AT 8am on Friday, more than 100 people could be seen queuing outside 02’s store on Commercial Road. Some had been there since 3.30am They were all waiting to purchase the new iPhone 4S with revolutionary technology and software that makes it stand out from the rest.

It has already proved to be more popular before its release than any other Apple product.

Described by its makers as “the best iphone ever”, it was expected to fly off the shelves and it certainly did.

02 sold 102 contracts on Friday morning and nine pay as you go iPhones, most of which were “first come, first served” sales as part of their “fair deal” philosophy. Apple fans queued for hours outside the store, where 02 sales consultants were handing out food and ponchos in case it rained.

02 was prepared for the influx and sold 100 per cent of its stock, while Orange sold out in hours.

Bob Rayner, senior sales consultant for Orange, said all of their iPhones were pre-ordered, which shows the popularity of the product.

He said: “Apple is popular because it works so well. The processor is a lot faster in the new iPhone 4s and there is a better camera, full HD quality.”

“iPhones are for people who love gadgets. They sell themselves.”

A business specialist from 02 commented: “I wasn’t going to get one this morning until I saw Siri and then I decided to upgrade myself.”

Siri is a so-called intelligent assistant that “helps you get things done just by asking”, along with iCloud, a service which synchronises content across multiple devices via wi-fi.

Big fans

Former AFC Bournemouth striker Steve Lovell is a huge fan of Apple’s best known product and is awaiting delivery of a shiny new 4S in the coming days.

He said: “You get great service with Apple but everything always works anyway.

“Apple don’t roll out features until they are ready and while other phones might offer extra features, in my opinion they don’t work as well as Apples.”

“The iPhone 4S has basically transformed the iPhone 4 into a totally new device.”

Joanna Janko, a 20 year old student from Charminster, was the proud owner of a new iPhone 4S by 10am on Friday and said: “I used to have a Blackberry but after the server crash a few days ago and I couldn’t receive my emails or get any network coverage, I saw the chance this morning to upgrade and try Apple.”

Blackberry’s recent problem seems to add to the number of reasons why people are buying the new iPhone, although in the words of one Apple advocate and store consultant: “It’s just product design. Apple get it right.”

Just over a week after the death of Steve Jobs, and he leaves behind a legacy in the name of Apple.

In a comment released after Steve’s death, Tim Cook, who was appointed CEO after Mr Jobs stood down in August, said his predecessor had left behind “a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple”.