Tim Cook shows up at Palo Alto Apple Store for iPhone launch

Apple customers waiting in line for the new iPhone at the company's Palo Alto retail location got a special treat on Friday: a visit from Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook.

Cook showed up at the Palo Alto University Apple Store Friday morning to greet the Apple faithful as they queued to buy the new iPhone 5c and 5s. AppleInsider reader Ben reports that Cook "shook the hands of everyone in line and then went on his way."

AppleInsider reader Ben confirms that the gray-topped head pictured here is indeed that of Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Reportedly, the Palo Alto retail location had only 10 gold iPhone 5s units, and the Stanford location sold out of gold units by the 15th customer. That is in keeping with recent reports that show that unit in even scarcer supply than other models. Still, demand remains high for all 5s units, as AppleInsider has been informed that the Palo Alto location also sold out of silver models by the 35th customer.

The launch of a new iPhone has become a yearly media event marked by long customer lines and weeks of hype. Cook's appearance at the Palo Alto location is in keeping with a tradition of Apple executives showing up to product launches. In 2010, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs appeared at the Palo Alto Apple Store for the launch of the iPad, sporting his signature black turtleneck, a hoodie, and ripped jeans.

Additional reports have emerged that other Apple executives have been spotted at other Apple retail locations. Twitter user Salim Hafid (@sqreone) sighted Apple's Phil Schiller and Eddy Cue at the company's Stanford store on Friday.

image via @sqrone.