Article looks at Apple's iPhone launch logistics


The process starts in China, where pallets of iPhones are moved from factories in unmarked containers accompanied by a security detail. The containers are then loaded onto trucks and shipped via pre-bought airfreight space, including on old Russian military transports. The journey ends in stores where the world's biggest technology company makes constant adjustments based on demand...

A pretty interesting read. According to the article, Apple now uses mostly Boeing 777 FedEx planes, which can travel non-stop from factories in China to FedEx's primary hub in Tennessee. That takes some drama out of the process from when anxious buyers would track flights via pitstops in Alaska. The article also notes early logistics for the iPods used old Russian transport plans to get them to shelves on launch day.

Considering the scale of the operation, this clockwork is pretty impressive, even if you can't pre-order that 5s.