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Launch-Day Availability of Unlocked iPhone 5c Models Continues to Slip

Monday September 16, 2013 6:43 am PDT by Eric Slivka
iphone_5c_store_heroWhile the unlocked yellow 16 GB iPhone 5c was the first model to run out of launch-day stock through Apple's U.S. online store, several additional unlocked models of the device are now experiencing similar shortages. Supplies of carrier-specific models do remain available for pre-order with delivery on launch day of this Friday, September 20.

Among the unlocked iPhone 5c models, the $549 16 GB models are seeing the most significant shortage, with all five colors currently showing shipping dates of September 25. The 32 GB model of the unlocked green iPhone 5c is showing a similar September 25 shipping date.

Outside of the United States, iPhone 5c pre-order availability remains good, with all markets showing availability for Friday delivery (other than outlying areas where delivery may take up to several days longer) with the exception of Hong Kong, which quickly saw all models move to 1-2 week shipping estimates after Friday's pre-order launch.

Apple's iPhone 5s launches this Friday, but Apple is not offering pre-orders for the device. Instead, customers will be able to purchase the device at Apple's retail stores, which will open at 8:00 AM local time on Friday, or order through Apple's online stores beginning on launch day. Rather than a single worldwide launch time for online iPhone 5s orders as was seen for iPhone 5c pre-orders, Apple appears to be staggering times in the various markets in order to ensure that online ordering begins before retail stores open for the day.

For example, iPhone 5s orders will begin in Australia at 2:01 AM Australian Eastern Standard Time, which corresponds to 9:00 AM Pacific Time Thursday in the United States. U.S. orders will begin at 12:01 AM Pacific Time on Friday, while UK orders will begin at 12:01 AM British Summer Time.

Customers in China and Hong Kong will also be able to make reservations starting tomorrow for the ability to make in-store purchases beginning on Friday.

[ 168 comments ]


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ValSalva
72 months ago
Again, we are told they are selling out but not getting numbers of units sold. So these reports are nearly useless other than to create the (maybe false) need to order now.
Rating: 17 Votes
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AP_piano295
72 months ago

I love apple but have no idea why someone would buy the 5c. Especially the 32GB model when you can get a 16GB 5s for the same price. Mind boggling.


Same reason that someone would buy a 4s over a 5.

If you're not a tech nerd the difference in phone spec doesn't matter to you, but 100.00 dollars do.

Probably most people who spend any time on macrumors wouldn't spring for a 5c over a 5s.

But not everyone is into tech toys.
Rating: 14 Votes
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musika
72 months ago
5s orders will be sold out within hours.
Rating: 12 Votes
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BMcCoy
72 months ago

What's the reason Apple didn't do pre-orders for the 5S?
Limited supplies or was it to get people in lines for the media to see?


Both
Rating: 9 Votes
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Sedrick
72 months ago

Actually, I can't remember a release of any previous iPhone that
did not completely sell out by the Monday after release
This concerns me as an Apple investor. Either demand is not that great or supply is exstensive?

More likely this is the first iPhone apple has designed that isn't a bitch to manufacture, so they have plenty in the pipe line.

I bought the 32GB 5c! Why you ask? Well, I need at least 32 GB and just had a baby and need to save the money. Every $100 counts. I bought it because I'm having issues with my 4s and need to replace it (wifi grayed out issue).

This is an honest question: You can't come up with $100 for the phone, but you can afford $80-$100 a month forever? For me, it's the other way around. $100 is a drop in the bucket compared to that monthly bill.
Rating: 6 Votes
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xofruitcake
72 months ago

I love apple but have no idea why someone would buy the 5c. Especially the 32GB model when you can get a 16GB 5s for the same price. Mind boggling.


heh heh, why did people buy 4S when 5 was launched last year? what about 4 when 4s was launched the year before? Price determined demand and in Apple ecosystem, $100 is meaningful to enough consumer that they are willing to take last generation product. And 5C is better product than 4s in the same part of the launch cycle. 5C get a refreshed exterior and color scheme (a biggie in my book), slightly better battery, and has a different communication chip that will support China Mobile TD-LTE and TD-SCDMA. Consumer who want fashion statement will go for 5C..
Rating: 5 Votes
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musika
72 months ago

Lots of new fingerprints for the NSA - yay!


That's a silly thing to say, and it makes me a bit frustrated because I know that will be the joke of the technology-afraid American people this fall. Until everybody forgets. Which always seems to happen.

Let's not make the "**** on Apple because it's fun" game escalate any more than it has to. Fingerprints are stored in a special section of the phone. Practically nothing gets access to them, and they certainly are never sent to any servers.

Plus, as Klae17 mentioned, the government already has your fingerprints. They have much more on you than your silly fingerprints.
Rating: 5 Votes
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absurdamerica
72 months ago

Lots of new fingerprints for the NSA - yay!


Almost every child is fingerprinted in Elementary school and has been since the 80's. If you think they need this phone to get your fingerprint you're already a lost cause.
Rating: 5 Votes
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foodog
72 months ago

Nobody is buying this thing it seems..


Thanks for joining the forum this week to post this very insightful thought.
Rating: 5 Votes
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malnar
72 months ago

Probably most people who spend any time on macrumors wouldn't spring for a 5c over a 5s.

I spend lots of time on Macrumors. I bought a 5c in yellow. I like the shape much better and just don't need a fingerprint sensor or the speed of the A7. The only thing I feel like I'm giving up is the camera, but I can live without it - I've been content with the 4 and 4S camera for ages, and rely on my Sony Nex-7 for really good pictures.

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Apple is brilliant in targeting two demographics here. The young and, well, "girly" will go for the colorful 5c (I think that it will outsell the 5s by a lot).

Older folks (and men) that want more "class" will go for the 5s.

I see an awful lot of ridiculous generalizations being made here on Macrumors about who is buying the 5c. I'm 41, very male (and straight, just for the record) and I have a yellow 5c on the way because I preferred its shape (and color, honestly). Macrumors forum members really need to get over themselves. Your masculinity is not determined by an electronic communications device.
Rating: 5 Votes

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