iPhone 6 Frenzy Kicks Off; Millions Crowd Outside Apple Stores Worldwide

Millions of consumers spent the early hours of Friday morning waiting, some even camping, outside the doors of Apple Stores throughout the world.

Apple fans cleared their schedules and camped out overnight on sidewalks in front of Apple Stores much like in previous iPhone announcements, anxiously awaiting the company's newest smartphone after months of hype and speculation surrounding leaks over even the smallest details on the phone.

"The only other things I've seen people line up for like this is a game console or video game," said Michael Oh, CEO of Boston-based Apple partner Tech Superpowers. "Being in the industry for so long, it baffles me that people still do this."

[Related: The Wait Is Over: 5 Scenes From The iPhone 6 Launch]

Oh, who pre-ordered his iPhone 6 was awaiting its delivery early Friday afternoon, said the fact that people are still clamoring for new iPhones the way they did under Steve Jobs, says something about the job Apple CEO Tim Cook has done.

"I think it's a big indication that Cook hasn't lost the magic," Oh said. "I view the iPhone 6 as his baby. The fact that Apple can still draw the same frenzy shows they've kept that magic somehow. I think the product is likely not to disappoint."

Outside of the Natick Mall Apple Store, in Natick. Mass., despite the entrance of the store being indoors, the lines and security personnel standing by was no different than past iPhone releases. Hours after the store had even opened, the line was over 150 yards down the shopping mall's walkway.

"We've been waiting for about three-and-a-half hours," said John Xang as he stood outside the Natick Mall Apple Store. "I like that the iPhone 6 is newer. I've never used an iPhone before, so this will be my first one. It's a famous brand and I like the technology. I trust that it's a high quality phone."

Xang said he had been waiting in line since 7:30 a.m., and was giving up his Samsung phone for the iPhone 6. He had only reached the middle of the line and estimated he still had at least a couple more hours to wait.

A shorter line was formed outside of the same store for customers who pre-ordered the iPhone 6 from the Apple Store in advance. One gentleman in line, who chose not to give his name, said he was picking up the new iPhone for his wife. "It only took me about an hour to wait, so not too bad," he said.

Next: The Buzz Around Apple Continues

"The greatest PR machine since P.T. Barnum. Apple is the greatest at creating buzz," said Steven Kantorowitz, president of New York-based Apple partner CelPro Associates. "Without even waiting for the inevitable glitches and possibly a better product in Samsung, people will sleep outside overnight just to get the newest and latest Apple device. I hope the device is a game changer."

Samsung announced its Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge just a few days prior to Apple's iPhone 6 announcement on Sept. 9, however, the Korean conglomerate did not beat Apple on the release day, as its new devices won't hit the market until October.

Apple took 4 million pre-orders in 24 hours on the first day that orders were being accepted last week. This broke a record for pre-orders in a 24-hour stretch, leading some to believe that this weekend will be the highest iPhone-selling weekend ever.

"They will sell as many as they can make on opening weekend," said Patrick Moorhead, president and principal analyst of Moor Insights & Strategy, a leading tech analyst firm based in Austin, Texas. "The untold story here is what a beast of a chip the A8 is. The processor for the iPhone 6 is going to be really, really fast."

Moorhead, who was one of just five analysts at the invite-only Apple iPhone 6 announcement on Sept. 9, believes despite all the commotion over the larger screens, it will be the internal specs and performance of the devices that will win over consumers.

PUBLISHED SEPT. 19, 2014