In what would silence critics, who came down heavily on Apple's new smartphones iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C arguing that they lack innovation and were over-priced, the crowds at Apple's stores on Friday were overwhelming, according to reports.
Apple Inc's newly launched smartphones - iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C - hit the stores in several countries on Friday (20 September), a week after pre-orders for the devices were opened following its launch last week. [Read: How to install iOS 7]
Despite reports that pre-orders for the devices were cold, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said that the lines in New York, Minneapolis, and San Francisco were almost the same or slightly longer than the ones witnessed during the launch of iPhone 5. However, he said that the long queue could be because of the lack of pre-order time for the devices.
It is yet to be known if the crowds at Apple stores will translate into sales.
Apple has not released the sales figure of the devices but iPhone 5S listed on its website as unavailable for seven to 10 days. Sources also revealed that the sales of the new devices have been incredible.
"Demand for the new iPhones has been incredible, and we are currently sold out or have limited supply of certain iPhone 5s models in some stores," an Apple representative told AllThingsD.
But according to a report by BBC, a couple of companies it contacted revaled that the that supplies of the new 5C, a lower-cost phone and newcomer to Apple's range, were plentiful. Insiders said that they suspected Apple was trying to drive sales of the cheaper 5C model, but customers had been hesitant to place orders.
The Cupertino giant is expected to come out with the figures of the sales after after the weekend.
Reuters had earlier reported that the pre-orders for Apple's new smartphones were "disappointing", throwing up a hint of poor business from the devices.
A source who refused to be identified as Apple has not disclosed the sales figure of the new smartphones, said that the pre-orders of iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C are not as high as expected, according to Reuters.
It may be recalled that pre-orders for iPhone 5 crossed two million in just 24 hours, breaking the previous one-million record held by iPhone 4S.
Price and Availability
The price of iPhone 5S varies from $199 (₹12,700) for 16GB, $299 (₹19,000) for 32GB and $399 (₹25,500) for 64GB with a two-year contract and will be made available in three colours - gray, silver and gold. The unlocked 16GB model will be priced $649 (₹41,600), and the 64GB model for $849 (₹54,500).
The 16GB version of iPhone 5C costs $99 (₹6,300) and the 32GB model for $199 (₹12,700) with contract. The device will come in five colours - blue, green, pink, yellow and white. Its price will be higher without contract with the 16GB variant expected to cost ₹35,200 ($549) and ₹41,600 ($649) for 32GB.
Both the smartphones will be sold through four major US carriers - AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile. It went on sale in countries like US, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore and the UK on 20 September. It is expected to make its way to 100 more countries including India by the end of the year.
Video of Apple's Launch of iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C:
