Apple iPhone 5C orders 'not overwhelming': carrier source

Published September 18, 2013
The five colors of the new iPhone 5C are seen after Apple Inc's media event in Cupertino, California September 10, 2013. — Reuters Photo
The five colors of the new iPhone 5C are seen after Apple Inc's media event in Cupertino, California September 10, 2013. — Reuters Photo
The five colors of the new iPhone 5C and the new case for the phone are seen at Apple Inc's media event in Cupertino, California September 10, 2013. — Reuters Photo
The five colors of the new iPhone 5C and the new case for the phone are seen at Apple Inc's media event in Cupertino, California September 10, 2013. — Reuters Photo
The five colors of the new iPhone 5C are seen on screen at Apple Inc's media event in Cupertino, California September 10, 2013. — Reuters Photo
The five colors of the new iPhone 5C are seen on screen at Apple Inc's media event in Cupertino, California September 10, 2013. — Reuters Photo

Sept 17, 2013 - Pre-orders for Apple Inc's new plastic-backed, brightly colored iPhone 5C have not been "overwhelming," and supply of both that model as well as a more expensive phone has been disappointing, a source at a US wireless carrier told Reuters on Tuesday.

Apple unveiled two iPhone models - the 5C as well as a more expensive 5S - last week, with the eye-catching 5C marking a departure from Apple's focus on purely premium phones.

Apple began taking online orders on Friday for the iPhone 5C, which comes in blue, green, pink, yellow and white and starts in the United States at $99 with a contract. Both phones go on sale in several countries on September 20.

The level of inventory Apple has said it would provide for the 5S and 5C on launch day and in the week after launch is very disappointing, the source said, adding that supply of phones to all carriers appears to be limited.

Pre-orders are "not overwhelming" either, said the source, who refused to be identified because Apple has not disclosed the number of pre-orders for either of its two new smartphones.

The pricier "5S" begins at $199 with a contract and comes in three colors - gray, silver and gold. The phones will mainly be sold through four major US carriers - AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile. Representatives from all four carriers declined to comment.

Apple could not be reached immediately for comment.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...