If you were hoping to take some of the stress off by buying your iPhone 5S early instead of later, hopefully you live in China. Apple will begin to take iPhone 5S reservations in China starting September 17th which users can then pick up in their local Apple Store, while the U.S. and other countries must wait until the phone’s September 20th launch date to order one online.
If you live in China and plan to order off the Chinese Apple Store, simply visit the site on September 17th and you’ll have the option to buy your 5S and have it ready to be picked up at the Apple Store on the 20th.
If you live in another country and still want to order your 5S online, you can begin to do so starting right at 12:01 AM PST on the 20th. Word is that the iPhone 5S may see some supply shortages too, so you might want to stay up until midnight on the 19th to ensure you get it as soon as possible.