Carrier AT&T: iPhone 16/Plus/Pro/Pro Max US Pre-Orders, Orders, and Delivery Status Thread (2024)

[PleaseSandwich]

So far, this isn't just working.

I filled out the form on Apple.com to reserve a phone. I made sure I chose that i was going to finance through AT&T. There was nothing I could choose to specify that I was financing through AT&T with their trade-in promotion. But I assumed that once I got the phone that AT&T would contact me with next steps. That's what you said. And I even called Apple in advance of my appointment to make sure that when I pick up the phone that AT&T would be in touch with details on any trade-in/financing.

We picked up the phone last night, and my son has activated it.

Crickets. I went to att.com and it just says I am financing it for 36 months period. There's nothing about a pending trade-in. I am waiting for a callback from AT&T customer service to try to make this work. I don't want to pay for it in full. We bought this phone intending to get it "for free" with trade-in and 36-month lock-in. Frustrated!

If you only "Reserved" an iPhone an in-store purchase all steps should have been completed in-store. Yes that includes your trade-in and Activation of the new iPhone on an AT&T Installment agreement.


There are no next steps until you go back to the Apple store and have them complete all the steps properly and process your trade-in.

You should have not paid the full retail price for the iPhone. Only the taxes on the full price. The sale should have been processed an AT&T Carrier Installment contract.


Sounds like a trip back to the Apple store will be required. The Apple individual that processed your purchase did not complete all the steps. In your situation your trade-in is normally processed directly with Apple.


You still can but you need work with your local Apple store so that you get the up to $1000 in month credits on your AT&T bill.

Note: it may take 1-2 billing cycles for your monthly credit to show on your bill but for example if it takes 2 billing cycles then you will get both credits nothing is lost in the process.

Dave

Thanks for all the info. I really appreciate it.

The AT&T rep fixed me up, whew! So even if the store screwed up, they are setting up a trade-in and the promotional credit will be applied to my new purchase.

I only paid sales tax at the Apple Store. Well, plus I prepaid for AppleCare+.

Looks like I also have no option to trade in at an AT&T store, which is too bad, but hopefully the UPS can be trusted! The trade-in phone is in excellent condition, though, and we verified the IMEI is clean.

 

[wickedrm]

Did you order via the Web or the My AT&T app?



You gave me a good laugh this morning. And Yes you are wrong. Thanks for the Apology in advance.

That Image is not generic it is right from the Order process "Details" from the Web last night. It's odd that they would clearly list as Item 3. Mail back your old phone in the return box but make no mention of an option for a store trade-in...

No I did not save a screenshot of every screen during the pre-order window. I ordered at 7:40 AM ET on September 13th using the My AT&T app since AT&T was early and Apple was late again this year on both the Web and Apple Store app. My order confirmation email was at 7:44 AM ET. I had both my iPhone units saved in my cart from Thursday, September 12th as AT&T has setup for pre-orders. AT&T sent an email...

Last night while looking for this phantom in-store trade-in option. So far I have not walked all the way through the order process flow again since Pre-order. I did notice when using the My AT&T hybrid app Order flow the trade-in process no longer allows me to skip the IMEI step that I was able to skip for the pre-order. The Web order flow still allowed me to skip entering the IMEI for my trade-in.

Dave

Since you’re so confidently incorrect, here’s a screenshot from my account that outlines instructions on completing my trade in: in store. This was picked as my preferred trade in method when I was checking out on preorder day.

 

[Mr. Jenkins]

Since you’re so confidently incorrect, here’s a screenshot from my account that outlines instructions on completing my trade in: in store. This was picked as my preferred trade in method when I was checking out on preorder day.

View attachment 2427095

Wow, that's great. AT&T must have a lottery where some people get lucky on certain days. It doesn't give me the option to change it, and never has. For me, it says "Item is not available for pickup."

 

[dave006]

Since you’re so confidently incorrect, here’s a screenshot from my account that outlines instructions on completing my trade in: in store. This was picked as my preferred trade in method when I was checking out on preorder day.

You gave me another good laugh today. Did you even read your Order details: Step 1. Prepare your device for return?

It seems even your in-store return is geared toward shipping the trade-in. Notice the Dropped Off ICON at the top of your Screenshot and the Step 1. For the best experience, use our checklist to get your device ready to send back to us.

