Local Apple fans can look forward to getting their hands on the iPhone 5S - or the mid-range 5C - soon.
While Apple keeps strict tabs on the information that goes out around location-specific launches, Vodacom's opening up of a pre-registration page on Friday is indicative of an imminent SA launch.
Often first to launch latest devices for the South African market, Vodacom on Friday broke the silence that has hung over the local availability of the iPhone 5S and 5C since Apple introduced its new devices just over six weeks ago, opening up a pre-registration portal: "The much-anticipated iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C will soon hit our stores."
Vodacom says, when sending an e-mail by clicking on the iPhone 5S banner, customers will be sent information around launch details, pricing information and associated deals. The operator notes that the link does not constitute a pre-order, and does not guarantee a handset. "Information on pre-order will be made available closer to the time of launch."
Vodacom's main mobile rival, MTN, says both new iPhones will be available on its network "soon". Hot on Vodacom's heels, MTN says pre-registration will begin tomorrow.
Telkom Mobile notes that commercial agreements between Apple, resellers and local retailers are such that details around local launches of new products are not in operators' hands. However, Telkom's mobile arm has confirmed that the company will range both the iPhone 5S and 5C. "Details regarding when the devices will be available, and the pricing, will be announced soon."
iPhones for Africa
Tech giant Apple unveiled the two new handsets to what turned out to be a tough crowd on 10 September. For the first time, the aspirational brand ventured into the mid-range market with the multi-coloured iPhone 5C - a smartphone ostensibly designed for emerging markets like SA.
While some Apple fans criticised the move for fear of the high-end label being tarnished and cheapened by anything less than superior merchandise, many analysts and industry observers said the devices - which may cost between R6 500 and R7 500 a pop in SA - are by no means Apple's answer to putting its phones in the hands of mid- to low-LSM consumers.
An early survey of social media buzz around the new iPhones revealed that, of the 343 000 mentions the iPhone spinoff received, 45% criticised the design, with online commentators suggesting the 5C was cheapening the brand's superior reputation.
While local pricing and availability details will only be confirmed when Apple gives the green light, talk is that SA can expect to see both the iPhone 5S and 5C in December. The 5S starts at $199 (about R2 000 on a two-year contract) for the 16GB model, $299 for the 32GB model, and $399 for the 64GB model. The iPhone 5C 16GB model will cost $99, while the 32GB will go for $199, both on contract.
Update: Vodacom communicated a solid launch date for the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C via Twitter on Saturday, 2 November: "Drum roll please...iPhone 5S and 5C will be here 15 Nov! RT if you heard it from Vodacom first. More info when we have it." (sic)
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