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Yeah, sapphire tips are the problem, the manufacturer couldn't produce on time, and the liquid metal in it had conductivity issues (unexpected)... Etc etc... /s


It is just a pen man...

What do you mean "it is just a pen" ... this isn't just a piece of plastic, it has batteries and electronics in it.
 
Has anyone asked an Apple Store employee about the holiday return policy? Maybe they're starting later this year. I haven't seen the policy online or on my receipts.

It's not a 14 day return period, as we're in "Holiday Return" policy now. I believe you can return all the way up until beginning of January.

you have until jan 7th to return..holiday return policy is in effect.

Nope, holiday return period
 
When the Ipad Pro was announced, the Pencil was the star of the unveiling. Many reporters where thoroughly impressed with what Apple created. It's an amazing piece of tech that can rival all types of styli, even professional ones. Unfortunately Apple was advertising the Pencil hand in hand with the Pro. And for some of us creative types the Pro is pretty much useless without the Pencil.

A demo of the Surface Pro stylus Vs. Apple Pencil. Apple could finally win back some creatives if they get their **** together.

 
I've spent too much time reading about what happened today, but my conclusion is that there was a mixup with the online order system which confused absolutely everyone, employees included, by allowing the Pencil to be ordered for store pickup even though the stock hadn't arrived.

The actual in-store launch is still "later this week," which is why stores were turning away walk-ins and many had not set up their demos properly. The confusion was that people who saw availability for in-store pickup assumed this meant the in-store launch was happening today. Some people had also seen in-store availability for the Pencil/keyboard, so we concluded that accessories were in such short supply that they had sold out instantly. In reality they weren't supposed to sell accessories at all, and any Pencils sold were an error (one guy got a box labeled something like "demo unit do not sell").

The point is that if this is correct then it should be possible to get a Pencil on Friday (or Thursday? I'm just going off the original 11th, 13th rumor) if you get there early. Today's availability was not a representation of the stock they'll have available. They should have a second batch of IPP units for walk-in purchase as well.

*edit: cleaned up. Believe it or not this is the more readable version of the post. Also to add that while it makes sense in retrospect, having in-store pickup availability without an in-store launch is confusing even if it's intentional, unless you explain it that way. Also++ the online stock suggests that Pencil may still be limited, I'm just saying they'll have more than 2.
 
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Is the 4-5 weeks on apples website the current delivery window for people who order now? Or will that affect those who ordered at midnight too?

Mine originally said 1-2 weeks but is being processed. Just curious if they've all been delayed or what.
 
I've spent too much time reading about what happened today, but my conclusion is that there was a mixup with the online order system which confused absolutely everyone, employees included, by allowing the Pencil to be ordered for store pickup even though the stock hadn't arrived.

The actual in-store launch is still "later this week," which is why stores were turning away walk-ins and many had not set up their demos properly. The confusion was that people who saw availability for in-store pickup assumed this meant the in-store launch was happening today. Some people had also seen in-store availability for the Pencil/keyboard, so we concluded that accessories were in such short supply that they had sold out instantly. In reality they weren't supposed to sell accessories at all, and any Pencils sold were an error (one guy got a box labeled something like "demo unit do not sell").

The point is that if this is correct then it should be possible to get a Pencil on Friday (or Thursday? I'm just going off the original 11th, 13th rumor) if you get there early. Today's availability was not a representation of the stock they'll have available. They should have a second batch of IPP units for walk-in purchase as well.

*edit: cleaned up. Believe it or not this is the more readable version of the post. Also to add that while it makes sense in retrospect, having in-store pickup availability without an in-store launch is confusing even if it's intentional, unless you explain it that way. Also++ the online stock suggests that Pencil may still be limited, I'm just saying they'll have more than 2.

This is possible. In addition today I got an email from both Best Buy and Apple about the release of the iPad Pro. When I was at my local Apple Store they also told me that they expect some pencils to be delivered today, so maybe we will see some surface today but with the availability check offline now you will have to call or stop in.

The notable absence of displays in many stores would back your theory. I don't remember the last time a product launched without any demos available.
 
Is the 4-5 weeks on apples website the current delivery window for people who order now? Or will that affect those who ordered at midnight too?

Mine originally said 1-2 weeks but is being processed. Just curious if they've all been delayed or what.
That was as of last night if you were to order one then.
 
I've spent too much time reading about what happened today, but my conclusion is that there was a mixup with the online order system which confused absolutely everyone, employees included, by allowing the Pencil to be ordered for store pickup even though the stock hadn't arrived.

The actual in-store launch is still "later this week," which is why stores were turning away walk-ins and many had not set up their demos properly. The confusion was that people who saw availability for in-store pickup assumed this meant the in-store launch was happening today. Some people had also seen in-store availability for the Pencil/keyboard, so we concluded that accessories were in such short supply that they had sold out instantly. In reality they weren't supposed to sell accessories at all, and any Pencils sold were an error (one guy got a box labeled something like "demo unit do not sell").

The point is that if this is correct then it should be possible to get a Pencil on Friday (or Thursday? I'm just going off the original 11th, 13th rumor) if you get there early. Today's availability was not a representation of the stock they'll have available. They should have a second batch of IPP units for walk-in purchase as well.

*edit: cleaned up. Believe it or not this is the more readable version of the post. Also to add that while it makes sense in retrospect, having in-store pickup availability without an in-store launch is confusing even if it's intentional, unless you explain it that way. Also++ the online stock suggests that Pencil may still be limited, I'm just saying they'll have more than 2.

