TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Apple enthusiasts camp outside Taiwan stores ahead of the iPhone 17 series launch Friday (Sept. 19). Devoted fans have pre-ordered devices and formed early queues, with some preparing to camp overnight for first access. The excitement has prompted dedicated customers to bring camping gear and wait through multiple days for the official release.
Mr. Huang (黃) began camping outside a Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大) store Wednesday evening. The devoted Apple fan secured a launch spot last year and pre-ordered the iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange. He brought camping gear to wait for AI goddess Lee Ju-eun (李珠珢), while Taiwan Mobile offers promotions for 5G plans priced at NT$1,599 (around US$53) or above.
Ms. Chen (陳) arrived at the Taiwan Mobile store early Thursday morning. The Fubon Guardians (富邦悍將) fan brought a fan, power bank, drinks, and camping chair for her overnight queue. She looks forward to seeing Lee Ju-eun while waiting for her pre-ordered iPhone 17 Pro, joining other dedicated customers camping outside stores.
Vendors outside Chunghwa Telecom (CHT, 中華電信) have joined the queue for iPhone 17 devices. Their company dispatched staff eight days ago to secure positions for the launch day. The early positioning demonstrates the intense competition among telecommunications companies to obtain the new Apple devices for customers. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.095)