However we should point out that this is just a reservation for the right to buy the phone, as opposed to being a pre-order. That being said the high amount of interest shown in the handset is a good sign for the company nonetheless. While the system might seem odd for some, it’s actually a pretty clever way of managing expectations.
Once a user receives the invite, it means they are eligible to buy the device, so in some ways it’s fair. It also saves users pre-ordering and then having no clue as to when their order will be entertained. Granted it does create an air of exclusivity which we can only assume is a side-effect of the system. OnePlus used a similar system last year but according to the company, they have allocated much more stock this year.
In the meantime OnePlus has also launched a contest in which they are asking interested customers into completing certain challenges to prove they really want the device. It is limited to just 22 winners but you can go ahead and try your luck anyway.