Apple announced the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c on Tuesday, and they include some substantial differences. Among them is the fact that you can pre-order the iPhone 5c starting Friday, September 13th, while you can't pre-order the iPhone 5s. If you want the 5s, you'll have to order it on September 20th or get in line.
Apple didn't specify that the iPhone 5s won't be available for pre-order, but the press releases for both devices did specify that the 5c would be and that the 5s would be available for ordering on the 20th. The Apple Store says the same thing. To wit:
iPhone 5c - preorder on September 13th. iPhone 5s - order on September 20th
Several media outlets haven't picked up on the distinction and are erroneously reporting that the 5s will be available for preorder on the 13th. I humbly offer that this is why you should be paying attention to TMO.
As with Apple's previous flagship iPhones, the iPhone 5s will be available in the U.S. for a suggested retail price of US$199 for 16GB, $299 for 32GB, and $399 for 64G. It comes in "gold," "silver" or "space gray."
Both the iPhone 5c and 5s (note the lower case letters) ship on the 20th, but because Apple isn't allowing users the opportunity to pre-order the iPhone 5s, you'll have to wait in line on the 20th if you want one on release day.
Alternatively, you can order one online and wait for it to be delivered. Our educated guess is that the first units ordered will be delivered relatively fast, say as early as Monday the 23rd.