Apple Discouraging People From Lining Up for iPhone 12 Launch With In-Person Reservation System

[MacRumors]

With the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro launching in the middle of a global pandemic, Apple is coming up with ways for people to purchase their new devices safely and without unnecessary exposure to the virus.

Apple has been allowing iPhone 12 orders to be placed for in store pickup, and in some locations, is implementing a bank teller-like Express system that allows for minimal exposure to other people. To deal with people lining up outside of stores to get an iPhone, Apple may use a reservation system.

Apple told Business Insider that if a long line forms outside of a store that's open, queued customers will be provided with a reservation slot and told to return at a different time to make their device purchase. Those who plan to line up in front of an Apple Store can expect to be provided with a reservation spot rather than being allowed to stand in a long line.

Some stores are also not going to allow for walk-in purchases at all, such as the Union Square store in San Francisco, California. An employee at that store said that customers must make an advanced reservation to purchase an iPhone 12 on launch day, though it's not clear if that means a pre-order or a reservation on launch day.

Though Apple seems to be discouraging people from lining up in front of stores, at least one person claims to have seen a line. MacRumors reader BlueMoose said that there were 11 people sitting outside of his local Apple Store as of 10:30 a.m. waiting for the iPhone 12 launch on Friday.

I want to commend those 11 people sitting in front of my local Apple Store waiting for tomorrow... it's people like them who made Apple successful.

I spoke to the 2nd guy in line. (the first one in line was sleeping... at 12 noon, but he's been there since last night) He wanted to experience what it's like to do something silly... can't argue with that. I overheard an Apple Store employee telling them(at least those 11) that they'll be fine when the doors open tomorrow, as long as they are flexible on the colors of the iPhone 12.

It's not clear how many people are planning to line up outside of Apple Stores around the world, but it seems there may be some stock for in-person purchases at some Apple retail locations. Apple is also planning on having customers come to pick up devices that were pre-ordered back on October 16, with reservations spread out across different time slots.

Have you seen lines outside your local Apple Stores? Let us know in the comments.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Article Link: Apple Discouraging People From Lining Up for iPhone 12 Launch With In-Person Reservation System

 

[44267547]

I’ll just comfortably and safely order from the convenience from my home. The days of standing in line is becoming archaic, especially more than ever given the pandemic.

 

[lyngo]

Well, I think that this would have been fun a long time ago. The camaraderie, the conversation, all of it would be a blast**. While I never spent the night, I did use to go early in the morning and get a spot in line, queuing up right around 20-30 back from the front of the line for major releases. Now? I can pre-order and just wait in the comfort (and safety) of my own home. I will be relaxing and enjoying the day grading the classes that I teach as I am off on Fridays anyways. When the phone comes on the Big Brown Bus (UPS), I am sure that I will open it with excitement and enjoy my new toy!

** Edited: With the exception of being in a pandemic right now!

 

[dannyyankou]

They should have an online reservation system for people who want to show up and purchase at the store. I know they already have reservations for online orders, but they should cut down on people lining up.

 

[C DM]

They should have an online reservation system for people who want to show up and purchase at the store. I know they already have reservations for online orders, but they should cut down on people lining up.

Sounds like that's the sort of thing they are leaning towards:

Apple told Business Insider that if a long line forms outside of a store that's open, queued customers will be provided with a reservation slot and told to return at a different time to make their device purchase. Those who plan to line up in front of an Apple Store can expect to be provided with a reservation spot rather than being allowed to stand in a long line.

Some stores are also not going to allow for walk-in purchases at all, such as the Union Square store in San Francisco, California. An employee at that store said that customers must make an advanced reservation to purchase an iPhone 12 on launch day, though it's not clear if that means a pre-order or a reservation on launch day.

 

[Remy149]

I’ll just comfortably and safely order from the convenience from my home. The days of standing in line is becoming archaic, especially more than ever given the pandemic.

