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Best place to pre-order iPhone?

SPNarwhal

SPNarwhal

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Apr 22, 2009
1,260
156
illinois
What is the best / most efficient way of ordering a new iPhone when it comes out?

I remember a few years ago I camped out at AT&T and they wouldn't sell me a sim-free a-la-carte version, so I had to use my upgrade on NEXT and just pay it off.

If I order from Apple for pre-order, do they allow for the sim-free version?

I have since switched to T-Mobile so I guess I will be ordering from them, but might just order directly if that's easier. I'm just not sure what to expect and don't wnat ot be scrambling to figure out how things work in real time; I would rather be prepared so that I can get an order through.
 
BasicGreatGuy said:
The SIM free model won't be available for a few weeks - 1 month after initial release. And in my opinion, it is best to order directly from Apple.
Click to expand...
So if I order direct from Apple then is it a la carte? Or is it through apple which is then through my carrier also?

I suppose the direct question would be

What info do I need if I go through Apple? Tmobile account number?
 
SPNarwhal said:
So if I order direct from Apple then is it a la carte? Or is it through apple which is then through my carrier also?

I suppose the direct question would be

What info do I need if I go through Apple? Tmobile account number?
Click to expand...
Are you doing the iPhone Upgrade Program or paying straight out.

If you're planning on doing the iPhone Upgrade Program and are new to it, you'll have to go in-stores for that since T-Mobile doesn't allow iPUP signups to be done online. You can either do a store-pickup or delivery (with the delivery, you would then have to return the iPhone to apple and re-buy it through the iPUP. YMMV I guess, but I doubt there will be problems). If you're on the iPUP, I believe you can do the upgrade online (provided you're eligible). I believe you'll get a prepaid shipping label to ship your old iPhone back, but I might be thinking about something else, so hopefully someone can confirm.

If you're paying straight out, you don't need any account information. Just speed through that ****.
 
Preorder night you will see everything on apple.com

normally 3 or 4 option to buy

- carrier upgrade
- carrier new customer
- apple financialing
- apple unlock version ( financialing montly )
 
titrau said:
Preorder night you will see everything on apple.com

normally 3 or 4 option to buy

- carrier upgrade
- carrier new customer
- apple financialing
- apple unlock version ( financialing montly )
Click to expand...
But the unlock version won't be available right away, right?
I'm just wanting to buy straight out without any financing, just a one large sum purchase and be done.
 
I remember last yrs they didnot have right away but 1/2 week later
apple does pop up plan for it - and it called >>

apple program = monthly payment without interest gsm unlock
apple full price = 1 time payment

either 2 you can choose
 
If you do end up ordering direct from Apple, the Apple Store app has been a lifesaver the last few years. While the servers are being smashed on the website, the app doesn't seem to suffer (as much), so quite often you can be done and dusted on the app long before the website comes back online.
 
jsmith189, can you describe how long it took you to get the Phone? How close it was to launch day that you recieved it?
 
I will posted every single step 1 by 1 when placing an order iphone 8 on friday mid night for all user see - my tour preorder :)
 
SPNarwhal said:
I'm just wanting to buy straight out without any financing, just a one large sum purchase and be done.
Click to expand...

I'm in a similar situation. Here is what I want to do, but it is my first time with an iPhone so I'm not sure how to proceed or if it is possible:

Pre-order and pay lump sum directly to Apple using the AppleStore iOS app on my iPad. Have phone delivered to the local Apple Store. I will be using Verizon as a carrier.

When it arrives at Apple Store, can Apple store help set it up with my choice of Verizon Data Plan and put in my phone number? I presently have a flip phone on a Verizon prepaid plan.

Or, will I need to take it to a Verizon store to get it set up?

Thanks
 
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