THE long wait for the iPhone 5 is finally over for Apple fans after the new smartphone went on sale in Ireland today.
Some started queuing from 6am at the  store on St Patrick Street to be first to get their hands on the device.
The iPhone 5 has a larger screen than the previous version, has a slightly longer battery life and is 4G capable, which means it can download internet at a much faster rate. However, 4G has yet to be rolled out in Ireland.
The ongoing popularity of Apple devices continues with stocks of the phone in the US running low and stores here reporting that they are only receiving a limited supply.
Senan Carrig, the manager of the   store at Daunt Square, said they opened an hour earlier than usual this morning to satisfy demand for the phone.
“We expect strong demand for the iPhone 5. The iPhone is by far the most popular phone and since it was launched we have been receiving constant requests from the public as to when it would be on sale,” he said.
Apple is one of Cork’s biggest employers and the company’s new office at Half Moon Street opened its doors this week.