If you visited Boylston Street during the early morning hours on Friday, September 20, 2013, the line of people waiting at the Apple Store for the iPhone 5s release would have made you think it was noon rather than 5 a.m.
Since Thursday evening, hardcore iPhone fans armed with blankets, hats, mittens, and chairs waited in line for one of the most anticipated tech events of the year. Many dressed in pajama pants, hoodies, and winter jackets to ward off the chilly New England weather in hopes of purchasing a new iPhone 5s on its release day. Some drank coffee to keep their energy levels high, volunteers from Team Gazelle passed out pretzels and took pictures, and groups of friends sang about their phones. But most people waiting in line for the 8 a.m. opening proved their dedication to Apple’s products by focusing mainly on their phones.
One person passing by the line asked about their chances of getting an iPhone, to which another responded, “I have no idea, but I really hope that they’re good.”
Equipped with a fingerprint scanner, the iPhone 5s comes with an amalgam of different software features and designs that include a 64-bit chip, a new iSight camera, LTE wireless, three color options, and an array of cases to choose from.
One eager customer in line, a Northeastern University student from California, thinks the additions to the iPhone are unique and practical.
“It seems very different from the other iPhones,” he said. “The software seems a lot different and there’s a lot of improvements, like the touch access and the camera. I also used to have an iPhone, but it broke, so I’m kinda missing the smartphone and want to get it right away.”
Another fan, an IT tech from Cambridge, also looked forward to the iPhone 5s release so he could replace the broken phone he’s had since June.
“I’ve been waiting for 3 months for [the iPhone] to be released. It stinks not being able to look at my phone and see what’s on the screen. And after today, that won’t be a problem.”
As the clock struck 8 a.m., fans began to cheer, while inside the store, Apple employees (a.k.a. “Geniuses”) were clapping and singing as they assembled in the showroom. When the Apple store’s glass doors opened, the first person at the head of the line was met with high fives and cheers as he entered the building.
After purchasing her iPhone, one satisfied customer, a marketing manager, was excited about her new gadget and happy that her wait had finally ended.
“I was out there for like, 20 hours. I’m just starting to feel my fingers again. But honestly, the wait was worth it. I know this phone will be great.”
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