Less than ten hours before the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus launch in Japan, at least one Apple Store in the country has begun setting up display models for customers to view. The new iPhones will go on sale in Japan at 8:00 AM local time on Friday just a few hours after the smartphones launch in Australia and New Zealand.
MacRumors reader Shawn DaSilva sent us a trio of photos and a video showing Apple retail employees installing the new iPhones at an Apple Store in Omotesando, Tokyo on Thursday evening. The new iPhones are also advertised on a digital banner spanning the length of the store.
Apple is no longer accepting pre-orders or in-store reservations in time for September 25, leaving lining up at an Apple Store as one of the only options to get a new iPhone on launch day. Apple is not allowing walk-in sales in China, Hong Kong, Japan and four tax-free U.S. states: Oregon, Delaware, New Hampshire and Alaska.
If you plan on waiting it out at an Apple Store, it is highly recommended that you reschedule any important plans tomorrow, as it can take several hours before you reach the front of the queue. In some cases, in-store stock of new iPhones may run out completely before you get a chance to buy one.
Friday September 11, 2026 11:30 pm PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple's online store is down ahead of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-orders, which begin at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, September 12.
"We love that early energy," reads the Apple Store's message when visiting the U.S. website. "Almost ready for you. Pre-order begins at 5:00 a.m. PT. See you soon." Apple has been opening pre-orders at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time for several years, ...
Wednesday September 9, 2026 4:20 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple's online storefront has gone down ahead of the "Surprise and Shine" Apple event taking place later today, where several new products are expected to be announced.
Apple is expected to announce new iPhone 18 Pro models and its all-new foldable iPhone Duo, as well as Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5. The company could also announce the release dates of its next...
Monday September 14, 2026 1:23 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, California reopened on Saturday with three key design changes, which will continue to roll out to other new and renovated stores.
MacRumors reader Katelyn H. attended the grand reopening and shared some photos of the renovations on LinkedIn. The store now has a Genius Bar again instead of a Video Wall, plus dedicated Apple Pickup and Today at Apple...
If you plan on waiting it out at an Apple Store ('https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/purchase-iphone-6s-launch-day-store/'), it is highly recommended that you reschedule any important plans tomorrow, as it can take several hours before you reach the front of the queue. In some cases, in-store stock of new iPhones may run out completely before you get a chance to buy one.
Amen, Brother...
Last year, I was about 1/3 the way back of a line of 200 at the King Street Store in Charleston, SC. I got there at 2am, and left at noon.
I wouldn't have traded it, though. The experience was fun, the people in line were nice, and the Apple people handed out breakfast.
But for most people there's no real difference between regular and "s" models this year.
I'm getting one for 2 gigs of ram and 7000 Aluminum. Who else cares about that stuff? Just a bunch of geeks like me, who preorder.
4 and 4s had Steve Jobs and Siri. 5 had bigger screen. 5s had touch ID and gold, a very nice shade that many people liked very much. 6 had big screens. What's the compelling feature this year? 3D touch? Most people hardly even know what that's going to be good for. Even geeks like me might turn it off. Maybe better camera will be a compelling feature but I doubt it. Pink is not compelling, period.
That must have been sarcasm, right? :rolleyes: :D , because all the reviews about 3D Touch have been overwhelmingly positive ranging from 'a very welcome addition' to 'a killer feature ('http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/iphone-6s-vs-iphone-6') that will probably show up in other phones sometime in the future'.
As you said, add to that 7000 Alu, the A9/M9 processors, LivePhotos, 2GB Ram, 12 Megapixel camera, 4k video, improved (twice as fast) TouchId, and an additional color choice, there's arguably plenty of reason for people to consider this upgrade.
But for most people there's no real difference between regular and "s" models this year.
I'm getting one for 2 gigs of ram and 7000 Aluminum. Who else cares about that stuff? Just a bunch of geeks like me, who preorder.
4 and 4s had Steve Jobs and Siri. 5 had bigger screen. 5s had touch ID and gold, a very nice shade that many people liked very much. 6 had big screens. What's the compelling feature this year? 3D touch? Most people hardly even know what that's going to be good for. Even geeks like me might turn it off. Maybe better camera will be a compelling feature but I doubt it. Pink is not compelling, period.
You're discounting the fact that many people don't upgrade every year. There is a big pent up demand for people who are carrying a 5, or a 5S. Or maybe even a 4S or older. Those people are looking at a larger screen and all of the features that the 6 had, plus the added features of the 6S.
