iPhone pre-orders bring down Apple Online Store

Looks like Apple's hype machine has once again succeeded in building interest for iPhone 4 to the degree that -- it's brought down the Apple Online Store. Taken down earlier tonight and brought back with iPhone 4 pre-orders, it was quickly overwhelmed.

Now it's down again, with Apple hopefully getting its server ducks in a row this time, especially for countries with multiple carriers like the UK where you can buy iPhone 4 completely unlocked if price is no object (£499 for 16GB, £599 for 32GB).

Don't hold your breath for a white option to come back with the store, however. That seems to condemned to late summer and later adopters.

If you see the Apple Online Store coming back up before we do, let us know!

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.