Want to be the first to get the Apple iPhone 5s, 5c? Here’s a guide

The iPhone 5s goes on sale Friday and be available at numerous online and retail stores.

The device is the latest version of the popular Apple smartphone, and it starts at $199 with a two-year contract from most carriers. Externally, the iPhone 5s looks like its predecessor, but inside, it has been beefed up with an improved processor, camera and a new fingerprint scanner for security.

The iPhone 5c also goes on sale in stores Friday. The device lacks the new features on the iPhone 5s, but it starts at $100 less. It is also available in five color options (blue, green, pink, yellow and white). Online preorders for the iPhone 5c started last Friday; some buyers who ordered it then will get it in the mail Friday.

The two smartphones will be available for purchase from Apple, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target and RadioShack.

In-store sales

You can purchase the iPhone 5s and 5c starting at 8 a.m. PDT at Apple, AT&T, Best Buy, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and Wal-Mart retail stores.

Target said it will sell the devices at 1,500 of its stores when they open. The retailer said to check its store locator for individual store times.

RadioShack, meanwhile, said most of its stores will open at 9 a.m. PDT, but customers can check the company’s website to find out if any stores open earlier.

If you want to avoid lines, I recommend heading to RadioShack. Many consumers forget the electronics retailer sells new Apple products, so few go there when thinking of getting a new iPhone.

But you’d still want to be there right when stores open because typically RadioShack stores receive a limited number of units.

Online sales

If you don’t want to wait in line and you’re OK with getting the iPhone 5s a few days later, Apple and Verizon will be the first to begin selling the device online when they start taking orders at 12:01 a.m. PDT.

T-Mobile will begin taking online orders at 8 a.m. PDT Friday.

AT&T, Sprint and Best Buy have not said when they’ll start taking online orders.

[Updated, 1:26 p.m. PDT Sept. 17: Best Buy said it will kick off online orders for select iPhone 5c models Friday at 12:01 a.m. CDT. Customers will then be notified when their orders are ready for pick up at their local store, starting later that day at 8 a.m.

For now, Best Buy said it will not be taking online orders for the iPhone 5s.]

[Updated, 12:09 p.m. PDT Sept. 18: Best Buy said online orders will start Friday at 12:01 a.m. EDT. Earlier it had said orders would start at 12:01 a.m. CDT.]

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