Any seasoned 'On Launch' iPhone buyers?

[GE90]

Hi All

I might be looking to make the move from android to iPhone when the 6 comes out. However, as I have never bought an iPhone before, and as I am in need of a phone as soon as possible, I just wondered how I would go about getting one on launch......?

I am not keen on queuing outside a store, so is there normally a way of ordering online, and if so, I guess everyone tries to do the same at the same time?

I am close to London, so I could go to a central London store if I am more likely to pick one up any easier?

Many thanks, GE90

[MajorProblem]

Get in the queue on release day, buy two and sell one for profit.

[boxst]

I didn't think that supply was a problem any more? You can pre-order with a network or just walk into an Apple store and buy one.

[mrmr96]

Ironic (maybe?) as I've had a couple of iPhones and I'm now looking to make the switch to an Android when I find a decent one. (Maybe S5?) It will be interesting to hear why you're looking at an iPhone instead of Android? Maybe we both just think the grass is greener on the other side?

[sjg]

The last few launch events (current one meant to be Sept 9th) have been a few weeks at least ahead of a release date. Online preorders normally start between the two, and if you get in fairly quick then you're very likely to have it turn up on release day.

Else if you want to walk into a store and get one without a queue, then the mobile networks' own shops can be fine. But you'll probably get a locked phone rather than unlocked via Apple direct.

[GE90]

Well...... Moving to Apple for the following reasons:

1. Having tried a variety of screen sizes, I prefer the smaller sizes, and have recently had both HTC One Mini's, as well as the Z1 Compact. However, just find that the difference in spec between the full size versions and the compact models is quite noticeable, except with the Sony, but I don't really like the feel of the phone in the hand.

2. Just too many software issues..... Email and generally all notifications are flakey, and do not unlock the lock screen as they are supposed to. They used to work, but an update messed them up. HTC have been aware for 2 years, but still no fix. Tried many apps, but for one reason or another they are not ideal.

3. I think IOS 8 will bring a few changes that Android users would be looking for.

4. Customers service.

5. Resale value of phone.

6. Fancy a change!!!

All of the above is just my own opinion of course, and I may well be back to Android!!

Look forward to your reasons for leaving Apple.....

Also look forward to any more thoughts on how best to go about picking up an iPhone 6 on launch.

Cheers

[mrmr96]

Reasons why I personally want to leave Apple. Note this is NOT a list of "why android it better than iOS" as it's all a matter of personal opinion. This is my opinion only.

1. I don't like iTunes
2. More flexibility over access control of apps
3. Swype keyboard
4. More flexible app features (i.e. apps can modify/access more aspects of the phone, potentially making them more useful)
5. Bigger screen
6. Larger memory size for price
7. More innovative camera options (e.g. depth sensor on the HTC One M8)
8. Micro USB charging (i.e. cheaper chargers which are available pretty much anywhere you go you can borrow one from a buddy regardless of each of your phone model.)
9. Options for contactless charging (e.g. S5 I think has this as an option)
10. OS Not as simple, but gives more opportunities for customisation.

[mrmr96]

PS - to get ones at launch is pretty straight forward. Wait until it's announced (it will make the BBC news so you won't miss it) then head to your favourite mobile network website where you'll usually be able to pre-register if they don't have the tarrifs published the same day. Get notified by email when the tarrifs are available, pick one online, order the phone and have it delivered on day one. You could alternatively order off the apple website for day one delivery. Don't leave it too long after launch and you'll secure one no problem. It's not like festival tickets that sell out in 30mins from release, you'll have several days in my experience.

[Randomthoughts]

mrmr96 said:

Ironic (maybe?) as I've had a couple of iPhones and I'm now looking to make the switch to an Android when I find a decent one. (Maybe S5?) It will be interesting to hear why you're looking at an iPhone instead of Android? Maybe we both just think the grass is greener on the other side?

I'm selling a Nexus 5 soon...

[cho]

IIRC the 5S wasn't available for pre order. It was available for order online the same day it was available in store so no advantage ordering online as you didn't get it on sale day( if that's important). Don't know if they will do it the same way this time around. I guessed they did it this way last time because there were reports of short supply but looking around the phone shops a few days later, everyone had loads of supply. I ordered my 5 through apple store and got it on launch/sale day but decided not to get the 5S and just as well because they had changed the online order times

[GE90]

Thanks everyone.

I would be looking for SIM free purchase, preferably unlocked.

Do PC World/Currys normally stock them at launch?

Thanks

[b0rk]

Apple don't offer unlocked/sim-free handsets at launch generally to third party retailers.

Personally I got a 5S at launch by popping into my local CPW in the evening after the queues had died down. The local Apple store had sold out first thing in the morning.