TORONTO — Apple's new faster iPhone is in short supply for Canadians.

The iPhone 3GS is out of stock at a majority of Rogers and Fido retail stores across the country since early July and it's also sold out online, said Rogers Wireless spokeswoman Carly Suppa.

"Rogers has placed orders for continuous shipments of inventory and backorders will be filled on a priority basis," she said Tuesday.

Rogers (TSX:RCI.B) is the exclusive carrier of the iPhone in Canada and it has the only network at this time capable of running the touchscreen smartphone.

Suppa said Rogers has sold "tens of thousands" of the iPhone 3GS, starting at $199, since it was launched in June.

The older 3G iPhone, now priced at $99 on a three-year plan, is sold out online too, but may be available at retail stores across Canada, Suppa said.

The iPhone was first launched in Canada in July 2008 and is known for popularizing software applications like maps, games and weather.

Apple is competing with BlackBerry maker Research In Motion for consumers' wallets in North America.

IDC analyst Kevin Restivo said the iPhone 3GS has been in short supply for at least the last six weeks in Canada.

Restivo said the iPhone has helped open up the smartphone market to consumers.