Lines Are Shorter For iPhone 7 Launch — But That May Have To Do With Pre-Orders

Apple’s iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus started selling at stores around the world on Friday (Sept. 16), but it’s not clear if the throngs of people who flooded the stores are new buyers or ones who already pre-ordered. That’s according to a Wall Street Journal report, which said, in certain locations around the world, instead of throngs of people lined up to get their hands on the latest iPhone iteration, there are smaller lines of people picking up the devices they already pre-ordered.

“The big question, whose answer could take time to become clear, is whether these fans’ launch-day zeal will ultimately stem declining sales of the company’s flagship smartphone,” WSJ wrote in the report. The reported noted that, in Japan, 200 people lined up in front of Apple stores in two of Tokyo’s fanciest shopping districts. It noted that Japan’s three leading mobile phone carriers all said they were seeing record orders, with the numbers higher than any other iPhones.

Echoing the assessment that long lines aren’t characterizing the launch of the iPhone 7 in stores, Piper Jaffray Analyst Gene Munster said in a report that was covered by Barron’s that he was sticking with his estimate for Apple to have slight growth in the iPhone units’ cycle, despite the lack of long lines on Friday. The analyst said that, even though Apple’s flagship store in New York City had around 400 people waiting to buy the iPhone 7, compared to 650 for the 6S and 1,880 for the 6, he said it has more to do with consumers pre-ordering, the fact that the iPhone 7 jet black is sold out and the lack of overseas sellers, rather than slacking demand.

“Bigger picture, we believe that pre-order commentary from Apple and U.S. carrier partners suggests iPhone 7 demand is strong, and we remain comfortable with our thinking for slight growth in the iPhone 7 cycle compared to the iPhone 6 cycle,” Munster said.

Now, the new semi-gripe is the home button. The iPhone’s Home button is no longer a moving button but is rather powered by the Taptic Engine, which provides the illusion that you’re pressing down on the button. Yes, you are actually not moving anything.

Some say it’s not a huge issue. Others argue against that. Ultimately, it can create an issue if you’re wearing gloves — Old Man Winter, you’re not helping — because the of the sensory capacity. That’s also an issue when you want to unlock your home screen. So, remember to take off your gloves, no matter how cold your hands are, if you want to use your phone.

While all eyes were on the iPhone 7 launch, there was some other news that one report thought was even more important: Apple Pay being integrated inside web browsers. According to a Wired report, the fact that Apple Pay is being integrated in web browsers is a big deal because it will make it easier for people to pay for stuff online.