I do see that you have a Step 2. Take your trade-in device to a store. So did you perform a manual order for your 2 iPhones or use the saved cart method that AT&T described in in the email?

I only had a Blue button for the purchase and then the normal agree to the Installment terms. After my next conference call I will take a break and walk though another Order process looking for the mysterious option that you had for your order... As I mentioned earlier for example: the IMEI requirement was not there on September 12th but is now there with no option to bypass.

Looks like even AT&T is confused based on contents of your Order details...

Dave

 

[wickedrm]

Wow, that's great. AT&T must have a lottery where some people get lucky on certain days. It doesn't give me the option to change it, and never has. For me, it says "Item is not available for pickup."

I’m pretty sure everyone had this option at check out. I did not change it after the fact - I’ve always had bring to store as my method of trade in since I preordered.

 

[wickedrm]

You gave me another good laugh today. Did you even read your Order details: Step 1. Prepare your device for return?

It seems even your in-store return is geared toward shipping the trade-in. Notice the Dropped Off ICON at the top of your Screenshot and the Step 1. For the best experience, use our checklist to get your device ready to send back to us.

I do see that you have a Step 2. Take your trade-in device to a store. So did you perform a manual order for your 2 iPhones or use the saved cart method that AT&T described in in the email?

I only had a Blue button for the purchase and then the normal agree to the Installment terms. After my next conference call I will take a break and walk though another Order process looking for the mysterious option that you had for your order... As I mentioned earlier for example: the IMEI requirement was not there on September 12th but is now there with no option to bypass.

Looks like even AT&T is confused based on contents of your Order details...

Dave

You’re not the one that should be laughing lol.

Step 1: Prepare your device for return = turn off activation lock / find my iPhone. Perform factory reset to delete all data.

Dropped off at the top. How could you possibly not interpret that to mean drop off at a store? Seriously?

Step 2: take your trade in device to a store.
I’m not sure how AT&T could be any more clear here. It says take it to a store because that is what I chose at check out. There’s even a link to find a store in my screenshot.

By manual order I assume you mean did I, on preorder day, add the iPhone 16P to my cart while answering all of the trade in questions and then proceed to checkout? Yes - I did not presave my cart.

I will add that the checkout process assumed I would be mailing it back and so it had that option pre-filled. I manually changed it to bring to store before hitting submit, and I’m pretty sure it was on the last page of the order process.

 

[Mr. Jenkins]

I’m pretty sure everyone had this option at check out. I did not change it after the fact - I’ve always had bring to store as my method of trade in since I preordered.

When I was initially going to pre-order, I did not have that option. I just checked and I don't have that option now. Someone mentioned previously that the delivery is chosen by default and you have to change it manually. I've never been able to change it manually. Maybe I got to the pre-order too late but this is what it always said every time I've checked during the pre-order stage.

 

[wickedrm]

When I was initially going to pre-order, I did not have that option. I just checked and I don't have that option now. Someone mentioned previously that the delivery is chosen by default and you have to change it manually. I've never been able to change it manually. Maybe I got to the pre-order too late but this is what it always said every time I've checked during the pre-order stage.

View attachment 2427174

We’re talking about two different things. I’m talking about trading in my old device in store. You’re talking about the delivery of your new device. Can’t help you there.

 

[Mr. Jenkins]

We’re talking about two different things. I’m talking about trading in my old device in store. You’re talking about the delivery of your new device. Can’t help you there.

Then, I'm confused. Are you not picking up your new device in-store?

I see what you're saying. There is an option to drop it off in the store. I did not know that was an option this time around. You taught me something new!

Initially, what I thought you meant was that you were able to select 'pick up' for your new device and therefore they would do the trade-in in the store at the same time as your pick up.

 

[wickedrm]

Then, I'm confused. Are you not picking up your new device in-store?

I see what you're saying. There is an option to drop it off in the store. I did not know that was an option this time around. You taught me something new!

Yes - new device delivered by mail. Old device traded in to the store.

 

[nws0291]

I ordered a 16 PM 256 Desert and 16 PM 256 White on 9/13 around 2pm EST and both just moved to preparing to ship and can't cancel anymore. Original shipping estimate was 9/27-10/11. Looks like I should have them within the next week.

 

[bobdigi]

I hope my 16 Pro 512 Black will move up a little too. Ordered 9/20 with estimated ship 9/25 - 10/8.

