Apple Extends iPhone Lines Additional 2 Hours

Great news for the Mac faithful iPhone covetous: iPhone availability is improving. Responding to unprecedented demand for the new device, Apple (AAPL) is opening its retail stores two hours early. And it’s pre-qualifying customers as well. “To accommodate demand for iPhone 3G, all Apple Retail Stores will now open at 8 a.m. every day but Sunday,” the company says on its retail store page. “We’re also adding staff to help you get up and running as quickly as possible. Customers will be prequalified to purchase while in line and will receive a claim ticket for an iPhone 3G. Your ticket can be redeemed on the spot or–if it would be more convenient to return later the same day–by 6 p.m. (4 p.m. on Sundays).”