Expectations should be high next year. With the shortage going on for the gold model, I'd imagine next year apple will be more prepared. Wishful thinking on my part? I ordered the 5 on pre-order last year and got bumped to Oct ship date. It ended up shipping that weekend and I got it the following week after launch. I can only imagine they will go back to allowing pre-ordering all iPhones next year after hearing almost everywhere is either sold out or don't have any of the gold or silver.