iPhone Sold Out In U.S., U.K.

May 12, 2008 2:55 p.m. EST

Cupertino, CA (AHN) - Confirming speculation about iPhone scarcity, Apple Monday said its U.S. and U.K. online stores have been sold out of the popular combo handset and media player. For some time, onlookers have said the drawdown is a runup to the release of a 3G iPhone.

"The iPhone is sold out, companywide," a Boston Apple store salesman told Computer World Sunday. Monday, an Apple spokeswoman confirmed the online outage, but refused to provide details to the AP.

The confirmation comes as a number of carriers in Asia and South America announce deals to sell the iPhone sometime this year. More definite word may come June 9 when Apple CEO Steve Jobs is slated to speak at Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference.