Shoppers will be able to buy the new iPhone 4S from Hong Kong's Apple store only by appointment after huge demand caused crowd control problems in the IFC Mall.
The announcement was made at noon yesterday after 1,000 people queued to buy 5,000 phones, with many selling on their purchases to dealers for a fat profit.
The store received complaints about crowd management on Wednesday that led to the introduction of barriers.
About 40 police officers were drafted in on Thursday to ensure order and 10 reinforcements arrived later from the police tactical unit.
The store has now introduced an iReserve system, under which customers can seek an online appointment and - if successful - pick up their phones the next day.
It means customers can no longer buy the iPhone 4S simply by walking into the store. It also helps to stamp out the reselling of newly released products at inflated prices.
