In Tampa, a line stretched past the length of Dillard's department store outside Tampa's International Plaza nearly three hours after the first eager customers were ushered into the Apple store.
By mid-morning, more than 650 people were in the line, and 100 or more stood in a separate line.
For the fourth version of the iPhone, Apple reported 10 times the number of pre-orders compared with last year's 3GS model. Those who did not pre-order were lining up outside Apple stores, hoping to purchase a phone.
The new phone adds faster software, a thinner design, a sharper screen and dual cameras that allow for video conferencing. The video conferencing feature was key for Roger Vass of Clearwater, who called it life changing for him and possibly millions of other hearing impaired people.
"For the deaf community, this is changing their lives," Vass signed as his son, Hunter, translated for his father. The two waited five hours to get the new phone, but others waited much longer.
Chris Jennett and a friend got to the store at 11 a.m. Wednesday to ensure he was first in line when the doors of the Apple store opened.
"Originally we had a tent set up, a poker table set up; but mall security told us to take everything down until the line officially began at 6 p.m.," said Jennett, 18.
Enterprising people with time on their hands found ways to make a buck. Jordan Richardson, who had waited outside the Chicago store since 7 a.m. Wednesday, sold his spot early Thursday for $500, then paid another customer $200 to get back in line. His profit of $300 was enough to cover the cost of the higher-capacity model.
