Foreigners fly to Singapore specially for iPhone 8 and 8 Plus launch

The release of the new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus today (Sept 22) saw fans flying in to Singapore from India, Thailand and even Vietnam just to get one for themselves.

According to Channel NewsAsia (CNA), the queue started on Thursday evening outside the Apple Store along Orchard Road. More than 80 people stayed overnight, after receiving green numbered wristbands to mark their position in the line.

Another 100 over people joined the queue in the morning before the launch at 8am.

The first man in the line was Mr Amin Ahmed Dholiya from India, who reached the store at 7pm on Thursday.

Speaking to CNA, he said that he had skipped dinner because he was eagerly waiting for the queue to form.

“I feel very good. I was doubting if I could get the phone. Now, I feel very lucky because I am first, so I will definitely get it,” added the 43-year-old businessman, who will be taking the 7pm flight home later today.

A Vietnamese, Trinh Duy Hoai, 32, who intended to get an iPhone 8 Plus in gold, was fourth in line. This was also the fourth time he is queuing for an iPhone in Singapore, after the iPhone 6, 6s and 7.

The mobile seller, who flew to Singapore two days ago, told CNA: ““In Vietnam, we don’t get the iPhone on the first day of Apple’s release, so we come here.”

Hailing from Bangkok, Mr Sarunpat Apichaic, 35, bought two iPhone 8 Plus phones in silver and space grey – but is still planning to return to get the iPhone X next month.

He even told CNA that the phones – which cost over S$2,000 – were not expensive because he loves Apple.

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus come in silver, gold and space grey in 64GB and 256GB capacities. Prices start from S$1,148 for the iPhone 8 and S$1,308 for the iPhone 8 Plus.⁠⁠⁠⁠