iPhone 5S, 5C available in Phl by Nov 15

MANILA, Philippines - Rivals Smart Communications Inc. of dominant carrier Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. are scheduled to launch the much-awaited iPhone5 S and C in the Philippines on Nov. 15.

Both Smart and Globe said subscribers could pre-register for the iPhone5 S and C through their respective websites www.smart.com.ph as well as http://beta.globe.com.ph/iphone5c or http://beta.globe.com.ph/iphone5s.

Smart spokesman Ramon Isberto said the Philippine market would likely replicate the success of other markets since Apple Inc. released the new iPhone5 S and C.

The take up of new models in other markets, specifically the iPhone5 S, has been strong. The new IPhones will probably do well here as well,” Isberto said in a text message.

For her part, Globe head of corporate communications Yolly Crisanto said the launch of the new iPhone models is a result of the long history of successful partnership between Globe and Apple.

Crisanto said the company is confident that this year’s launch of new Apple devices would be equally if not even more successful than the previous year’s.

“By experience, Apple launches in the Philippines happen at around this time nearing Christmas which is really a good time to reward oneself or loved ones with the latest device,” she stressed.

She pointed out that Globe is now busy preparing for the scheduled launch on Nov. 15.

 â€œBoth our consumer and business teams are gearing up for this launch so just like Apple fans, we are also excited to showcase Globe product offers with the new devices,” she said.

The PLDT Group booked 73.4 million cellular phone subscribers consisting of 31.8 million for Talk n’ Text, 25.5 million for Smart, and 16.1 million for Sun Cellular while the subscriber base of Globe stood at 36.1 million in the first half of the year.

Apple launched the new iPhone5 S and C last Sept. 10.

iPhone 5s redefines the best smartphone experience in the world with amazing new features all packed into a remarkable thin and light design, including the Apple-designed A7 64-bit chip, all-new 8 megapixel iSight® camera with True Tone flash and introducing Touch ID™, an innovative way to simply and securely unlock your phone with just the touch of a finger.

iPhone 5c features an all-new design, packed with features people know and love like the beautiful 4-inch Retina® display, blazing fast performance of the A6 chip, and the 8 megapixel iSight camera—all while delivering great battery life.