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How long after launch before iPhones are readily available?

jent

jent

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 31, 2010
919
767
In past iPhone launches in the U.S., how long has it taken from launch day for the new model—regardless of capacity, color, and carrier—to generally become available at the Apple Store and other retail outlets?

I'm probably ready to upgrade but in my family we often use one another's upgrades depending on the timing, so I don't want to deal with having to make iPhone reservations and physically go to the store together.

So if the new iPhone does launch shortly after September 10th, how long until the mania calms down and you can just walk into a store and get the model you want?
 
jent said:
In past iPhone launches in the U.S., how long has it taken from launch day for the new model—regardless of capacity, color, and carrier—to generally become available at the Apple Store and other retail outlets?

I'm probably ready to upgrade but in my family we often use one another's upgrades depending on the timing, so I don't want to deal with having to make iPhone reservations and physically go to the store together.

So if the new iPhone does launch shortly after September 10th, how long until the mania calms down and you can just walk into a store and get the model you want?
Click to expand...

I would say about a month or two. Carriers would have the least amount of phones. Apple stores get supply in every morning but they never know what they have until boxes are opened.
 
I believe last year, it was about a month after release that supply levels eased a bit. I also remember reading something last year about Apple producing approx. 100,000 iPhones per day. I'd suspect Apple will have approximately 5 to 8 million pre-ready iPhones available for release day. Historically, once initial supply levels ease, Apple then opens additional overseas markets.

With the rumored 5C, all bets are off. I suspect the younger crowd (13 to 18 year olds) will be all over the 5C (parents buying cheaper iPhones), while 20+ will be more inclined to get the 5S. Exceptions to the rule applies.

Taking this vantage point, who knows how many pre-made iPhones will be available at launch? Apple is pretty good at this, so I would suspect the usual 1-month high demand number would still apply. It also generates tremendous marketing (Apple iPhones selling out and all).
 
2 months on average.

With the 5C thrown in, things will probably be extra crazy.
 
jent said:
...
So if the new iPhone does launch shortly after September 10th, how long until the mania calms down and you can just walk into a store and get the model you want?
Click to expand...
It actually depends on what model you want. Some don't sell out as fast as others. Also, remember you can use the Apple Store web site to check availability of the model you're interested in at the store(s) in question.

CosmoPilot said:
...
With the rumored 5C, all bets are off. I suspect the younger crowd (13 to 18 year olds) will be all over the 5C (parents buying cheaper iPhones), while 20+ will be more inclined to get the 5S. Exceptions to the rule applies.
...
Click to expand...
One question is what countries would the supposed 5C be available in. The other question that will make a difference as to what people get is what are the feature differences between the 5C and 5S. Of course the actual price difference will affect things as well.
 
It also really depends on the store you go to. Going to the stores located in the suburbs away from the busier city stores may give you better luck.

On average, I'd say anywhere from a month to two months. 16GB models sell out the fastest too.
 
Usually the cheaper ones are sold out pretty quick.

I got my iPhone 5 the day after launch and they only had one in white, and it was a 64. I had planned on a 32, but bought the 64 cause I didn't want to wait and with as much videos and pictures I take, I'm glad I got the 64.

I did the same thing with the ipad mini, the day after launch I went to three stores looking for a white model and found a 64. I don't use that space as much but lately I've been putting videos on it so I'm happy I paid the extra for the space.
 
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