The Apple iPhone X was the most awaited gadget of this year, and many are still waiting for this super premium phone. However, for the potential buyers in 13 more countries, the wait is now over.
Easing shipping dates
On Friday, Apple launched the iPhone X in 13 more countries – Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia, Cambodia, South Africa and Turkey. In all these markets (except for Turkey and Macau), the handset is exclusively being sold by authorized third-party resellers and carriers, notes MacRumors. In Turkey and Macau, Apple does have a retail presence.
In Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand and Turkey, the iPhone X can also be purchased via regional online Apple stores. The online shipping estimates in these countries is currently showing at 1 to 3 business days. In fact, the iPhone X shipping estimates have improved in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Asia to around 1-2 weeks, notes MacRumors. In these markets, the handset was made available on Nov. 3.
Easing of shipping estimates should come as a big relief for Apple investors. Previously, rumors and reports suggested limited supply of the iPhone X, at least for this year, owing to production constraints.
Apple iPhone X launch – South Korea could be a problem
Meanwhile, in South Korea, the Apple iPhone X launch did not go as expected with authorities raiding Apple offices just days before the scheduled launch. The authorities are investigating Apple’s alleged unfair contracts with the Korean firms. However, the timing of the raids had led many to question if the South Korean authorities were trying to sabotage the Apple iPhone X launch in the country, which is home to rival Samsung.
Samsung, meanwhile, has started a Galaxy Upgrade Program targeting the iPhone users. Under the program, 10,000 iPhone users will be selected to try the Galaxy S8 or Note 8 for a month. Thereafter, a user can decide if they want to continue using it or not. Currently, the Galaxy Note 8 is the top-selling phone in the country.
It will be interesting to see how Apple manages this investigation, along with the demand of the iPhone X in the region. A Wednesday report from ZDNet noted that South Korean telcos are reporting massive interest in the handset. Since the start of the pre-orders from Friday, SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus have reportedly secured over 300,000 pre-orders for the phone. However, the problem is they have only 100,000 units in stock. The telecos have asked Apple for more stock.
Apple’s flagship new iPhone is now available in 70 countries in total. In Israel, the flagship device became available on Thursday, and early next month, three additional Latin American countries will witness the Apple iPhone X launch. According to Apple’s website, the handset will go on sale in Brazil on Dec. 8. However, the price charged in that country is almost twice what the handset costs in the U.S. Apple’s online store is showing a price tag of 6,999 Brazilian Reales (or about US$2,170). According to the Deccan Chronicle, the high price is mainly due to the country’s 60% duty on the imported products.
