The big day has finally arrived! Around the globe, excited customers are officially receiving their iPhone 16s, and with it, a familiar sight has reappeared: long queues outside Apple Stores.
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The Return of the Lines!
For years, we’ve seen these lines dwindle, especially during the pandemic and under the leadership of Angela Ahrendts, who worked hard to minimize this Apple launch tradition. But in 2024, it looks like the long lines and makeshift campsites are back in full force.
Some Apple Stores are fully embracing the excitement of launch day. The iconic Fifth Avenue store in New York, for instance, is decked out in glowing blue, pink, and orange hues—reflecting the arrival of Apple Intelligence, a major feature of the iPhone 16.
A Small Catch
While many Apple fans know that the full AI capabilities won’t be available right away, what about the general public? Could this delay affect the initial sales of the iPhone 16? Only time will tell if the expectations of early adopters are in sync with the reality of the device’s AI rollout.
While queues were still present for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, they were not as long or as lively as in the past. This year, however, it feels like the buzz is back in full swing. We’re seeing the classic launch day traditions return, from cheering staff to enthusiastic customers lining up for the newest device.
Tim Cook’s Launch Tradition
It’s also worth noting that, in recent years, Apple CEO Tim Cook has made a habit of stopping by one of the stores to personally sell or package an iPhone or two. While we’re still waiting to see which store he’ll visit this year, Cook has already been active on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter), with Fifth Avenue looking like a strong contender for his annual appearance.
As the excitement builds and lines stretch outside Apple Stores once again, it’s clear that the iPhone 16 has reignited the energy we’ve come to associate with Apple launch days.