T-Mobile postpones Nexus 6 launch by one week

The Nexus 6 isn't going to be readily available anytime soon. Image: Google

The Nexus 6 isn’t going to be readily available anytime soon. Image: Google

T-Mobile was scheduled to begin selling the Nexus 6 in stores and online today, but the carrier has been forced to postpone its launch by one week. The reason for the delay, T-Mobile says, is to give customers “the best experience possible.”

“To give +T-Mobile customers the best experience possible, we’re moving our#Nexus6 launch out one week to 11/19,” T-Mobile announced on Google+, without providing us with an explanation for the delay. However, the severe supply constraints currently affecting Nexus 6 availability though other channels is the likely cause.

The Nexus 6 has been incredibly difficult to get hold of since it went on sale, with both Google and Motorola selling out within minutes every time they replenish their inventory. Unless you act quickly when new stock comes in, then, you simply cannot get your hands on one.

It’s not that the Nexus 6 is immensely popular — though it certainly seems to be a big success so far — it’s that Motorola simply cannot manufacturer enough of them. As a result, not only is the company’s own online store and Google Play suffering, but third parties are, too.

That’s surely the reason why T-Mobile was forced to delay its launch. The company has already issued internal memos warning retail staff that the handset would be in short supply, and that only select locations across the U.S. would get stock. It’s not too surprising to see that it’s going to wait another week and build up its inventory, then.

It’s disappointing news for T-Mobile subscribers waiting to get their hands on Google’s latest smartphone, but having a greater number of handsets available next week will hopefully save further frustration then — and give customers a better chance of getting their hands on one.