Apple fans turn out for new iPhone — again

People across the state and around the world lined up for hours — or, for some, days — to be among the first to get their hands on the iPhone 5. Media, including The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com, flocked to local retailers to count noses and quiz enthusiastic consumers who spent at least $199 for Apple's latest smartphone.

Ironically, management at the Oklahoma City Apple store deferred all questions to corporate media handlers.

For Charles Hopgood, the three hours he spent in line before obtaining the new device were worth the trouble.

“I always get the new one,” Hopgood said. “It's been expensive, but I don't care.”

He opted for the upgrade to get a larger screen, faster processor and lighter phone. While checking out at the AT&T store near N Pennsylvania and Memorial Road, he considered an offer on his iPhone 4S.

Lori Crowson got in line about 6:30 a.m. Friday to buy the new gadget. She has owned every form of iPhone and iPad that Apple has produced. She was able to sell her previous model online for more than the cost of the new iPhone, “which leaves me $100 for shopping,” Crowson said.

Crowson was closely guarding her paper voucher that assured her that she would receive the new iPhone.