iPhone 13 Apple Store pick up question (US)

[snoopyclone]

I have never done a pick up or stood in line at the Apple Store. For previous iPhone launches, I have ordered directly from my carrier (shipped) or stood in line at a carrier store early in the morning on launch day.

My pick up time is 11:30am on the 24th at an Apple Store.

Did you do a pick up for last year’s launch? How did it go? Were there long lines? Or did it move fast because of pick up time windows?

I’m wondering if it says my phone is ready before my pick up time, can I arrive early (I was thinking 30 min or an hour) or should I just stick to my pick up time?

Can I purchase accessories while I’m there? Or should I order them in advance for pick up?

Thanks for any help in advance! I have to do an hour drive to get to my Apple Store so any hints or help is so helpful. Thx!

 

[SisterBlue22]

There will be two lines when you arrive - one for general public, and one for those with pickup reservations. They will get you checked in and into the right line. I've never had to wait more than about 15 minutes before I was taken in for my reservation. You can definitely purchase accessories while you're there. I've always made my reservations for early morning so I'm not sure what happens if you're early, but I've heard they are fairly accommodating.

 

[compwiz1202]

When I went a little early, they just put you in line per your window, so if you are too early, you might get shifted back if someone with an earlier window comes. Wasn't too long, but I'm sure the location will determine that. Think I always got the accessories in the same order or got them shipped, so not sure about that part.

 

[snoopyclone]

There will be two lines when you arrive - one for general public, and one for those with pickup reservations. They will get you checked in and into the right line. I've never had to wait more than about 15 minutes before I was taken in for my reservation. You can definitely purchase accessories while you're there. I've always made my reservations for early morning so I'm not sure what happens if you're early, but I've heard they are fairly accommodating.

Thank you for sharing! This is helpful!

By the time I was able to get on to do my preorder (around 9:30am ET), the earliest I could get was 11am and since I have a drive ahead of me, I’m ok with it being later.

thanks again!

 

[Foss]

I did it last year, and I was headed out about 2 minutes after I checked in. You check in when your window opens with the person in front of the store. Show them your QR code and ID. Someone in the back gets your phone and brings it out, and you’re out of there. They do not allow you to check in until your window. So not much point going early. Not sure on accessories, but unless you want to see in person, I’d just get them shipped to your house. Most of them are arriving before Friday.

 

[snoopyclone]

When I went a little early, they just put you in line per your window, so if you are too early, you might get shifted back if someone with an earlier window comes. Wasn't too long, but I'm sure the location will determine that. Think I always got the accessories in the same order or got them shipped, so not sure about that part.

Thank you, compwiz! This is helpful! I might get there a little early then but not too early!

Appreciate it!

 

[SisterBlue22]

I've always done a trade in/pickup on the upgrade program, so that takes a bit longer than them just handing you your phone and you being on your own, but yeah, either way, they have the logistics of it all down cold, and it's very organized.

 

[alee]

At the NYC Apple stores, they have queues set up depending on your pickup window. If one queue empties out, they'll go to the next one, etc. So if 10:30a empties out, 11:00a goes, but if a late 10:30a comes they cut in front of the next 11:00a person. If you come too early (e.g. usually more than an hour early), they'll tell you to wait.

 

[Jumpie]

I have never done a pick up or stood in line at the Apple Store. For previous iPhone launches, I have ordered directly from my carrier (shipped) or stood in line at a carrier store early in the morning on launch day.

My pick up time is 11:30am on the 24th at an Apple Store.

Did you do a pick up for last year’s launch? How did it go? Were there long lines? Or did it move fast because of pick up time windows?

I’m wondering if it says my phone is ready before my pick up time, can I arrive early (I was thinking 30 min or an hour) or should I just stick to my pick up time?

Can I purchase accessories while I’m there? Or should I order them in advance for pick up?

Thanks for any help in advance! I have to do an hour drive to get to my Apple Store so any hints or help is so helpful. Thx!

Last year I arrived earlier than my time. There was barely a line. They didn't care. Although they wouldn't let me shop for a case or a watch band I had to make a reservation or have something ordered. But that was last year.

