Pictures: iPhone 12, 12 Pro in the hands of Apple's first customers

Apple Iphone12 Iphone12pro Ipadair Availability Singapore 01 (Image credit: Apple)

What you need to know

Apple's iPhone 12 launches today.
The company has shared photos as customers arrive in stores to buy the new device.
You can also see behind the scenes as Apple begins distribution in the US.

Apple has shared photos of customers around the world receiving their iPhones to celebrates the launch of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro.

In a press release (opens in new tab) the company stated:

On Friday, October 23, iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro with 5G went on sale, ushering in a new era for iPhone. Also making its debut was the all-new iPad Air, featuring the advanced A14 Bionic chip. iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPad Air are now available in stores and arriving in customers' homes around the world.

Apple shared photos of customers in Singapore's Apple Orchard Road store, with customers in masks receiving their iPhone 12, 12 Pro, and iPad Air devices.

Apple has also shared some photos of its distribution center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and UPS's Worldport in Louiseville, Kentucky as phones prepare to ship to customers across the nation.

Apple Iphone12 Iphone12pro Ipadair Availability Louisville Kentucky 01 (Image credit: Apple)

A launch year like no other, Apple's stores are all operating health measures including temperature checks, social distancing, the wearing of masks, and bookable appointments to ensure customers and staff remain safe.

Apple Iphone12 Iphone12pro Ipadair Availability Singapore 03 (Image credit: Apple)

Apple staff are using sanitizer and wipes when handling customer devices, and Apple's large tables on its shop floor provide the perfect measure for social distancing. Apple is also operating a reservation system to stop queues building up outside of its stores, and reservation is the only way to secure the purchase of a device at a brick and mortar location. Apple is recommending to customers that they check Apple's website to establish the best purchasing option for them in advance of traveling. Apple is also operating several 'Express' retail setups which help customers get in and out of stores more quickly and easily.

Apple says it plans to update its story from today as more stores open and customers get their hands on their devices, so we'll update this piece too. Stay tuned.

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design.

Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple.