iPhone 4S Quickly Becomes Latest, Greatest, AT&T Gets 200K Orders in First 12 Hours

Apple's new iPhone 4S has quickly become the latest and greatest among iPhone users, as carrier AT&T received more than 200,000 pre-orders for the device within the first 12 hours.

Apple and wireless carriers in the United States and other countries began taking Internet and telephone orders for the iPhone 4S in the pre-dawn hours.

Shipping estimates on Apple's Web site also show that pre-orders for the iPhone 4S sold out in the first day of availability, according to USA Today. Shipping estimates are now one to two weeks for users looking to pre-order the iPhone 4S.

Customers can still snag an iPhone 4S on Friday if they want to in line at an Apple Store or at other retail partners.

A Verizon Wireless spokesman told The Wall Street Journal that our systems were humming very strongly since 3 a.m. He added that executives were pleased with the sales and the ordering process.

An Apple spokeswoman also told WSJ that everything was going smoothly, but customers said they experienced some hiccups, as U.S. customers have reported difficulty accessing systems to order the iPhone 4S online.

USA Today said Apple used a new triage system in which it offered a confirmation to customers that an iPhone was reserved for them. However, customers reportedly had to return to finish their orders when the account could be accessed.

Verizon customers said it was easier ordering through the carrier's Web site on Friday morning.

The iPhone 4S features was unveiled on Oct. 4 at Apple's office in Cupertino, Calif., one day before CEO Steve Jobs died. The new smartphone features a dual-core A5 chip, runs on iOS 5, has an 8-megapixel camera that takes 3,264-by-2,448-pixel pictures, and Siri, a new digital personal assistant. The iPhone 4S is available to customers on AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. Apple begins delivery on Oct. 14.