New iPhone Expected to Draw Crowds to Apple Stores

The newest version of the popular iPhone will hit the shelves Friday, although you’ll have to get up early to beat the crowds, as supplies aren’t expected to last through the day, if not early morning.

Pre-orders of the iPhone 5 have been accepted online, but Friday at 8 a.m. is when it will be available over the counter. Fans of the iPhone have been known to wait overnight to be among the first to get their hands on one, but an employee at the nearest Apple retail outlet, in Escondido, said they will be using a lottery system to determine who’s first in line.

Before the doors open, tickets will be distributed to those in line. While Apple won’t disclose how many iPhones will be in stock, they are expected to sell out on Friday, so arriving before 8 a.m. is highly recommended.  

What will users find once they get their new phone?

It has a larger display and a faster processor, and is lighter and slimmer as well. Grumbling has already begun about the new charger, which is smaller than previous iPhone chargers, which means some accessories will have to be replaced.

Scott Stein at CNET scored an iPhone early, and posted a mostly positive review of his experience. Click here to read his full report.

The North County Apple Store is at 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway in Escondido. Phone number (760) 317-2484.