As the iPhone 17 range plus new Apple Watches and AirPods Pro 3 arrive in stores, customers around the globe have been buying in droves.

It's the stuff of dreams for managers of the old Microsoft Stores, but at the very least a normal annual event for Apple Stores. Starting with Australia, Apple Stores around the planet have been seeing crowds queuing up to buy the new devices on their first day of in-store availability.

Apple will be releasing more images as stores around the US open, but for now it's spotlighting the crowds at first Sydney and then Shanghai.

A large group of people smiling and waving, standing outside a glass-fronted building. Some individuals are holding smartphones, and there's a sense of excitement in the atmosphere.

Waiting outside an Apple Store in Sydney — image credit: Apple

Australia is of course the first country to see the new devices in store, as Sydney is 16 hours ahead of New York.

Busy technology store with people examining smartphones displayed on tables. Bright and modern atmosphere with diverse customers engaging with devices.

Inside the Apple Store in Sydney — image credit: Apple

It's also probably true that by the time US stores open, Apple Store staff in Australia are going to look a lot more exhausted than this.

Three people smiling, holding new phones, in a tech store with wooden tables and customers in the background.

Inside Apple Store Sydney — image credit: Apple

There's no indication yet of whether any particular model is selling better than the rest in store. But of course the one most people are at least examining is the new iPhone Air.

Person with pink hair holds a smartphone horizontally, surrounded by a group of people in a tech store setting.

It really is that thin — image credit: Apple

But people are examining the iPhone 17 Pro in orange, too.

A person in an electronics store takes a selfie with an orange smartphone, surrounded by other people and displayed phones on tables.

Smile — image credit: Apple

And at least one Australian is very happy with her purchase of an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Smiling person with long dark hair holds a smartphone box, pointing at it excitedly, wearing a grey Syracuse Lacrosse sweatshirt.

It's possible that this woman is happy with her purchase — image credit: Apple

Over in Shanghai, this was the scene before you even get inside the store. Notice how many people seem to already own iPhones, though.

Large crowd of people waiting in lines inside a store, with a prominent apple logo and wooden tables visible in the background.

Outside an Apple Store in Shanghai — image credit: Apple

Inside the store, it seems busy but a little more controlled and calmer.

Crowded store with diverse people interacting, browsing devices, and engaging with staff in blue shirts. There's a glass wall in the background, showing an outside view.

Inside Shanghai's Apple Store — image credit: Apple

Shanghai is significant because while even a full store isn't a complete indication of success, it follows record-breaking online orders across China.