 

[dave006]

You’re not the one that should be laughing lol.

Step 1: Prepare your device for return = turn off activation lock / find my iPhone. Perform factory reset to delete all data.

Nice edit of your text version of Step 1. I hate to quote myself but it is required here. Please see the quote of my post above for the exact text from your Screenshot:

Step 1. For the best experience, use our checklist to get your device ready to send back to us.

My Order details has the same "Dropped off" ICON and it clearly means dropped off as in dropping it off at the shipper. Just like your screenshot shows for Step 1. What do you think "send back to us" means.

You can't just drop off your trade-in after turning off activation lock / find my iPhone. Perform factory reset to delete all data. You take it to the selected Company store to complete a manual 15-20 minute return process. I have done this every year and I will do this again this weekend and post my results.

Dropped off at the top. How could you possibly not interpret that to mean drop off at a store? Seriously?

Mine are attached below.

As promised I went back through the purchase process all the way to the final Submit button after entering my payment details and there is absolute no option for me to change my trade-in to an in-store option anywhere along the workflow steps.

*** I found the difference. This is from my AT&T Cellular Representative...

My account is part of an AT&T Signature program that offers the following options but only Online Orders an Returns. Yes I know but my AT&T Corporate representative says it also includes trade-ins. That's why I don't see any option to select a store trade-in option.

It looks like we can both be correct. It all depends on your type of Cellular Account.

ETA: add more details after my AT&T Corporate representative call...

Dave

 

[wickedrm]

Nice edit of your text version of Step 1. I hate to quote myself but it is required here. Please see the quote of my post above for the exact text from your Screenshot:

Yes, and this is referring to doing the necessary steps before giving the phone back to AT&T (whether that be in store or mail)! Which include Find My and erasing data!

My Order details has the same "Dropped off" ICON and it clearly means dropped off as in dropping it off at the shipper. Just like your screenshot shows for Step 1. What do you think "send back to us" means.

I guess they reuse the same infographic here for both methods of trading in. Not a big deal. All it means is that it is either dropped off in store or dropped off for the mail. Same thing.

You can't just drop off your trade-in after turning off activation lock / find my iPhone. Perform factory reset to delete all data. You take it to the selected Company store to complete a manual 15-20 minute return process. I have done this every year and I will do this again this weekend and post my results.

You’re putting words in my mouth. Of course you have to handle it with a store employee.

Mine are attached below.

View attachment 2427220


As promised I went back through the purchase process all the way to the final Submit button after entering my payment details and there is absolute no option for me to change my trade-in to an in-store option anywhere along the workflow steps.

Great, yours contains steps to shipping it back because that’s what you selected. Mine contains steps to bringing it to a store, because that is what I selected. I don’t know what point you’re trying to prove here, other than not being able to find where you can select in store trade in.

*** I found the difference. This is from my AT&T Cellular Representative...

My account is part of an AT&T Signature program that offers the following options but only Online Orders an Returns. Yes I know but my AT&T Corporate representative says it also includes trade-ins. That's why I don't see any option to select a store trade-in option.

It looks like we can both be correct. It all depends on your type of Cellular Account.

View attachment 2427226

ETA: add more details after my AT&T Corporate representative call...

Dave

I too am a signature program member and had the option to bring to store.

Honestly, what point are you trying to make? That no one can select to trade in at the store, even though I am proof that you can?

 

[bobdigi]

I 1000% had the option to return my trade-in phone to the store during the checkout process. Lets put this to rest.

 

[Mr. Jenkins]

I too am a signature program member and had the option to bring to store.

I am also on the AT&T Signature program. As I noted earlier, I saw the option.

However, I will say that the options are presented in a subtle way. It doesn't show the options unless you click it so it requires the customer to be proactive and willing to explore or look around for options. It defaults to your trade-in being mailed in and looking at the way it's presented when you check out, I wouldn't have thought twice about it. They don't make it obvious that they're giving the customer the option. If I had not interacted with you on this forum, I would have never known that it was there.

 

[wickedrm]

I am also on the AT&T Signature program. As I noted earlier, I saw the option.

However, I will say that the options are presented subtle way. It doesn't show the options unless you click it so it requires the customer to be proactive and willing to explore or look around for options. It defaults to your trade-in to mailing it in and looking at the way it's presented when you check out, I wouldn't thought twice about it. They don't make it obvious that they're giving the customer the option. If I had not interacted with you on this forum, I would have never known that it was there.

