I think it really mostly comes down to location, popularity of the model you want, and determination (refreshing the in-store pickup stock often and being one of the first once it comes online).
In my experience that local pickup can expand to multiple cities, I did with iPhone 12 Pro Max last year, they had none for San Antonio but I could go to Houston or Austin for pickup, managed to score a store in Austin and got them the same day, so it’s not just limited to a city radius…
The nearest Apple Store near MSP, after the four here of course, is in Madison, WI - a 4 hour, 10 minute drive from MSP. I really want an iPhone 13 Pro Max on release day but I'm not desperate enough to drive 8.5 hours round trip for one.
Actually I was just able to reserve one for pickup! I would check again.
I see they have the 256GB and 512GB storage sizes of the 13 Pro Max in stock at my Apple Store! I still have to go and wait in line so I can trade in my 12 Pro Max to offset the cost...
You can still choose that you have a trade in when reserving the phone for pickup. I’m not sure how that works with your credit card, maybe they just authorize it but only end up charging less based on how they value your trade in? Either way, good luck, hopefully you find the one you want!
I walked into the mall where the Apple Store is located and there were only two people in line. The Apple Store employee took my reservation, which is in 90 minutes from now, and said I’m guaranteed the 13 Pro Max 256GB in Sierra Blue as long as I’m there at my check in time!
