It's Friday already in some countries, meaning customers who pre-ordered the iPhone 16 have their eyes glued to the door. Deliveries have kicked off in Australia and New Zealand, according to posts on Reddit, X, and online forums.
As MacRumors first reported, buyers who pre-ordered a new Apple device are sharing pictures and mini reviews of the iPhone 16 family, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4.
Apple doesn't have a retail presence in New Zealand, so at the moment, the only way to get the iPhone 16 in the country is through Apple's website.
A New Zealand resident shares a photo of their iPhone 16 | Image Credit - ZiggyLeaf, Reddi
That's not the case for Australian customers, who can now visit an Apple Store to get their hands on the iPhone 16 if they didn't pre-order it.
While reports have overwhelmingly been pointing to a lukewarm pre-order reception for Apple's newest models, shipping estimates have extended into October, which indicates a shortage. The situation in Australia could serve as a proxy for what to expect in other locations, and for now, it looks like stores are well-stocked.
Buyers in Australia can now visit an Apple Store to buy the iPhone 16. | Image Credit - SJV, X
Long lines are already forming around stores in Australia, which is a promising sign for Apple's new phones and suggests T-Mobile's CEO might be right about there being greater enthusiasm for the iPhone 16 than the iPhone 15.
After New Zealand and Australia, the iPhone 16 family will go on sale in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. North Americans will be the last ones to get their hands on the new phones.
While Apple stores usually open around 9:00 am, many locations will start serving customers at 8:00 a.m. local time on September 20.
Apple Store locations in the US are gearing up for the iPhone 16 launch. | Image Credit - Retail Archive, X
Apple Stores across the US are getting an iPhone 16 and Apple Intelligence-themed glow-up to commemorate the launch. This strategy has the potential of backfiring, as despite being built for artificial intelligence, the phones will ship without AI features. The first set of AI functionalities will only arrive next month, with the rollout expected to stretch into March next year.
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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
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