While Apple announced that both the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s would be available on September 20th at Apple’s retail stores, the company has so far only officially listed a pre-order date for the iPhone 5C (on Friday, September 13). Further, their website does not list a pre-order date of any kind for the iPhone 5S, and several media figures and institutions have apparently confirmed that indeed, no pre-orders will be taken for the device.
https://twitter.com/markgurman/status/377494875971026944
Clarification: Only the iPhone 5C is available for pre-order on 9/13. To get a 5S, you'll have to wait until launch day.
— MacLife (@MacLife) September 10, 2013
Here’s a shot from the Apple Online Store showing the discrepancy:
The truth remains unclear. Apple has yet to release any sort of statement confirming this. If true, the lack of iPhone 5S pre-orders is likely related to supply constraints severely limiting the number of units that will be available on launch day. We will remain skeptical of this analysis, however, until we see some sort of official confirmation from Apple.
We’ve reached out to Apple for comment.
For even more details on all of Apple’s announcements, make sure to check out our roundup of everything Apple announced today at their event!
Update: We’ve received confirmation from representatives at both AT&T and Verizon in the U.S. that they currently have no plans to offer pre-orders for the iPhone 5s, as they have received specific instructions from Apple. Both carriers, however, will offer pre-orders for the iPhone 5c on Friday, September 13th.
