So word on the street (literally) is that a large number of people are queuing in line outside of Apple's flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York City (see above) -- keep in mind the Cube is open 24 hours a day. Our intrepid girl-on-the-scene reports that the group is more than 60-deep, though most people seem confused about what they're waiting for, while some believe they're actually camping out for a 3G iPhone. Meanwhile, Apple reps tell us they're crowd-controlling iPhone buyers because otherwise they would be "screaming" at employees and clogging up the store. See what happens when you get short on stock? More pics after the break.

Update: For those of you convinced this is an Improv Everywhere stunt, here's a post from Charlie Todd -- the group's founder -- denying involvement.

[Thanks, Laura and Abiade]

If we saw the typical "Ships in 1-2 weeks" here or whatever, we wouldn't be sounding an alarm, but something is going on here. Both Apple's US and UK online stores are joining the O2 choir and are now reporting the iPhone as "currently unavailable" -- no 8GB, no 16GB, no nothing. It seems that Apple either significantly underestimated demand for the 2.5G models ahead of the 3G release that's still a few weeks (or months) down the road, or the 3G model is a whole heck of a lot closer than we could've imagined. Is anyone suddenly having a nasty case of "I only want what I can't have" syndrome and regretting that they didn't order one of these bad boys a day or two ago?

[Via GadgetKing, thanks to everyone who sent this in]

If you want to run the risk of getting stuck with the iPhone we sent back because the proximity sensor crapped out (that's another story for another time), get ready to grab yourself a deal. Refurbished iPhones now look to be in stock at the online Apple Store, the supposed result of a nice, stiff mix of iReturners and busted devices. Both the 4GB and 8GB refurb units are being offered at $100 off -- $399 and $499, respectively -- making the 4GB model the slightly better value at a full 20 percent off its MSRP. Not a bad discount, as long as they got around to fixing that bum sensor.

[Via TUAW]

As of this morning, that lovable gauge of fanboy fanaticism dubbed the iPhone retail locator shows Apple stores re-stocked and ready for action. Sure, the entire states of Texas and California are sold out, but on whole, about 43% of all Apple's retail stores show iPhone availability after yesterday's near-sellout. With on-line orders expected to be delivered today, it would appear that Apple's supply chain is just fine, you know, after just a week's worth of anecdotal evidence (which isn't saying much). That's it, our in-stock watch is done... we outta here.

Unless you live in or near Tigard, Oregon or Pittsburgh PA, chances are you'll be out of luck this morning if you're jonesin' for that quick retail fix of consumer crack called the iPhone -- Apple's retail locator lists the iPhone as unavailable for the rest of the nation. Sales have been so brisk in the first week that AT&T claims to have "sold more iPhones than in the first month of any other wireless phone AT&T ever offered. That's how good it's been." However, neither Apple nor AT&T have released any figures. Anecdotal evidence from readers who ordered on-line or at AT&T stores suggests that a replenishment might come as soon as Friday -- the date many hopefuls were told they'd receive shipment. Based on previous Analyst calculations, we're guessing that Apple has crossed the 1M unit mark. A milestone which surely garners some kind of Apple announcement. Oh, hey Apple, how 'bout clearing up all those rumors in Europe while you're at it? K, thanks.

Update: waitingforiphone claims to have a leaked memo from ATT Mobility claiming more than 1 million iPhone activations since launch.

By 10:10AM local time -- just 10 minutes after opening -- this was the scene at Apple's downtown San Francisco outpost. You know, hundreds of iPhone owners waking up this morning and saying to themselves "zomg I need accessories" or "zomg this thing sucks, I'm returning it." Think of it as the "day after Christmas" effect.

It's here, so we're not complaining... but a 2 - 4 week delivery time? Best giddy up.

We just stopped by the Chicago Apple flagship store and were greeted by chaos -- at least 35 to 40 people in line and a media frenzy of interviews taking place. Tyler Tessmann, the first guy in line, had gotten there at 2:30 and was holding court with NBC 5, while the rest of the media patiently waited to pounce. The store seemed busy but ready -- employees told us that most of the prep was done, and that the store was closing down tomorrow just to manage to crowd flow.

So far, the throngs of iPhone-demanding humanity beating on the glass shells of Apple Stores across the globe haven't materialized -- at least not here in Apple's backyard. At this point, the line consists of about one woman, four gentlemen, and three clowns. For whatever reason, we were expecting more (way more) people and generally fewer clowns. Are the contract requirements and price keeping the buying public at bay? We'll know tomorrow! Stay tuned for more updates live from the San Francisco outpost.

There he is, first in the queue at Apple's flagship 5th Ave store. Now what could he be waiting for... besides a sponge?

Update: Davidjr.com went one-on-, er two with the first few people in line. Check the nonsense after the break.

Ok, this would be the ideal time to opt out of the iPhone news if the obsessive minutiae is driving you nuts. Behold, the mighty iPhone... display. So powerful it levitates under the propulsion of its own hyperbole. From the reports coming in, we expect these to be on display today in Apple stores across these United States of Applemania.

[Thanks, Matthew H. and Peter]