I camped out to get my ps5 preorder last month. While I’m glad I got it I don’t ever want to do anything like that again

 

[Roller]

I'm picking up my iPhone at the store, which is closed. Have the pass teed up in Wallet and hope to get in and out quickly during my time slot. (Delivery at my home is spotty and don't want to have to stay there to receive the shipment.)

 

[techno-Zen]

Just wake up at 5am at preorder day. not a big deal

 

[MacUser4_20]

As someone who has participated in Apple launches since before they were launch day crowd events, I understand the fun, excitement and experience. I have participated in launches at stores around the world, and like to experience the excitement. As of late, I have waited from early morning (2am-3am), even though I had a reservation, just to be part of the crowd and experience the launch day fun. Typically, when they break up the lines for those with preorder appointments vs walk-ins, I am usually #1, or #2 in line. In a pandemic, that is much different, as many stores are closed, forcing some of us to wait on deliveries.

As with the Apple Watch Series 6 launch, I ordered from a store 3 hours away, and drove there to be part of the “launch”. It was pretty much a non existent launch, but something I value as part of the Apple experience.

I am hoping my local store will have in person pickup, and that there will be some excitement this year as, now more than ever, some fun and excitement should be embraced, since we have had 8 months of pretty mediocre ability to have “fun”.

 

[NightFox]

Never did one of the all-nighters, but in the early days (3G, 3GS etc) they were a real big event - less so these days though.

 

[squirrellydw]

I’ll just comfortably and safely order from the convenience from my home. The days of standing in line is becoming archaic, especially more than ever given the pandemic.

It always has been

 

[crawfish963]

PSA: Apple cannot stop you from standing on a public sidewalk near their building.

edit: This is USA only, obviously.

 

[dlondon]

After twelve years, it took a pandemic for Apple to initiate a reservation system. Not everything Covid is bad.

 

[hot-gril]

People are staying home. What are they even using their phones for that they feel the need to upgrade them? Mine broke for 2 weeks, and I forgot it was even broken.

Although, 5G hotspot is probably faster and more reliable than what I have at home, if there's 5G here, idk.

 

[mailman199]

I think some lines are still going to form.

 

[one more]

People still lining up for iPhones in 2020?

 

[madsci954]

People still lining up for iPhones in 2020?

Probably a tradition for some

 

[macduke]

Well 2020 be damned. Never thought I'd see the day…

 

[mashdots]

i stood in line for the 4, which was the first iphone i got on a release day (my first ever was a 3G).

When the 6 came out, I discovered I could just go to a verizon kiosk in the middle of the day on release day and there was no line. That's when I realized waiting in line for the phone on opening day is not worth the time.

 

[walnuts]

Ugh... I’m so frustrated... I would LOVE to just have the phones delivered to me, but AT&T has a bug in their system where it won’t let go of my wife’s former billing address out of state. Years ago (and this happened twice), I triple checked I entered my correct NY shipping address, and AT&T redirected the phones to Michigan. I have no idea why AT&T is even involved in this part of the transaction, but I can’t trust it to be fixed in time...

 

[Onelifenofear]

I camped out to get my ps5 preorder last month. While I’m glad I got it I don’t ever want to do anything like that again

I camped out in my bed and preordered online!?

 

[MisterSavage]

I hope it works. The two times I had a "reservation" for the iPhone upgrade program I was in line for over two hours at the Apple Store.

 

[Onelifenofear]

I forgot about it dammit ( new house being built ) and only got online at 5pm (uk...opened at 1pm) And I am bumped to 17th November!

What annoys me is that I could buy one outright quicker....but I am on the upgrade program and can’t get it till later.

1st world problems I know.. but my 11 is broken as hell... so will be paying the excess anyway so may well book in for release day to get this one fixed and see if they can make it happen.

 

[Billyk711]

PSA: Apple cannot stop you from standing on a public sidewalk near their building.

edit: This is USA only, obviously.

Yea but then your just standing there looking like a jerk because you are allowed to?

 

[jermwhl]

PSA: Apple cannot stop you from standing on a public sidewalk near their building.

edit: This is USA only, obviously.

Loitering laws do exist. And they can also refuse service. They’ll give you a reservation time though. So not really an issue.