【Big Thing Chief: The Stolen Wife】

The Big Thing Chief: The Stolen WifeiPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are available today, and people are going to Apple Stores to buy them — coronavirus be damned. On Friday, the United States hit its second-highest number of new daily COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. Europe is also seeing a spike of cases. And, still, people want to pick up their iPhones in person.

To be fair, Apple has instituted safety procedures. Even before today, Apple had limited the occupancy of stores, required face masks, and checked customer temperatures. It also opened "Express" locations outside of some locations. (Check Apple's website to see what safety precautions your local store is taking.) Apple told USA Todayit will hand out reservation slips with appointment times if crowds start to form. Still, you're better off just ordering your phone online and living with your old iPhone for a little bit longer — or cutting down on e-waste by refusing to buy a new phone every few years.

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Here's a look at Apple Stores on iPhone 12 launch day in major cities around the world.

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Beijing

A woman holds a new iPhone 12 in Apple 's flagship store in Beijing. Credit: WU HONG / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock People line up outside of an Apple Store in Beijing. Credit: WU HONG / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock

Hong Kong

Customers test out iPhones at an Apple Store in Hong Kong. Credit: Miguel Candela / SOPA Images / Shutterstock What shopping at the Apple Store looks like in 2020. Credit: Miguel Candela / SOPA Images / Shutterstock

London

Customers line up outside of an Apple Store in London. Credit: Getty Images Worth getting COVID-19 for? Maybe just order it online... Credit: Getty Images

New York City

People wait in line at the Apple Fifth Avenue store for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. Credit: Getty Images Clapping for capitalism. Credit: Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images

Topics Apple iPhone

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