iPhone 4 Australian launch: pictures

The Apple iPhone 4 was launched to thousands of Australians who braved the wind and rain at midnight on 30 July with the focus shifting from last year's "first owner in Australia" to celebrities and glitzy parties.

In Sydney, Apple fans lined the streets and back alleys of the major telecommunications stores in George Street, with Optus attracting the largest crowd of around 600 people. Optus representatives said the line would take up to 10 hours to clear which was of little comfort to the last person in the line, Ryan, who said he found the queue "soul-destroying".

To keep the crowds occupied, Telstra trotted out the MasterChef contestants and judges, Optus brought out Destiny's Child's Kelly Rowland, and taking a different tack Vodafone invited people to "queue" within the confines of the swanky Sydney nightclub The Ivy.

Most people that CNET Australia spoke to in line were unconcerned with the "antennagate" problems, where according to Apple's findings apparently holding any smartphone incorrectly would lead to reception problems.

The Apple iPhone 4 is available in two different varieties, 16GB and 32GB, and is available on contract or outright through Apple. For CNET Australia's full review and more see the iPhone launch centre.

War is over

Not greatly dissimilar to the public jubilation felt at the end of the second World War, Sydneysiders rejoiced at the strike of midnight as phone stores opened for the launch of Apple's iPhone 4. But it was an interesting night across town with pre-phone parties held by Optus, Vodafone and Telstra.