SINGAPORE – The buzz at Orchard Road was electric as Apple enthusiasts eagerly awaited the launch of the iPhone 17 models. The first lucky customer, Mr. Jonathan Ng, 47, became the proud owner of two iPhone 17 Pro Max devices, having secured his pre-orders and stepped into the store the moment it opened its doors at 8 AM.

While about 250 dedicated fans queued up outside the Apple Store, many braved the night temperatures for a chance at the new release. But not Mr. Ng, who has made a tradition of arriving early for these launches. "I’ve done this for years, just keeping up the trend," he said with a smile. His main excitement? The phone's impressive camera capabilities.

As the clock ticked toward 8 AM, the gathered crowd turned into a symphony of cheers and countdowns. At exactly 8 AM, doors swung open, and the fans erupted into applause, ready to grab the latest iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro.

The iPhone 17 series features stunning new designs, including the sleek iPhone Air, which, at just 5.6mm thick, claims the title of the thinnest phone in Apple’s lineup, starting at $1,599. The base model, the iPhone 17, retails for $1,299 with enhanced storage of 256GB.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max start at $1,749 and $1,899, respectively, crafted from a single piece of aluminum and boasting upgraded camera systems with three 48-megapixel lenses, a significant upgrade from last year's models.

Despite the steep price tags, fans like Tran Anh Vu, a 30-year-old Vietnamese national, were determined to add the iPhone 17 to their collections. He joined the queue at 2 AM for two Pro Max models — one for him, one for his wife — after failing to secure a pre-order.

"I love the full-body aluminum feel and the new orange color scheme! The design is simply stunning," he shared, though he had to rush off to catch a flight right after making his purchase.

Another fan, who identified himself only as Mr. Cao, had prepared for this moment for over a decade, flying in just to grab the latest model. He was the first in the walk-in queue and knew that this yearly pilgrimage was part of his Apple devotion.

As the night before the launch settled in, the atmosphere outside the flagship Apple Store remained calm. Many customers arrived late to collect wristbands that indicated their position in line, leaving only to return later, while others were reminded by Apple staff to join the queue early to secure their devices.

These eagerly awaited models hit the market amidst ongoing challenges for Apple, especially concerning U.S. trade policies. CEO Tim Cook noted that recent tariffs had already cost Apple substantial losses, impacting overall production and pricing.

Nevertheless, the excitement in Singapore for the new iPhones shows that, despite obstacles, Apple’s allure remains unshaken. The tradition of waiting in line for the newest gadget is as strong as ever!