Apple launches Personal Pickup for iPhone 5
(CBS News) Apple fans can now order the iPhone 5 online and pick it up at the Apple Store the following day.
The Personal Pickup service lets users place orders at the Apple Store online between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. for in-store pickup the next day. Once an order is ready, the customer will receive notification to pick up the product from the Apple Store.
But the service isn't exactly a magic wand for people who want an iPhone 5 right away. Demand for the smartphone is tremendous. Apple announced Monday that the iPhone 5 was sold out after its first weekend, with over 5 million units sold in just three days. A note on Apple's website says: "Limited quantities may also be available for in-store pickup on a first-come, first-served basis."
Wait times for the iPhone 5 have been estimated to be about two weeks. But there are many variables, like which carrier or model is available in each region. Adding the iPhone 5 to the Personal Pickup program my alleviate some of the congestion at Apple Stores. Instead of calling or visiting to the store to see when shipments arrive, customers can place their orders and get notified when their order is ready to be picked up. Of course, customers can also get the phone shipped to their homes.
Apple unveiled the iPhone 5 on Sept. 12 in San Francisco. The new smartphone features a 4-inch display, 4G LTE, 1080p HD video quality, 720p HD front-facing video, panoramic photos, a new Lightening connector and EarPods.
