Photos show Apple fans lining up around the world for the launch of iPhone 17 and iPhone Air

Tim Cook clapping — Tim Cook greeted Apple fans outside the Fifth Avenue Apple store location.

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Apple launched the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, drawing superfans to stores worldwide.
CEO Tim Cook visited the New York City location to engage with fans on Friday.
Cook’s first store visit was in 2013 for the iPhone 5, marking a tradition of appearances.

Whisper “iPhone 17 Pro Max” three times, and Tim Cook will appear.

Apple’s new slate of devices, including the iPhone 17 and the lightweight iPhone Air, debuted on Friday. In a decades-long tradition, superfans lined up to be the first to try the devices.

After taking over as CEO in 2011, Cook has made a habit of showing up at Apple Stores on launch days to shake hands and answer questions. His first appearance was at the Palo Alto store in 2013 for the iPhone 5, the first phone to use a Lightning cable.

As the new phones hit shelves, Apple fanatics around the world have lined up to get their hands on them.

New York City, where Cook made an appearance.

Keith Swiader, who was first in line at New York City's Fifth Avenue location, posing with Tim Cook. — Keith Swiader New York

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As he did with the iPhone 16 launch, Cook showed up at the Apple store on New York City’s Fifth Avenue to greet customers in line. Cook snapped photos with the first people in line for the release of the iPhone 17 lineup and the iPhone Air.

He was joined by Apple’s senior vice president of retail and people, Deirdre O’Brien.

A customer cheer's leaving the Apple Store in New York. — New York

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Cook wasn’t the only Apple exec who joined in on Friday’s excitement. Apple’s senior vice president of retail and people, Deirdre O’Brien, also cheered as the doors to the Apple store in NYC opened.

Protesters also gathered outside the Fifth Avenue Apple store.

Protests outside the Apple Store in New York — New York

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There were more than just Apple loyalists outside the New York store. Protesters also gathered, signs in hand, to condemn the release of new iPhones.

“New iPhone, same dangers for kids,” one sign read.

The first shoppers in London were welcomed into the Apple store with cheers.

An Apple employee is pictured cheering on customers in London. — London

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No Apple executives were spotted at London’s Regent Street location, but Apple store employees welcomed swaths of customers into the store on Friday.

An Apple store in China had a long line of shoppers, despite lacking the iPhone Air.

Customers are pictured in the Apple store line in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China. — Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China

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Big crowds gathered outside an Apple store in Guangzhou, China, on Friday despite a limited iPhone release in the country. As of Friday, the iPhone Air wasn’t available for sale in China as the company sorted out the regulatory issues facing its first eSIM-only phone.

Apple hasn’t had the easiest time in China.

Person in Chian speaking on the phone while holding iPhone 17 Pro boxes — Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images

In recent years, Apple has lost ground to local competitors, like Xiaomi and Huawei, which can offer more affordable models and discounts thanks to government subsidies.

Despite the lack of an iPhone Air, local outlets have reported a significant amount of buzz around the new phone in China.

Customers in India snapped pictures with their purchases.

Two men pose with iPhone 17s in Mumbai, India — Mumbai

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Those among the first customers in Mumbai, India, snapped photos with their new iPhones. The iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange appeared to be a popular color in cities across the world, based on wire photos of customers with their purchases.

A line formed inside a Malaysian shopping mall.