The launch of Apple’s iPhone 16 on September 20, 2024, has created a whirlwind of excitement in India. Long lines of eager customers snaked their way outside Apple’s first store in Mumbai, a testament to the enduring appeal of the brand in the country. As images of these queues flooded social media, netizens unleashed a torrent of hilarious comments, turning the platform X (formerly Twitter) into a hub of humorous observations.
One user playfully suggested that the queue was filled with actors hired by Apple, while another quipped, “Who says money is not there in India?” The comparison to India’s popular retail chain DMart was unavoidable, with many users likening the Apple store to a “DMart for rich people” during iPhone launches.
One user even took a subtle dig at the enthusiasm surrounding the iPhone, pointing out that such long queues are rarely seen during Lok Sabha elections. The dedication of Apple fans was evident in the story of one customer who revealed he had been waiting for 21 hours to purchase the latest iPhone model.
“I have been standing in the queue for the last 21 hours. I have been here since 11 AM yesterday and I will be the first one to enter the store today at 8 AM. I am very excited today…The atmosphere in Mumbai for this phone is absolutely new…Last year, I stood in the queue for 17 hours,” he told ANI.
The iPhone 16 series is now available for purchase in India through a variety of channels, including Apple’s online store, Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, and Reliance Digital. Apple’s physical stores in Delhi and Mumbai, along with authorized resellers, are also offering the devices. The series includes four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The new models feature a 6.9-inch display, making it the largest iPhone ever, further solidifying the iPhone’s place in the Indian market.
