Oct 26 date with iPhone 5

WITH many all across the globe already looking to start making online preorders for the new iPhone 5 from today, with delivery starting Sept 21, Malaysians will be able to get these devices only from Oct 26, said industry sources.

Long queues are expected to form at key venues late that Thursday when the three main telecommunications firms — Celcom, DiGi and Maxis — roll out their package offerings for the new smartphone.

In the US, Apple Inc said in a statement the 16GB model will be priced at US$199 (RM611.50), 32GB at US$299 (RM918.80) and 64GB model at US$399 (RM1,226).

The new smartphone will also be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the UK from next Friday, it said.

“The iPhone 5 will roll out worldwide to 22 more countries on Sept 28 — including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.”

Given that early reviews for the new device has been less than enthusiastic, with some even describing it as playing catch up to models offered with the rival Android OS, it isn’t yet clear if the Oct 26 date might get pushed if consumer demand proves to be higher than anticipated.

“If orders remain within projections made by Apple by Sept 30, the Oct 26 launch date in Malaysia together with several other countries will remain,” noted an industry source.

“Should there be a shortfall in available supplies, the Malaysian launch date could get pushed to sometime in November.”

For now, third party dealers are looking at getting their hands on the older iPhone 4S model — which they say is still in great demand as upgrades offered with the latest model lacks the “wow” factor. “Apple slashing the price of the iPhone 4S to US$99 (RM304.25) means it has become a very affordable option for those who want ‘cool’ smartphones,” said one dealer.

When The Malay Mail checked with several locals yesterday, early prognosis for the iPhone 5 was mixed.

Current iPhone 4S user Nur Amirah, 23, from Kedah, said: “I don’t think I would want to change it yet. I am very comfortable with the features and functionality of this phone and don’t see a need to get an upgrade for now.”

But, Mohd Azhar Mustaffa, 26, from Petaling Jaya, who now has an iPhone 4, said: “As an Apple fan, I can’t wait for the launch of the iPhone 5 here in Malaysia. The new dock is not so user-friendly as I cannot share the docks with my other Apple gadgets but I am still going to camp out to be the first Malaysian to lay my hands on the new iPhone 5.”

As for Harc Haran, 21, of Kuala Lumpur, the BlackBerry phone user said: “Functionality is key to me and there has not been much of a change in the iPhone 5. I still prefer my current phone. Apple should also stop charging for their apps while you can get them for free on other platforms.”