Queues in Sandton were still forming this morning as Apple fans lined up to get their hands on the latest Apple iPhone, with some people getting to the Sandton Drive iStore as early as 3.45am.
In Menlyn, people lined up with their sleeping bags from 9pm last night in what the iStore has described as its most successful local launch yet. Taryn Hyam, communications executive for the iStore, says demand has been "unbelievable" with people camping overnight at Menlyn, although she was unable to provide sales figures.
Fans and those seeking to get in on the action also took to Twitter to express their thoughts, although the device was not trending in SA this morning. Some asked: "Which of you has rushed out to get it today?" Others commented on the queues and pricing of the handsets.
The hype comes just days after analysts predicted the handset would lead to a spike in uptake of Apple products, but not result in the manufacturer increasing its market share dramatically locally, where it lags Android.
Phenomenal hype
Hyam notes there have been long queues outside iStores across the country, with many customers taking advantage of Apple's cash back offer. Initially, a limited number of vouchers gave shoppers up to R5 000 back, but this amount is now at R4 400 as the first set of vouchers has been snapped up.
Globally, the new devices have hit record sales since going on sale just more than a month ago, with more than 10 million new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models moving in just three days. Locally, the handsets went on sale at midnight, with parties to mark the occasion being held by MTN at the Sandton iStore and Vodacom at Vodaworld.
Vodacom notes its launch enticed "hundreds of enthusiasts to leave their cosy beds behind" and join in the hype. Spokesman Richard Boorman says the interest was comparable to some other big launches, such as the iPhone 4 and 5 iterations. "We're certainly seeing a lot of interest and excitement."
Hyam adds hype around the devices grows every year, and this launch was the biggest ever, with stores opening at 6am to cater for the demand. "The hype has been phenomenal; it's iPhone mania."
Why the rush?
Apple has done a good job of creating hype around its new handsets - the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus ? notes Swift Consulting CEO and tech blogger Liron Segev. He adds the hairgate and bendgate scandals served Apple by getting people to talk about its most advanced device yet, while issues with iOS 8 have been forgotten as if fans took the "blue pill".
Globally, no one can match Apple with the loyalty of its following, apart from a cult, says Segev. He notes the fanaticism and early-morning queuing is insane, adding: "It's a phone, not the Ebola cure; surely next week is also fine?"
Segev adds "people have gone gaga over this," noting there was a lull in Apple fandom post Steve Jobs. "With the iPhone 6, it seems to be 'guess who's back?'" He notes the devices rank as among the most expensive handsets available locally, but people do not care because they will simply buy on contract.
On contract with MTN, prices range between R899 and R2 199, while Vodacom's offers range between R499 and R799 a month. The iStore deals, which encompass contracts from all networks as well as cash or financed deals, range in price from R9 899 to R13 999, depending on which package is selected.
Larry Annetts, MTN's chief marketing officer, says the operator is "excited to bring this premium and desirable iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus" to its customers.
Farhad Khan, chief consumer sales and distribution officer at MTN SA, declared the company "satisfied" with the reception of the new devices. "The pre-orders that we received illustrated the excitement customers have about these iconic devices. Today, our stores are indicating an encouraging uptake of the devices."
The device is on offer from SA's four major network operators.
Pricing from the iStore:
iPhone 6: | Cash price | |||||
Vodacom | MTN | Telkom | Cell C | FNB | incl VAT | |
16GB | R499 | R499 | R449 | R629 | R419 | R9 899 |
64GB | R569 75 minutes | 200 SMS | 200MB | R649 | R549 100 minutes | 0 SMS | 1GB (Unlimited data on TM network expiring 31/3/15) | N/A | R459 | R10 999 |
128GB | R649 | R849 | R599 | N/A | R529 | R12 599 |
iPhone 6 Plus: | Cash price | |||||
Vodacom | MTN | Telkom | Cell C | FNB | incl VAT | |
16GB | R599 | R649 | R519SmartPlan 50: | R689 | R459 | R10 999 |
64GB | R669 | R849 | R1799 | N/A | R529 | R12 599 |
128GB | R749 | R899 | R1849 | N/A | R589 | R13 999 |
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