 

[compwiz1202]

Last year I arrived earlier than my time. There was barely a line. They didn't care. Although they wouldn't let me shop for a case or a watch band I had to make a reservation or have something ordered. But that was last year.

Wish they would at least let you add items if you knew exactly what you wanted and they had it. But no browsing.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I hope they will be able to install the Belkin screen protector with their machine on pickup day.

 

[Jumpie]

Wish they would at least let you add items if you knew exactly what you wanted and they had it. But no browsing.

I never thought I’d just sipping on the app right then and picking it up. Next time.

 

[alyssap22]

I hope they will be able to install the Belkin screen protector with their machine on pickup day.

Me too! I have called and couldn’t get any answers. I absolutely can’t put those things on for the life of me. I usually have apple do it for me but I’ve always gone later in the phone cycle never launch day. I’m a bit ocd so I love that they can get it to have no bubbles or lint.

 

[Jumpie]

Me too! I have called and couldn’t get any answers. I absolutely can’t put those things on for the life of me. I usually have apple do it for me but I’ve always gone later in the phone cycle never launch day. I’m a bit ocd so I love that they can get it to have no bubbles or lint.

Wait, they have a machine that does it?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Me too! I have called and couldn’t get any answers. I absolutely can’t put those things on for the life of me. I usually have apple do it for me but I’ve always gone later in the phone cycle never launch day. I’m a bit ocd so I love that they can get it to have no bubbles or lint.

I ordered a few off Amazon in case my local store is out of the Belkin on Friday. As soon as I open a new phone, I apply the screen protector while everything is lint and fingerprint free. Sometimes, it takes 2 protectors before I get it perfect. lol

 

[Apple_Robert]

Wait, they have a machine that does it?

Yes, they do. It does a perfect application.

 

[Jumpie]

Yes, they do. It does a perfect application.

I forget which I used last year but it’s one with a tray and flips down to add the protector. Worked perfectly for me. I still have the other one. I was gonna put it on the new phone.

 

[Recklesss]

Do you know if it’s possible to change the in store pick up time ? The 8am slot was available when I ordered but complicated with work so I went for 12pm…

 

[alyssap22]

Wait, they have a machine that does it?

Yes! Belkin makes it specifically for apple. It aligns the protector perfectly and gets no bubbles or lint. I’ve had them apply it for me for my last few phones with no issues. They hold up well too! I really hope they have them Friday in store. I know with the notch being smaller they won’t be able to use the ones for the 12s.

 

[BrettDS]

Do you know if it’s possible to change the in store pick up time ? The 8am slot was available when I ordered but complicated with work so I went for 12pm…

You can cancel and reorder, but at this point I’m sure all the available times are taken. However, they will hold your phone for two weeks after the pickup time, so if you can’t make your time then you can go later.

They won’t let you go early though. They might let you in if you show up 15 or maybe 30 minutes early and they aren’t too busy, but if you try to come 4 hours early they will tell you to come back later.

 

[walds11]

Yes! Belkin makes it specifically for apple. It aligns the protector perfectly and gets no bubbles or lint. I’ve had them apply it for me for my last few phones with no issues. They hold up well too! I really hope they have them Friday in store. I know with the notch being smaller they won’t be able to use the ones for the 12s.

This ?

 

[snoopyclone]

Do you know if it’s possible to change the in store pick up time ? The 8am slot was available when I ordered but complicated with work so I went for 12pm…

I don’t see a way for you to change it in the Apple Store app. I wonder if all of the 8am slots for your store are taken now too?

 

[snoopyclone]

Yes! Belkin makes it specifically for apple. It aligns the protector perfectly and gets no bubbles or lint. I’ve had them apply it for me for my last few phones with no issues. They hold up well too! I really hope they have them Friday in store. I know with the notch being smaller they won’t be able to use the ones for the 12s.

That’s pretty cool!

 

[ninaco]

The Belkin screen protector — can you have it installed at any time? And, is it something that needs an appointment?

 

[dranakin]

I have an evening reservation for after work, but I may be able to go during the work day. I wonder if they would take me that many hours early or if I can change my appointment.