Unlike the rest of the world, China and Hong Kong can reserve the iPhone 5s starting today. However, just minutes after the phone became available, most models and colors sold out across the country.
At the time of writing, only the 16 GB ‘space grey’ SKU’s remain available for reservation. All other models have sold out and are “currently unavailable” according to the online store. Sina reported on the phenomenon, noting that the gold model, in particular, was in high demand…
The rate at which the 5s sold out in China does not bode well for the rest of the world, as it suggest that overall supply in general of the 5s is low. Therefore, customers in the rest of world wanting to grab an iPhone on launch day will need to set alarms to have any chance of ordering an iPhone online on September 20th. The alternative is queuing for the iPhone, but with such short supply, it will still be necessary to get in line many hours before 8am, when the iPhone officially goes on sale in Apple Stores and other retail outlets.
Meanwhile, stocks of 5c have generally held up well, lasting throughout launch weekend with supplies only now drying up. Interestingly, it seems that some preorders for the 5c have already been honoured as the first unboxing video of the device has appeared online, via HDBlog.
As shown above, the video shows the 5c being unwrapped from its casing (which is reminiscent of the packaging used for the iPod touch).
