iPhone 5S units have started shipping to early order customers, over a fortnight after the release date.
Customers who ordered their iPhone 5S units from the online Apple Store on the September 20 release date will see their smartphones land on their doormat in the next few days.
Several customers have reported that the funds for their iPhone 5S have now left their bank accounts, with the order showing the device is “preparing for dispatch”.
Although, Apple is yet to offer an exact date customers can expect the iPhone 5S will arrive at their homes, customers are one step closer to receiving their new SIM-free iPhone.
Apple revealed on the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C release date that initial stock issues would be causing iPhone 5S delays, with the Cupertino company only able to offer a vague October dispatch date for any new orders processed on September 20.
Strangely, the issues only affected the flagship model, as the iPhone 5C were initially listed with a dispatch time of “1 – 3 business days”.
On the online Apple Store, the iPhone 5S October dispatch still applies, but the iPhone 5C will ship to customers “within 24 hours”.
Even retailers and UK network providers were affected by the iPhone 5S delays, tipped to be caused by low yield rates of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
“Nearly #O2iPhone Friday! Get 5c instore & order 5s online 7 on phone. No 5s in stores but they’ll order for you and say when it’s in,” read the official O2 UK twitter feed the day before the duo of new iPhones were due to be released.
The iPhone 5S was also not available to pre-order in the weeks preceding the September 20 release date, unlike the plastic-bodied iPhone 5C, which indicated there were some issues with stock of the flagship handset.
Next, read our iPhone 5S vs iPhone 5 comparison to see what’s changed.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
