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Home > News > Photos: Despite pandemic, people flock to Apple Stores on iPhone 12 launch day

Photos: Despite pandemic, people flock to Apple Stores on iPhone 12 launch day

time:2025-04-26 20:43:52
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The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are available today, and people are going to Apple Stores to buy them — coronavirus be damned. On Friday, the United States hit its second-highest number of new daily COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. Europe is also seeing a spike of cases. And, still, people want to pick up their iPhones in person.

To be fair, Apple has instituted safety procedures. Even before today, Apple had limited the occupancy of stores, required face masks, and checked customer temperatures. It also opened "Express" locations outside of some locations. (Check Apple's website to see what safety precautions your local store is taking.) Apple told USA Todayit will hand out reservation slips with appointment times if crowds start to form. Still, you're better off just ordering your phone online and living with your old iPhone for a little bit longer — or cutting down on e-waste by refusing to buy a new phone every few years.

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Here's a look at Apple Stores on iPhone 12 launch day in major cities around the world.

Beijing

Mashable ImageA woman holds a new iPhone 12 in Apple 's flagship store in Beijing. Credit: WU HONG / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock Mashable ImagePeople line up outside of an Apple Store in Beijing. Credit: WU HONG / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock

Hong Kong

Mashable ImageCustomers test out iPhones at an Apple Store in Hong Kong. Credit: Miguel Candela / SOPA Images / Shutterstock Mashable ImageWhat shopping at the Apple Store looks like in 2020. Credit: Miguel Candela / SOPA Images / Shutterstock

London

Mashable ImageCustomers line up outside of an Apple Store in London. Credit: Getty Images Mashable ImageWorth getting COVID-19 for? Maybe just order it online... Credit: Getty Images

New York City

Mashable ImagePeople wait in line at the Apple Fifth Avenue store for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. Credit: Getty Images Mashable ImageClapping for capitalism. Credit: Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images