Spot on in the way you characterized how to select it. It’s sort of hidden and easy to miss if you’re not reading.

 

[Mr. Jenkins]

Spot on in the way you characterized how to select it. It’s sort of hidden and easy to miss if you’re not reading.

Apparently, my lack of proofreading is also spot on. 😂

 

[dave006]

I too am a signature program member and had the option to bring to store.

Do you have waived activation and upgrade fees?

In the early iPhone cycle ( Original iPhone, and up to iPhone 5 ) our dedicated AT&T Rep would ask what we wanted to order and on Launch day they would bring the new iPhones to our office. Then it became an AT&T Premiere Web order process and now just priority phone support for "phone" orders via a call-center, and a AT&T Signature Program offering.

Honestly, what point are you trying to make? That no one can select to trade in at the store, even though I am proof that you can?

I made my point that Not everyone has the option to just select an in-store trade-in that you indicated was just a simple choice in the Order process and just somehow missed the choice. That's why there are many complaints every year concerning issues completing an in-store trade-in.

Ordering online gives you the option to complete the trade-in in store. Why are y’all having complications if this was an option to you?

As it turns out it was and is not an option just because you are ordering online. This option is not available for everyone even though you can see the option on your account.

Dave

 

[smcgrath12]

I am also on the AT&T Signature program. As I noted earlier, I saw the option.

However, I will say that the options are presented in a subtle way. It doesn't show the options unless you click it so it requires the customer to be proactive and willing to explore or look around for options. It defaults to your trade-in being mailed in and looking at the way it's presented when you check out, I wouldn't have thought twice about it. They don't make it obvious that they're giving the customer the option. If I had not interacted with you on this forum, I would have never known that it was there.

Yeah, it’s subtle and available on the last page of the online ordering via a small icon. I guess ATT prefers mailed in old devices. I guess some folks are not seeing this option.

As you are part of signature program, keep an eye on your bill. As soon as it’s up on their website, pull it up and click on the line item for upgrade charge (if you were charged) and ask for a refund of that fee. You should get it immediately refunded with the verbiage like “You should not have been charged an upgrade fee as you are part of signature program” (something along those lines).

That was my experience for 3 upgrade fees charged and refunded.

 

[wickedrm]

Do you have waived activation and upgrade fees?

In the early iPhone cycle ( Original iPhone, and up to iPhone 5 ) our dedicated AT&T Rep would ask what we wanted to order and on Launch day they would bring the new iPhones to our office. Then it became an AT&T Premiere Web order process and now just priority phone support for "phone" orders via a call-center, and a AT&T Signature Program offering.


I made my point that Not everyone has the option to just select an in-store trade-in that you indicated was just a simple choice in the Order process and just somehow missed the choice. That's why there are many complaints every year concerning issues completing an in-store trade-in.


As it turns out it was and is not an option just because you are ordering online. This option is not available for everyone even though you can see the option on your account.

Dave

Yes I have waived fees.

I can’t imagine being part of a certain signature program would preclude you from being able to select trade in at a store during checkout. That sounds absurd.

Either way I’m done interacting with you. Have a nice day.

 

[Jayright99]

Anyone in the 10/7-10/21 or 10/8-10/22 window had any updates or movement yet?

 

[normanfox]

I haven't done trade-in for a while and I did not pre-order either.

Is it possible to wait until AT&T has iphone 16 Pro Max in store? So that I can turn in my iphone 14 Pro Max in and take the new iphone 16 Pro Max home on the same day? and this offer is still available

 

[Mr. Jenkins]

Is it possible to wait until AT&T has iphone 16 Pro Max in store? So that I can turn in my iphone 14 Pro Max in and take the new iphone 16 Pro Max home on the same day? and this offer is still available

I’m confident you’ll be able take advantage of the offer if you want to wait. The trade-in offers seem like new normal. I’m sure they’re here to stay for a while.

 

[RingOfive]

Anyone in the 10/7-10/21 or 10/8-10/22 window had any updates or movement yet?

I placed an order Sunday night for a 128gb 16 and a 512gb 16 Pro Max. They both initially showed a delivery date of 10/8. The 16 shipped Monday and arrived yesterday. The PM shipped Tuesday and is arriving today.