The iPhone 4 launched today in the UK and was greeted by queues of people eager to buy the device before it sells out. Vodafone’s flagship London store only had 50 handsets and the 32GB version was sold out in most stores.  The next batch of devices isn’t expected for a month in that store, according to store representatives speaking with Informa analysts.

Anecdotal evidence from Informa analysts suggests that O2 retail stores had the longest queues, and that around 80% of people in line were male. The signing up experience was very quick and simple, indicating that Apple and operators are succeeding in working very closely to ensure users are registered with both Apple and the operator. iPhone users need an iTunes account to purchase the device.

The iPhone is a key tool for operators to sign-up new high-end users and enhance their relationships with existing customers. Vodafone, for instance, was using the iPhone 4 launch to highlight its new Vodafone VIP service.

All UK network operators are now offering the iPhone.