Pre-orders for the iPhone 5 have sold out in just a few hours.
All models of the new device, which features a taller screen, is lighter and is 4G-enabled, are now showing an estimated delivery time of at least two to three weeks in the UK.
While some critics had appeared underwhelmed by Apple's new phone, which for all its improvements arguably does not have the same 'game-changing' upgrades as some previous generations, the demand among the public is undimmed.
Pre-orders began at 8am in the UK, with Apple's website initially unable to cope with demand and some users voicing complaints about delays. Once the site was up and running, it took just a few hours for the device to sell out.
Demand was equally high in the US, where the device was also registering low stock levels almost immediately after the pre-sale began.
"What recession?" quipped one Twitter user after the sell-out was revealed.
For users still wanting to pick up an iPhone 5 on launch day, Apple now recommends you head to your nearest Apple Store or mobile phone retailer - but be sure to get there early.
Huge queues were seen last October for the release of the iPhone 4S, and this year is set to be just as busy.
HANDS ON PREVIEW: We Put The New iPhone Through Its Paces
READ MORE: How To Buy A New iPhone
The iPhone 5 Launch
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An Associated Press reporter holds the Apple EarPods during a product review in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
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The Apple EarPods are shown during a product review in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(03 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(04 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(05 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(06 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(07 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(08 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(09 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(10 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
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The new Apple iPhone 5 is displayed Wednesday Sept. 12, 2012 following the introduction of new products in San Francisco. The iPhone 5 is a blend of beauty, utility and versatility. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (credit:AP)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(12 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(13 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(14 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(15 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
Apple unveils new iPhone model(16 of58)
Technology giant Apple has unveiled a raft of updated products including the latest model of its new iPhone. The iPhone 5, which weighs in at 112 grammes, has a 4in screen - half an inch bigger than previous models, at Kings Place, Central London. (credit:PA)
Apple Introduces iPhone 5(17 of58)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: The new iPhone 5 is displayed during an Apple special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on September 12, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Apple announced the iPhone 5, the latest version of the popular smart phone. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Apple Introduces iPhone 5(18 of58)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide product marketing Phil Schiller announces the new iPhone 5 during an Apple special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on September 12, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Apple announced the iPhone 5, the latest version of the popular smart phone. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Apple Introduces iPhone 5(19 of58)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: The new iPhone 5 is displayed during an Apple special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on September 12, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Apple announced the iPhone 5, the latest version of the popular smart phone. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Apple Introduces iPhone 5(24 of58)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide product marketing Phil Schiller announces the new iPhone 5 during an Apple special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on September 12, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Apple announced the iPhone 5, the latest version of the popular smart phone. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Phil Schiller(25 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, speaks on stage during an introduction of the new iPhone 5 at an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (credit:AP)
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The iPhone 5 is shown during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(27 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, speaks on stage during an introduction of the new iPhone 5 at an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (credit:AP)
Apple Introduces iPhone 5(28 of58)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide product marketing Phil Schiller announces the new iPhone 5 during an Apple special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on September 12, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Apple announced the iPhone 5, the latest version of the popular smart phone. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Apple Introduces iPhone 5(29 of58)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks during an Apple special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on September 12, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Apple announced the iPhone 5, the latest version of the popular smart phone. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty)
Phil Schiller(30 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, speaks about camera quality of the iPhone 5 during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(31 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, speaks on stage during an introduction of the new iPhone 5 at an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (credit:AP)
Tim Cook(32 of58)
Apple CEO Tim Cook talks on stage during the introduction of the new iPhone 5 in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(33 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, gives prices of the iPhone 5 during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
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The Foo Fighters perform during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(35 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, speaks on stage about new connectivity options during an introduction of the new iPhone 5 in San Francisco, Wednesday Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (credit:AP)
Greg Joswiak(36 of58)
CORRECTS ID TO GREG JOSWIAK, NOT EDDY CUE - Greg Joswiak, Apples vice president of Hardware Product Marketing, speaks about EarPods during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
Tim Cook(37 of58)
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks in front of an image of the iPhone 5 during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
Tim Cook(38 of58)
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
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The Foo Fighters perform during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(40 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, gives release dates of the iPhone 5 during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(41 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, speaks on stage about the introduction of a new operating system during an introduction of the new iPhone 5 in San Francisco, Wednesday Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(42 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, speaks on stage about new connectivity options during an introduction of the new iPhone 5 in San Francisco, Wednesday Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(43 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, speaks on stage about new connectivity features during an introduction of the new iPhone 5 in San Francisco, Wednesday Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(44 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, talks about the features of the new camera and iSight during an introduction of the new iPhone 5 at an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(45 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, speaks about camera quality of the iPhone 5 during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(46 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, speaks in front of an image of the iPhone 5 during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(47 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, speaks in front of an image of the iPhone 5 during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
Tim Cook(48 of58)
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks in front of an image of an iPad during an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (credit:AP)
Phil Schiller(49 of58)
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, speaks on stage during an introduction of the new iPhone 5 at an Apple event in San Francisco, Wednesday Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (credit:AP)
Apple Introduces iPhone 5(50 of58)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide product marketing Phil Schiller announces the new iPhone 5 during an Apple special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on September 12, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Apple announced the iPhone 5, the latest version of the popular smart phone. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Apple Introduces iPhone 5(51 of58)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide product marketing Phil Schiller announces the new iPhone 5 during an Apple special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on September 12, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Apple announced the iPhone 5, the latest version of the popular smart phone. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Apple Introduces iPhone 5(52 of58)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: The new iPhone 5 is displayed during an Apple special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on September 12, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Apple announced the iPhone 5, the latest version of the popular smart phone as well as new updated versions of the iPod Nano, Shuffle and Touch. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Apple Introduces iPhone 5(53 of58)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide product marketing Phil Schiller announces the new iPhone 5 during an Apple special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on September 12, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Apple announced the iPhone 5, the latest version of the popular smart phone. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Apple Introduces iPhone 5(54 of58)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide product marketing Phil Schiller announces the new iPhone 5 during an Apple special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on September 12, 2012 in San Francisco, California. Apple announced the iPhone 5, the latest version of the popular smart phone. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Journalists and attendees line up outside of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco to attend Apple's special media event to introduce the iPhone 5 on September 12, 2012 in California. AFP PHOTO/Kimihiro Hoshino (Photo credit should read KIMIHIRO HOSHINO/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
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Journalists and attendees line up outside of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco to attend Apple's special media event to introduce the iPhone 5 on September 12, 2012 in California. AFP PHOTO/Kimihiro Hoshino (Photo credit should read KIMIHIRO HOSHINO/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
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Journalists and attendees line up outside of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco to attend Apple's special media event to introduce the iPhone 5 on September 12, 2012 in California. AFP PHOTO/Kimihiro Hoshino (Photo credit should read KIMIHIRO HOSHINO/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
US-IT-APPLE-IPHONE(58 of58)
Journalists and attendees line up outside of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco to attend Apple's special media event to introduce the iPhone 5 on September 12, 2012 in California. AFP PHOTO/Kimihiro Hoshino (Photo credit should read KIMIHIRO HOSHINO/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)