iPhone 16 Pro In Store iPhone 16 Process

[thehopscotch]

I was unable to preorder the iPhone 16 this year, so I was planning to try my luck on an in-store purchase tomorrow morning. What is the process even like these days? I have pre-ordered almost all previous iPhones online.

Are there still long lines queued up early in the morning at Apple stores? I live in a mid-sized city (500,000 people in metro). Our Apple Store opens at 8am. I was thinking I’d get there around 7am, but I wasn’t sure if that was early enough or not.

I could alternatively try a Best Buy or Verizon store, but I assume Apple will have more stock. Any thoughts on if Apple is the best option or if people have better luck at other stores?

Thanks in advance!

 

[NotApplicable]

I'd check the Apple Store app in the morning; there is placeholder text there now that says something like "Check back on 9/20 for in-store pickup availability" when you try to configure and buy an iPhone.

I suspect most unclaimed inventory will go to people who purchase for in-store pickup via the site or app tomorrow morning.

For a true walk in with nothing on hold, walk out with a phone, I'd expect better success at a non-Apple store.

 

[thehopscotch]

I'd check the Apple Store app in the morning; there is placeholder text there now that says something like "Check back on 9/20 for in-store pickup availability" when you try to configure and buy an iPhone.

I suspect most unclaimed inventory will go to people who purchase for in-store pickup via the site or app tomorrow morning.

For a true walk in with nothing on hold, walk out with a phone, I'd expect better success at a non-Apple store.

I noticed that on the app too. Do we have any idea what time that text changes to be able to actually purchase for pick up in store? Is it before the store opens or not until 8am/after store opens?

 

[Honey_crisp]

Looks like iPhones are available to order for same day pickup in Australia. I'd say maybe check at midnight and then at like 5-6am local time?

 

[thehopscotch]

Looks like iPhones are available to order for same day pickup in Australia. I'd say maybe check at midnight and then at like 5-6am local time?

Awesome! Thank you!!

 

[caligurl]

So out of curiosity…. I have an ISPU already for our phones and a watch….. but I’m thinking of changing to titanium from aluminum….. if they have a watch available for me to do and ISPU…. I’m assuming the time will be later in the day…. But will they let me get the new order at 10:15 with my phone?

 

[Honey_crisp]

So out of curiosity…. I have an ISPU already for our phones and a watch….. but I’m thinking of changing to titanium from aluminum….. if they have a watch available for me to do and ISPU…. I’m assuming the time will be later in the day…. But will they let me get the new order at 10:15 with my phone?

It would depend on the store and whether you get the "Ready for Pickup" email for the watch by the time you go to the store at 10:15. If it's a later appointment the watch may not yet be ready for pickup. If you don't want to make two trips just go at the later watch pickup window and pick everything up together. That means you'll have to wait for your phones until later in the day.

 

[NotApplicable]

Just checked and the store I’m picking up at has like every config available of the pro max