While the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar models are still not on display in UK Apple Stores, the first UK orders have now started shipping. My own order status this morning switched from ‘Processing’ to ‘Preparing for Shipment,’ and some are reporting an update to ‘Shipped’ status with tracking details …

There are similar reports from elsewhere in Europe and Scandinavia.

The new machines have been on display and available to purchase in some U.S. stores since last week, but even in London their presence has been limited to a single example of each of the 13- and 15-inch models behind perspex in just one store, at Regent Street. Staff there tell me that table displays, which allow people to go hands-on with the new models, will be available next week.

Phil Schiller has said that the new machines have set a new online sales record for the MacBook Pro, a fact which is likely to partly reflect pent-up demand for the first major update in four years, but also in part counteracts criticisms that the machines are not what users want. Supply-chain reports tell the same story.

If you’ve ordered in the UK or other European country, please let us know in comments if your shipping status has changed. I’ll update my MacBook Pro Diary once my own machine arrives.