Apple iPhone 5 Shipping Times Improve to 2 Weeks

If you're looking to get your hands on the iPhone 5, you'll now have to wait two weeks for your new smartphone when ordering through Apple's online store.

The newly updated two-week estimate might seem like a long time to wait, especially since the device came out nearly a month ago, but it's actually an improvement over previous shipping times. Last month, iPhone 5 buyers were facing wait times as long as three to four weeks from the date of order.

Apple started accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 5 on its website on Sept. 14. Just one hour after introducing iPhone 5 pre-orders to the world, the launch-day stock of the company's much-anticipated (and long-awaited) smartphone was completely gone, and shipping times were pushed back.

The phone hit store shelves on Sept. 21, and Apple fans lined up at the company's flagship Fifth Ave. store - as well as various stores around the globe - to nab one of the first iPhone 5's. Sales of the coveted phone on the market, Apple said last month.

"Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible," Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, said in a statement at the time. "While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date. We appreciate everyone's patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone."

iPhone 5 buyers may find shorter wait times when purchasing the device through Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint.

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