If you're one of those people who just needs the iPhone 5 as soon as it's available, local stores will be making accommodations for you for the Sept. 21 release.

But don't just run over to the Mall in Columbia Apple store. Large crowds are predicted there, according to store employees.

The iPhone 5 will also be available at Verizon, AT&T and Sprint wireless stores throughout Columbia. In addition, these wireless providers' retail locations will be opening early just to satiate the iPhone demand.

News of the release of the iPhone 5 spread like wildfire after it was announced two weeks ago. Demand for the phone has skyrocketed, outpacing Apple's own expectations.

As soon as pre-orders were available, Apple sold two million phones in the first 24 hours, according to CNN.com, which may force them to push back shipping on pre-ordered phones by up to a month. However, this will not affect phones shipped to retail stores for immediate purchase, according to Apple.

The phone comes with a range of new features that set it apart from the iPhone 4s. The phone features a slimmer design, new high-quality display, faster wireless, new earbuds, and a powerful CPU, which Apple claims is twice as fast as their previous processor.

The phone costs $199 for the 16 GB, $299 for 32 GB, and $399 for 64 GB, all with new two-year wireless plans.

Don't forget, if you are upgrading phones, you can recycle your old phone at the Alpha Ridge Landfill eCycling center, Mon. - Sat., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Here's where you can scoop the phone on Friday in Howard County:

Columbia

Apple Store - Columbia Mall

• Open Friday at 8 a.m., mall will be open at 6 a.m.
• Contact: 410-423-1801

Verizon Wireless - BJ's - 9011 Snowden River Pkwy

• Open Friday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Contact: 410-872-9270

Verizon Wireless at Columbia - 9021 Snowden Square Dr.

• Open Friday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Contact: 410-872-7200

AT&T Wireless - Columbia Mall

• Open Friday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Contact: 410-992-3807

AT&T Wireless - 6490 Dobbin Center Way

• Open Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Contact: 410-992-0223

Sprint Wireless - 6435 Dobbin Road Ste B8

• Open Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Contact: 410-740-8250

Ellicott City

AT&T Wireless - 9051 Baltimore National Pike

• Will not have iPhone 5 available immediately, according to an employee, already pre-sold their first shipment.