‘My dream’: Man sleeps in the rain for the iPhone 15

Aussie Apple fans have gone to extreme lengths to be the first in the world to get their hands on the latest iPhone.

While most Sydneysiders were tucked up in bed late on Thursday night, a small group were camped out on George St in the CBD in the pouring rain.

International student Badsha Bulbul’s dedication paid off when he became the first customer in the world to receive Apple’s latest iPhone 15 on Friday morning.

He and eight others set up camp overnight outside Apple’s flagship Australian store in Sydney in a bid to be the first to get their hands on the latest products.

Hundreds more woke early on Friday morning to queue along George St for a first shot at buying an iPhone 15.

Hundreds of people eagerly in line. Picture: Jack Evans

Massive lines outside the Apple Store on George Street, Sydney for the iPhone 15 launch. Picture: Jack Evans

Customers who spoke to news.com.au said the iPhone 15’s upgraded camera was a major drawcard, and despite some minor criticism, plenty were won over by Apple’s move to a standardised USB-C port across its range.

For Mr Bulbul, his new iPhone 15 was his first, as a recent convert from a life as an Android user.

“I was here from last night 11pm … yeah, we camped here with a couple of friends,” he told news.com.au, pointing towards a small collection of camp chairs.

“This is really a very exciting moment for me because this is the first iPhone of my life.

“It was like my dream to buy a new phone, and I’m going to have a new iPhone 15 Pro Max.”

Badsha Bulbul (right) lined up at 11pm the night before to get the new iPhone 15. Picture: Jack Evans

Badsha Bulbul (right) said he is an Apple convert. Picture: Jack Evans

Perhaps the most talked about change for the iPhone 15 range is Apple’s decision to move away from its Lightning charging port to a USB-C port – the same port common on Android smartphones and other Apple products like its laptops and some iPads.

Apple’s hand was forced when the European Union ruled in June that all smartphones needed to be compatible with USB-C charging cables from the end of next year.

The EU argued that the deal made life easier for consumers and saved them money, though Apple initially expressed concerns about E-waste.

But with all that said and done, customers in Sydney, for the most part, welcomed the change with upon arms.

“The most notable feature is the action button, USB-C charge … this is for the first time, and the four telescope camera,” Mr Bulbul said.

“There are a lot of other features. I’m going for the titanium.”

Apple employees getting ready to welcome customers. Picture: Jack Evans

Another Android to Apple convert said the lightweight titanium design with new contoured edges was a significant drawcard for him.

“It’s a lot of line, and a lot of people are so excited to purchase the new iPhone, to upgrade to 15 Max. I’m an Android user, and this is my first time,” the man said.

One mother and daughter reserved their spot in line, an approach Apple recently adopted to avoid chaotic queues.

They said they were fans of the “new charging system” and also the titanium design.

Another woman said it was the first time she’d ever wake up early to line up for a product release.

People getting the new iPhone 15. Picture: Jack Evans

The new iPhone 15 comes in both pastel colours and titanium. Picture: Jack Evans

“It’s my first time, but it’s a birthday gift … for me. I wouldn’t wake up this early for someone else,” the woman laughed.

“I’m upgrading to the 15. It’s mainly just the camera. I mainly get the phone for the camera, so that’s all I’m looking forward to, but the action button helps.”

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have the anticipated ‘Action button’ that replaces the ring/silent switch.

It allows users to access the camera, flashlight, voice memos, Focus, Translate, 3, Magnifier, and more.

The button is activated with a press-and-hold gesture, providing haptic feedback and visual cues.

When asked what he was so excited about, one man listed a catalogue of features.

“I think the better camera, telescopic lens, USB-C port and the body itself. It’s titanium, so it’ll be a bit lighter,” he said.

Another mega-fan said he had “pretty much every iPhone since it came out.”

The camera’s a lot better. I got the black titanium and am pretty keen to see what it looks like,” he said.

Apple also offers customers the chance to trade in current phones for credit towards an upgrade or other products.

Customers can trade their Apple phones for between $50 and $1,255 credit or have their iPhones recycled for free if their device is ineligible for credit.

Originally published as ‘My dream’: Man sleeps in the rain for the iPhone 15