Guess we will find out tomorrow then. I am not convinced because my store had plenty of display units and pencils for display, just none for sale/
 
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I've spent too much time reading about what happened today, but my conclusion is that there was a mixup with the online order system which confused absolutely everyone, employees included, by allowing the Pencil to be ordered for store pickup even though the stock hadn't arrived.

The actual in-store launch is still "later this week," which is why stores were turning away walk-ins and many had not set up their demos properly. The confusion was that people who saw availability for in-store pickup assumed this meant the in-store launch was happening today. Some people had also seen in-store availability for the Pencil/keyboard, so we concluded that accessories were in such short supply that they had sold out instantly. In reality they weren't supposed to sell accessories at all, and any Pencils sold were an error (one guy got a box labeled something like "demo unit do not sell").

The point is that if this is correct then it should be possible to get a Pencil on Friday (or Thursday? I'm just going off the original 11th, 13th rumor) if you get there early. Today's availability was not a representation of the stock they'll have available. They should have a second batch of IPP units for walk-in purchase as well.

*edit: cleaned up. Believe it or not this is the more readable version of the post. Also to add that while it makes sense in retrospect, having in-store pickup availability without an in-store launch is confusing even if it's intentional, unless you explain it that way. Also++ the online stock suggests that Pencil may still be limited, I'm just saying they'll have more than 2.

Yeah i really hope this is what happened and they have set a lot of their stock aside for the stores at launch.
 
Is your source just a belief that Apple doesn't want accessories out until after the return period is up? I agree that they could pull something like that, just curious.

Return period is January due to holiday, so that theory doesn't hold water.
 
I spoke to the Apple sales rep.

That means we have a lot of conflicting information. I had a rep tell me they'd be available this week. Others have heard various different stories. It seems like most of these people just guess or tell whatever they read on MacRumors.
 
Has anyone asked an Apple Store employee about the holiday return policy? Maybe they're starting later this year. I haven't seen the policy online or on my receipts.
Just spoke to an apple rep online and she said since I'm undecided i have until january 8 to decide and switch out if wanted..
 
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That means we have a lot of conflicting information. I had a rep tell me they'd be available this week. Others have heard various different stories. It seems like most of these people just guess or tell whatever they read on MacRumors.

From past working at an apple store, we didnt know what was coming in until it showed up. Plus sales reps tend not to know when things come in in general.
 
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The guys I buy from (KRCS in Derby) have said Apple told them today their will be no Pencils being shipped to the UK for the next 4 weeks.

They were right about the price before it was announced and seem very genuine, so I do wonder if they're could be quite a wait in store...
 
...my conclusion is that there was a mixup with the online order system which confused absolutely everyone, employees included, by allowing the Pencil to be ordered for store pickup even though the stock hadn't arrived.

The actual in-store launch is still "later this week," which is why stores were turning away walk-ins and many had not set up their demos properly. The confusion was that people who saw availability for in-store pickup assumed this meant the in-store launch was happening today. Some people had also seen in-store availability for the Pencil/keyboard, so we concluded that accessories were in such short supply that they had sold out instantly. In reality they weren't supposed to sell accessories at all, and any Pencils sold were an error (one guy got a box labeled something like "demo unit do not sell")...
Bingo. I heard exactly the same thing at my Apple store. I tried to dash in on my lunch break with my printed "come 'n' get it" email and was told by the greeter that there was a 20 minute queue. Queue for what, I asked. I don't need hand-holding and setup, I'm here to pick up an item I've already paid for. Heck, it even says in giant bold print at the top of the email "Your items are ready for pickup", not "We're ready for you to come in and make an appointment". LOL

Granted, that store is always short-staffed and mobbed, so you know, caveat emptor. But as we were concluding business (yes, I actually left empty-handed and came back later), he apologized and told me "we weren't even expecting to get these today." Imagine the awkwardness of having to tell all the walk-ins pawing at demos that they aren't available to buy yet, while they see people like me walking out with one :confused:

I'm betting this is the last time they launch a product online before in-store and give us the pickup option.
 
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I got the call... My pen and keyboard were ready today. I ordered them at 3:02 am EST (before the ipad itself). I just picked them up, after I'm done working on the wife's iphone, it will be play time.
 
I got the call... My pen and keyboard were ready today. I ordered them at 3:02 am EST (before the ipad itself). I just picked them up, after I'm done working on the wife's iphone, it will be play time.

Thanks for the update! I assume you are based in the U.S?

Perhaps this just means that Pencil stocks were simply delayed for a day or two.
 
My husband called the Arrowhead Mall (Glendale AZ) Apple Store where I picked up my Pro last night -- this guy said that they are only fulfilling online Pencil orders first, and they don't expect to have any except for the demo Pencil in the store for a few more weeks.

I'm just going with "they probably made that up" since we're hearing so many disparate stories, and I plan to stalk them and BestBuy for the next week to see if I can get my hands on a Pencil before my 20th-30th ship date.
 
My husband called the Arrowhead Mall (Glendale AZ) Apple Store where I picked up my Pro last night -- this guy said that they are only fulfilling online Pencil orders first, and they don't expect to have any except for the demo Pencil in the store for a few more weeks.

I'm just going with "they probably made that up" since we're hearing so many disparate stories, and I plan to stalk them and BestBuy for the next week to see if I can get my hands on a Pencil before my 20th-30th ship date.

I wouldn't get discouraged by the phone reps, they clearly know nothing. They refuse to (or can't) connect you to anyone at the local stores and they just repeat the online order shipping time. In fact, the script is really specific:
-Not available in stores at this time.
-X-Y weeks if you order today.
They'll repeat that if you ask any other questions or want to talk to someone at the store.
 
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