Image Courtesy of Apple

If you are waiting for the iPhone 5, you are not alone. It seems that customers have to wait for several weeks because of the huge backlog of pre-orders.

According to reports, customers wanting the 16GB and 64GB versions of the new handset may have to wait up to three weeks before getting their hands on the new device. In fact, they will not even be dispatched for two weeks.

The demand for the new iPhone 5 has also affected network operators such as O2, which is believed to be unable to cope. The other networks, however, apparently can cope.

Additionally, delays in shipping are also believed to relate to a problem with the manufacture of the smartphone. Sharp, one of its major suppliers, has been accused of having a slow production line.

One of the newer features of the iPhone 5 – although apparently there are not that many – is that it is 4G enabled. Ironically, in the UK it is going to be some time yet before owners will be able to use the phone on this system. Everything Everywhere is said to be rolling the 4G network out for its own T-Mobile and Orange customers, but those using Vodafone and O2 will have to wait a lot longer before the go ahead is given for them to do the same.

Vodafone and O2 may also have another unforeseen problem, which is network compatibility.

It seems that Apple has opted to use a particular bandwidth that it targeted at the Far East. Experts believe this is a direct competitive attack on the likes of Samsung.

These are interesting times for British iPhone 5 owners.