Apple's newest version of its popular iPhone hit stores on Thursday, as hundreds of eager customers lined up at its stores around the world hoping to become among the first to own one.
The iPhone 4 launched in Japan, France, Germany, Britain and the United States, before debuting later this month in other countries. Many Apple fans arrived before dawn to buy one.
The company received a record 600,000 pre-orders last week for the cellular device, and analysts said Apple could set another record by selling one million phones in a single day.
The iPhone 4 is faster and thinner and features video calling, multitasking and high definition video capability. It retails for $199 and $299 for a model with more storage.
Although Apple still dominates the so-called smartphone market, it faces increased competition from companies such as Google, which launched its first mobile phone earlier this year.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.