Buying your iPhone 5s or 5c from Apple? Expect to wait a while!
The iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c are now here -- or they will be in a bit. Anyone with an older device that isn't too old is able to update to iOS 7 -- the jury is out about whether it is a step in the right direction or not -- but if you're looking for the full iOS 7 experience running on the latest hardware, the new iPhones are a must-buy.
Even on launch day it looks as though buying direct from your mobile provider, or joining the queue at your nearest Apple store might be the quickest way to get your hands on a new phone. Opt to make a purchase direct from Apple's website and you'll probably find that you have quite a wait on your hands.
It doesn’t seem to make much difference where you are in the world. Unless you were fast with your mouse finger, there's a high chance you'll have to wait until next month until your phone even ships. In the US, many iPhone models have a lead time of seven to ten business days, while in the UK, many handsets have an unspecified dispatch date of some time in October.
The fact that supplies are low should come as no great surprise -- it happens after the launch of virtually every new Apple product. But it's not really clear whether Apple was ill-prepared for great demand, whether there is greater demand than expected, or if supplies are being purposefully limited to help keep the hype going.
So how did you get one? Were you one of the enthusiasts waiting in line for the doors to open, or are you relying on an online order? Which proved to be the faster option for you -- direct from Apple online or going through your mobile supplier?
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