The new Apple iPhone 4G has sold faster than the 2G, the 3G and the 3GS. Steve Jobs has stated that the only factor preventing additional sales was a shortage in supply. The new product release has been hailed as the most successful in the company’s history. The iPhone 3G and 3GS managed to just break the 1 million units mark and no more. Jobs proceeded to apologise to customers who were unable to get their hands on the latest Apple device.

The launch has not been without its problems. The new device has been subject to signal reception issues that have emerged after the release and sale of the first 1.7million units. I’m now glad I didn’t join the cues last week to get my hands on one. Having been left in a California bar by a careless employee, the iPhone 4G has courted much speculation in the media even before it hit the shelves. Apple will no doubt seek to remedy these teething issues when the product is shipped for release again.

Unlike previous iterations of the iPhone, the new 4G has been launched across every single major network carrier in the UK. The iPhone 4 handset is also available in selected supermarkets and electronic retailers. All of the major network carriers have suggested that stocks of the iPhone 4 are running low, with supermarket behemoth Tesco citing similar inventory related problems.

With over 75% of iPhone 4 buyers being existing Apple customers, its clear to see that customer retention and loyalty is a real strength of the Californians. I’m currently updating to the iOS4 having been ‘Macless’ for the best part of a week. Having seen other people running the iOS4 software, I’m excited to see how the new features stack up.

Have you purchased the iPhone 4 or downloaded the new iOS4 software revision? If so, tell us what you think…