U.S. Online Apple Stores Go Down Ahead of iPhone 5s Launch

by

The U.S. Apple Store has gone offline in preparation of the launch of online sales for the iPhone 5s. The iPhone 5s is Apple's new top-end iPhone which incorporates the faster A7 processor, camera improvements and a fingerprint sensor.

southpoint-iphone5s
Southpoint Mall in Durham, NC

Lines have started to form at stores across the country. While the the LA Times claims that lines are "noticeably shorter or nonexistent" as compared to previous launches, CNet reports there were healthy lines internationally.

Supply for the new iPhone appears to be tight with international stores selling out relatively quickly. Apple didn't offer pre-orders for the iPhone 5s, so both online and retail sales begin today.

A few reports from U.S. readers in line also indicate very little stock of White and Gold devices. One reader RiderXTC at the Clarendon, VA store indicates that there is a two device per person limit, and White and Gold devices were all claimed quickly:

An Apple employee just came out and asked everyone in line which color, carrier, and size they desired. After getting to the third person, there are no more gold/white or silver/white in any size for any carrier.

The iPhone 5c will also go on sale at retail stores on Friday, September 20th. Retail sales will begin at 8am local time, while online sales will kick off at 12:01am Pacific time.

Update: Mac4Ever has a gallery of long lines for the iPhone 5s launch in France.

5350_iphone-5s-5c-cette-fois-c-est-la-foule

Top Rated Comments

ck2875 Avatar
ck2875
103 months ago

A few reports from U.S. readers in line also indicate very little stock of White and Gold devices. [...] and White and Gold devices were all claimed quickly.

Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
powerslave12r Avatar
powerslave12r
103 months ago
Good luck to all my retina Haswell folks. This is the time to hope against hope that when the store comes back up, there will be magical silent upgrades to the rMBP. :D

A man can hope..
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Prof. Avatar
Prof.
103 months ago
And when it comes back up: 7 to 10 days to ship.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
imageWIS Avatar
imageWIS
103 months ago
And when it comes back up: 7 to 10 days to ship.

At this point, f-it. If I have to wait another 10 days, I'll wait 10 days. It's only a phone, its not food water or sex.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WardC Avatar
WardC
103 months ago
I wish people would line up like this when the Mac Pro comes out, show the Mac some support...seems all people care about these days is having the latest iDevice.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iceache Avatar
iceache
103 months ago
I'm first in line.... in front of my computer that is. :)
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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