The iPhone 4S was scheduled to hit the Chinese market on Jan. 13 for the first time. Unfortunately, enthusiasm for Apple's latest gadget turned ugly, with gangs of scalpers reportedly fighting each other in front of Apple stores.
As a result, the managers of the company's main store in Beijing’s Sanlitun district decided not to open the store as promised.
The decision to keep the store closed, which was announced by a company employee over a bullhorn shortly after 7 a.m, prompted angry shouting and egg-throwing from the crowd.
Apple spokeswoman Carolyn Wu said the company will suspend iPhone 4S sales in mainland China to protect the company's employees and customers.
Apple's iPad 2, which became available in China in May 2011, was also greeted with long lines and a restless crowd. The Sanlitun Apple store also had to be temporarily closed after a shattered glass door left four people injured.