerprint sensor, something analysts have been predicting for months." Chris Ridley, Upton, Wirral
A Vodafone spokesman later made a clarification, saying: "We will have models of both 5S and 5C in our stores across the country from tomorrow.
"We are doing as much as we can to ensure every store has every configuration. We will be very open with our customers about what we have available to them."
In Apple's flagship store in Regent Street, London, the BBC was told that details of stock levels had not been shared with staff because of "security reasons".
Customer John Davies got in touch with the BBC saying he had given up at the store on Friday morning.
"By seven o'clock we were told they were already out of 'gold', and by eight they only had 32GB whites but 'plenty' of blacks.
"By nine-thirty there were only 32GB black phones so I gave up after three hours without a phone.
"I later walked past the store in Covent Garden and the manager there told me it wasn't worth queuing, in his opinion, as they'd soon run out. Both stores had plenty of 5Cs in every colour."
In the US, technology media have reported similar issues with supply. Technology news site AllThingsD.com quoted one US network as saying it had "grotesquely unavailable inventory" before launch day.
Delays have become apparent in other markets as well. In Australia and China, customers buying the 5S directly through Apple have been told to expect to wait at least seven working days, while customers in Hong Kong and Singapore are being told the phone is not available until next month.
'Encourage demand'Technology commentators and analysts have been sharing theories on the reason for the apparent lack of stock.
"This is the first time that Apple has given its customers a choice on phones," said Graeme Neill, deputy editor of Mobile.
"I think this is a way to try and encourage and foster demand for the 5C before it comes out."
Gene Munster, an analyst at US investment bank Piper Jaffray, said the company could be suffering supply chain problems related to new hardware.
"We believe the 5S is more production-constrained than the iPhone 5 was at launch," he wrote, "likely due to the addition of the finger-print technology."
It is still expected to be a successful launch for Apple in China Others have suggested that supply issues related to the 5S's processing chip had slowed production.
That said, Apple is expected to post positive sales in China of the 5C, where the phones will also be launched on Friday - the first time the country has got the smartphone on the same day as other markets.
Additionally, the roll-out of iOS7, the first major revamp of the company's mobile operating system since the very first iPhone, has been fast. However, news of a security glitch has dampened its reception.
More than 35% of iPhone handsets are said to be running the software after just one full day of release.
Mr Neill suggested that, despite any adverse effects from low stock, Apple would not be greatly affected longer-term.
"They're an insanely popular brand. People have been queuing at the Regent Street store since Tuesday night.
"Apple coming out at midday tomorrow and saying the whole stock has been sold... it's always in their best interests to sell out within a couple of hours.
"It's a kind of win-win for Apple."
Follow Dave Lee on Twitter @DaveLeeBBC
What has been your experience in buying the iPhone 5S from your mobile network? Tell us your story using the form below.
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