Vietnamese queue overnight for new iPhone

By Huy Duc, Luu Quy October 22, 2021 | 05:18 am PT

People have queued outside authorized Apple distributors in Hanoi and HCMC, awaiting their turn to pick up the new iPhone 13.

In HCMC, a number of stores such as FPT Shop, Minh Tuan Mobile and Mobile Viet began selling the new Apples iPhones at midnight Thursday. Meanwhile, other resellers like Mobile World and CellphoneS handing out pre-ordered phones to customers on Friday morning.Everyone waiting to pick up their iPhone 13 at midnight wore masks and kept a safe social distance.

In Ho Chi Minh City, a number of stores like FPT Shop, Minh Tuan Mobile and Mobile Viet began selling the new Apple's iPhone at midnight Thursday. Meanwhile, resellers like Mobile World and CellphoneS handed pre-ordered phones to customers Friday morning.
Everyone waiting to pick up their iPhone 13 at midnight wore masks and kept a safe social distance.

People waited outside a store before Thursday midnight.Since there are many promotions being offered this year, it attracted many people to pre-order the new iPhone. In which, the 13 Pro Max version accounted for more than 60 percent of orders, while the cheapest version, iPhone 13 mini version, only accounted for about 3 percent. Distributors said due to the large number of people coming to pick up their pre-orders, stores did not have enough goods to hand out to all first group of customers.

People wait outside a store. The 13 Pro Max has accounted for more than 60 percent of orders, while the cheapest version, the iPhone 13 mini, only accounted for about 3 percent. Distributors said due to the large number of people coming to pick up their pre-orders, stores did not have enough goods to hand out.

Before paying, customers can check the device first, but have to wait after Thursday midnight to activate their phones.Due to social distancing regulations, many stores have added fast delivery services this year.

Customers check the device, and wait to activate their phones.
Due to social distancing regulations, many stores have adopted fast delivery services.

Retailers said that their employees are all vaccinated and fully equipped with masks and disinfectants to serve customers.

Phone resellers in Hanoi began to deliver the new iPhones to those who pre-ordered on Friday morning.

Another difference in this year is the appearance of some stores, like Top Zone of Mobile World, that only sell Apple products. These stores are designed and have counters designed by Apple. But they are operated by domestic dealers.

Some stores, like Top Zone of Mobile World, sell Apple products only. These stores are designed and have counters installed by Apple, but doperated by domestic dealers.

Huong, a Tay Ho District resident in Hanoi, traveled more than 10 km to pick up her new iPhone. She said she changed her phone once a year. This year, even though she is using the Galaxy Z Fold3, she still buys a new iPhone when she sees the sierra blue version.

Huong, a Tay Ho District resident in Hanoi, traveled more than 10 kilometersto pick up her new iPhone. She said she changed her phone once a year.

Tuan Anh, a representative of Mono Store, said that his chain received about 15,000 new iPhone pre-ordered and will hand out first 1,000 devices to customers today. Customers will receive an appointment and come to receive the device on time to avoid crowd.

Tuan Anh, a representative of Mono Store, said his chain received about 15,000 new iPhone pre-orders and would hand out the first 1,000 devices to customers Friday. Clients will receive an appointment time to receive their devices on time to avoid crowding.

A customer in Hanoi's Dong Da District bought four iPhone 13 Pro Max, but only received three due to supply limitations.
According to the new regulations from authorized Apple resellers, the newly bought iPhone 13 will be unboxed and activated right at the store. Dealers explained this approach serves to limit users buying and reselling their brand new phones at a higher price, and at the same time, reduce the return of faulty devices.
"Unboxing right at the store is inconvenient, because I don't intend to use it right away. However, when I opened it, the devices were not faulty, I am somewhat more assured," this person said.