SO many people are rushing to buy the iPhone 4 in China's Apple Stores that the phones are in short supply nationwide and the company is requiring buyers to pre-order online.

Compared with the model provided by China Unicom, the iPhone 4 sold in Apple Stores is price-competitive and comes without bundled contracts, industry insiders said.

Apple and its Chinese partner, which debuted iPhone 4 on September 25, have sold 100,000 iPhone 4 models in the domestic market, straining the country's supply.

"Each consumer can buy only one iPhone 4 each day," said a statement posted on Apple China's website on Thursday night.

Consumers have to pre-order iPhone 4 online with identity information and get the phone in Apple Stores at an appointed time, showing an identity card or passport.

Shanghai has two stores, one in Pudong's Lujiazui and the other on Huaihai Road.