Someone better go let all those folks camped out in front of the Apple Store know. And if someone paid them to camp out, do they still get paid?

Apple’s official statement:

We couldn’t be happier with the initial response to iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, and we are looking forward to beginning sales through our retail stores and partners around the world.

Beginning Friday, limited quantities of iPhone 7 in silver, gold, rose gold, and black will be available for walk-in customers at Apple retail stores. During the online pre-order period, initial quantities of iPhone 7 Plus in all finishes and iPhone 7 in jet black sold out and will not be available for walk-in customers. Availability at partner locations for all finishes may vary and we recommend checking directly with them.

Customers can continue to order all models in all colors on apple.com. We sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience as we work hard to get the new iPhone into the hands of everyone who wants one as quickly as possible.

I can’t ever recall Apple releasing such a statement before an iPhone launch. Walk-in stock was always limited, but I don’t remember there being zero stock in the most popular models. Wonder if this is the new normal. It certainly will drive a lot of on-line orders as word of this gets out. And that will give Apple a lot of valuable sales information.