Apple stops iPhone preorders

CUPERTINO, Calif. - Apple Inc. stopped taking U.S. preorders of the new iPhone 3G S for pickup at its stores on Friday, the day it goes on sale in eight countries. Customers can still pre-order the phone on Apple's Web site for a later date, said company spokesman Steve Dowling. Apple stopped taking reservations for Friday "to make sure we have the new iPhone in stock at every Apple retail store," he said. The device will be available at all 211 U.S. Apple retail stores starting at 7 a.m. on June 19, Dowling said.