iPhone 5 hits US stores on Friday

Apple has said that the iPhone 5 will be available at its 356 U.S. stores starting this Friday while the phone will be available in more than 22 countries on September 28.

The iPhone 5 sells for $199 for the 16 gigabyte model, $299 for the 32 GB or $399 for the 64 GB model.

According to Apple, each customer that makes an iPhone 5 purchase at its store will be offered free personal setup service to customise their device.

Orders for the iPhone 5 topped 2 million in the first 24 hours after Apple started taking them last Friday, more than double the amount of iPhone 4S orders on its first full day.

The iPhone 5 has a bigger screen - 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) measured diagonally and a faster processor. The iPhone 5 is also thinner and weighs less than previous models.

Buoyed by its overwhelming demand for iPhone 5, Apple's stock closed above $700 for the first time on Tuesday.