A new Apple store opened on Friday in downtown Detroit, and several Michiganders wasted no time getting there.

The store, located at 1430 Woodward Ave., joins other stores in Southeast Michigan, including in Troy, Novi and Ann Arbor. The tech giant also has stores in Grand Rapids and Lansing.

"Way back when 2005-2006, we always asked why isn't there an Apple store in downtown Detroit. There's one in Somerset, one in Grand Rapids, so it's really good to see it happening down here in Detroit," said Christopher Scalise, a former Apple store employee.

CBS News Detroit was at the opening and spotted CEO Tim Cook in the crowd. Cook welcomed customers outside the store and was even the first person to officially open the doors.

"I don't really meet celebrities that much or CEOs, so when I saw him, I was like, 'Oh wow.' It was real fun," said JT Tinsley.

Fans say it was a long time coming, as several waited hours to enter the store.

"It's one thing to see all these people, but when you go in, everybody is in good spirits, everybody is happy. For me, it's not that different because it's the vibe of Detroit," said Detroit resident Kiesha Moncrief.

The opening comes after the company closed its Clinton Township location at the Partridge Creek shopping center.

Apple first announced the new Detroit store in February and later announced plans to launch an Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit to add to its developer academy program in collaboration with Michigan State University.

Apple engineers and experts from colleges like Michigan State University will work with small- and medium-sized businesses on how to implement smart manufacturing techniques and artificial intelligence. It's part of the company's plan to invest more than $500 billion domestically over the next four years. 

"We're trying to engage the local manufacturers and leverage the strength of Detroit and the automotive industry," said Shawn Henze, senior director of product operations at Apple. 

Earlier this month, Apple unveiled its latest generation of iPhone, AirPods and watch. The iPhone 17 features a larger, 6.3-inch display and includes the new A19 chip to help power Apple's AI features. The device's front camera has also been upgraded to provide a wider field of view and a new sensor, allowing users to take landscape photos without having to rotate the phone. 

The new iPhones are the first to be released since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and unleashed a barrage of tariffs, in what his administration says is an attempt to bring overseas manufacturing back to the U.S. — a crusade that has thrust Cook into the hot seat.