The unofficial national holiday that is the launch of a new Apple iPhone is upon us, and as can be seen via most news outlets, the usual lines in front of retailers are as strong as ever.
For those that are not already standing in line, but have some interest in getting your hands on an iPhone 5, you may be in for a wait. Most wireless carriers offering the device beginning today, which includes Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility and Sprint Nextel, are reporting delayed shipping on orders placed today. Those carriers have been accepting pre-orders on the various iPhone 5 models since Sept. 14. Apple noted that it managed to secure two million pre-orders in the first 24 hours, which was more than double the orders taken for the previous generation iPhone 4S.
Verizon Wireless is reporting on its website that orders placed today on all versions of the iPhone 5 will ship by Oct. 19. AT&T Mobility is showing shipping for its iPhone 5 models taking place in 14 to 21 business days, which places that window between Oct. 13 and Oct. 24. Sprint Nextel is claiming that it will ship new orders in up to three weeks.
For those looking to keep your purchase experience “pure,” Apple’s website is claiming it will ship new orders within three to four weeks.
The rush to get hands on the latest device does not seem to have been spoiled by minor issues surrounding the devices latest mapping application or complaints about a new proprietary charging standard. But, then again, it’s an Apple product, and just about any quibble adds to the uniqueness of owning one of its products.
Of course, if the activation of millions of LTE-equipped iPhones should in any way impact network quality, you can be sure that the Internet will be alight with those stories. Stay tuned.
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