Queues but no chaos at Apple smartphone launch, in contrast to past, though new iPads released next week may prompt more passion Apple's new iPhones hit the stores on the mainland yesterday without the hurly-burly typical of its product launches in the past, as the tech giant started accepting pre-orders for its new iPads in 32 markets including Hong Kong and the mainland. In 2012, Apple had to halt the release of the iPhone 4S after a near-riot outside a shop as some people who had waited overnight were unable to obtain the device.