Deutsche Telekom opens iPhone 5 queues early

The scale of the iPhone 5 launch grew clearer after Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile's parent company, confirmed that it was already taking pre-orders as of Monday. Although the device hasn't been unveiled, at least the German division of the carrier is handing out advance coupons for those who want the future model. The campaign was being conducted in anticipation of supply shortages, representative Alexander von Schmettow told Bloomberg.

Most anticipate the iPhone 5 shipping in October, likely more than a month ahead of T-Mobile's European divisions taking pre-orders.

T-Mobile US might get iPhones but has been unusually absent from rumors, most of which are now attaching only Sprint as a new carrier.

Supply has always been an issue for iPhone launches but grew particularly acute during the iPhone 4 release, likely prompting Deutsche Telekom's reaction. The iPhone 4 was almost immediately delayed two weeks during the pre-order phase and quickly sold out to where shortages weren't resolved until a few months later. Supply chain rumors have Apple delivering as many as 26 million iPhone 5s in the back half of 2011, virtually all of which should ship in the fall.

By Electronista Staff