New iPhones a bust? Massive first-day crowds say different.

Remember the days when Apple fans would line up overnight to get their hands on the latest iPhones?

People would camp out a week before launch day. There’d be lines around the block, and reporters from every local TV station, and cops to manage the crowds. Startups would hand out tchotchkes, trying to gain attention, and hawkers picked up new iPhones to sell on eBay. It was a circus.

Those days are long gone, but there are still minor mob scenes at Apple Stores all over the world — although these days, it’s extremely well-managed.

When I arrived for my 10 a.m. appointment at the flagship Union Square store in San Francisco, the line snaked around the block.

But with a nearly one-to-one ratio of Apple staffers to customers, the line moved pretty quickly. I commented to one worker how efficient it all was, and she proudly said the staff had been practicing and had gotten the routine down to a T.

“It was chaotic last year,” she said, “but we fixed it this year.”

It still took about an hour to get out of there with a new iPhone 16 Pro Max and, unbelievably, a new satin black titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2, although not with the highly coveted black titanium Milanese Loop. They were all sold out. I got a fabric band instead.

I can’t wait to try out the new iPhone and Apple Watch. Look for reviews early next week. My colleagues also will be reviewing other models and we’ll have a full lineup of our thoughts and evaluations next week.

If you also got a new iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods or other device, enjoy your purchase and have a great weekend.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Also in today’s newsletter:

• If you’re one of the lucky ones, here’s how to set up your new iPhone the right way.

• While you’re at it, you might as well grab a case for some protection. You can choose from a wide variety in our roundup of best cases for the iPhone 16 lineup.

• If the redesigned Photos app in iOS 18 is driving you nuts, these tweaks might restore your sanity.

• Our buyback program offers quick cash for AirPods and other Apple gear. Get your quote now.

• Today’s the day in Apple history that the first “portable” Macintosh hit stores. You won’t believe how much it weighed.

• Our friends at CdkeySales have a massive September Sale on Microsoft Windows 11 Pro and other software. Save up to 91% off regular prices with code CULT.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

^{A message from CdkeySales}

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

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