After some self-confessed “nerds” queued in the cold for up to 36 hours to be at the head of the line. They were snapped up at a rate of 4.2 per second at the height of the frenzy at 1,300 outlets.

Nik Fletcher, 21, a computing engineer, was the first into Apple’s Regent Street store when doors opened at 6.02pm - having camped outside since 8.30am on Thursday.

He said:

It’s not an insult being labelled a geek or a nerd. It’s my passion. I am exhausted, but it’s all been worth it.

Pal Graham Gilbert, 22, a computer student, added:

It’s fun to hang out and meet other Apple nerds.

The £269 iPhone - a mobile, iPod and web browser - sold 1.4 million in 74 days in the US.

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