The iPhone 5 is set to hit Apple shelves Friday, and pre-orders topped 2 million sales in just 24 hours. Eager customers have already been camping out at Apple stores waiting to buy the latest device.
What is one of the most necessary accessories each of those customers will be looking for? A case! After all, that new $199 phone won't protect itself.
There is one caveat, though. Apple stores reportedly will not be selling iPhone 5 cases on Friday. The Apple Store does not list any available iPhone 5 cases online. GottaBeMobile.com reported that an Apple rep confirmed no iPhone 5 cases will be sold on the release date.
"This is departure from the standard Apple launch that includes some kind of Apple case and a few third party cases, but it is the first real re-design of the iPhone in two years," GottaBeMobile.com blogger Josh Smith notes. "Many manufacturers waited to see the iPhone 5 and download the exact measurements before starting design and production of iPhone 5 cases."
However, some manufacturers have gotten a head start.
AT&T has three iPhone 5 cases currently available on its website, but all three are currently sold out. Last year, cases for the iPhone 4S showed up in AT&T stores before the official launch.
Luckily, manufacturers like OtterBox, Case-Mate and iLuv have iPhone 5 cases ready to go.
Here are some of the best picks for your new phone.
