Apple stores to open their doors early to flocking customers

Sep 17, 2012 14:02 GMT  ·  By

iPhone 5 will be available in no less than 356 Apple retail stores across the United States beginning at 8 a.m. local time on Friday, September 21, Apple has confirmed.

Launching with an updated display, a redesigned body, and beefed up electronics, the new iPhone 5 will start selling in shops at 08:00 sharp, this Friday, according to Apple.

The Cupertino, California-based electronics maker also sent out a press release today, announcing some record-shattering sales in the first 24 hours of pre-ordering.

As always, every customer who buys a unit at an Apple retail store will be offered Personal Setup. The free service will help buyers customize their shiny new gizmo by setting up email, showing them apps from the App Store and more. Cupertino promises that everyone will be “up and running with their new iPhone before they leave the store.”

Of course, Personal Setup is optional, meaning you can just grab the phone and go if you’re already familiar with the perks.