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Cape Town - South Africans braved the early morning hours as hype built around the local launch of the latest iPhone.
Apple's latest iPhone 6 and 6 Plus went on sale in SA on Friday and fans waited until 00:00 for the chance to buy one.
"iPhone launches are always a big deal in the smartphone world and this year is no exception. It was truly amazing to see the Joburg 'It Crew' embracing the midnight launch and popping into Vodacom World to get their devices first," said Sam Botha Vodacom’s Managing Executive for Retail Operations.
In Cape Town, a retailer told Fin24 that there was a rush on the iPhone when the store opened at 06:00.
"We had 150 [phones] in stock this morning when we opened, and now we only have 40 left," said a Cellucity store representative.Fan entertainment
The new iPhone is significantly larger than its predecessor and despite accusations that the 14cm (5.5 inch) device is susceptible to bending, the devices have boosted profits for Apple.
"Pre-orders for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus set a new record for Apple, and we can’t wait to get our best iPhones yet into the hands of customers starting this Friday," Apple CEO Tim Cook said when the devices went on sale in the US and other major markets.
In SA, Vodacom entertained waiting fans with DJ Fresh as well as comedians Goliath and Goliath at the Vodacom World in Midrand.
South African celebrities have also rushed to embrace the iPhone.
"I have personally been a huge fan of the iPhone and when I realised that Vodacom was launching it at midnight I had to be one of the first people to get my hands on it, it’s my obsession," said Long Walk to Freedom actor, Terry Pheto.
"I'm an Apple lover at heart, and when I heard of the iPhone 6 launch at Vodacom, I traded my pyjamas for my stilettos. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do for epic selfies," said Roxy Burger, a Survivor South Africa Maldives contestant.
What do you think of the iPhone 6? Send us pictures of you in the queue.
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