iPad Air Shipments Arriving at Apple Stores Ahead of Launch

[MacRumors]

Apple retail stores around the world are receiving shipments of new devices that are likely to be the new iPad Air models, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

In a tweet, Gurman said that new devices have started arriving at Apple Stores "for opening at a later date." These new devices are likely the iPad Airs that are set to go on sale at some point in October as it's too early for the iPhones to be arriving in stores as of yet.

When the new iPad Air models were unveiled during Apple's September 15 event, there was no specific launch date provided beyond October. Because the new iPad Air models use the same A14 chip that's in the iPhone 12 lineup, Apple may have been holding back to prevent benchmarks and details on the chip from leaking out ahead of the iPhone announcement.

If that was the plan, it didn't work and A14 benchmarks leaked out anyway, so we at least know we can expect great performance from both the new iPad Air and the iPhone 12 lineup.

With iPad Air shipments arriving at retail stores, we could potentially see a launch as soon as Tuesday, October 13, after the Apple event, but there's still no concrete word on when the new tablets are coming out.

Article Link: iPad Air Shipments Arriving at Apple Stores Ahead of Launch

 

[easy4lif]

They go on sale immediately after Tuesday event. There’s got to be a warehouse full of them ready to go.

 

[JPack]

Weibo rumors were pointing at this weekend, based on the people who attended the hands-on iPad Air media event.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

So, possibly a release next week

 

[JJSantoro]

But all the stores are close. At least all the ones around me.

 

[carrrrrlos]

Available next week!

 

[AjTee]

YEAH! That's great News!

This will be fat week! iPad Air + iPhone 12 Pro O MY GOOOOD!!!! Let's do it!

 

[Caliber26]

I really wish this iPad would’ve kept its $499 price point. You guys think we could see Black Friday deals for this iPad even though it’s so new?

 

[AjTee]

I really wish this iPad would’ve kept its $499 price point. You guys think we could see Black Friday deals for this iPad even though it’s so new?

It's depend on region. I suppose that there could be deal for 50 USD less...

 

[That70sGAdawg]

I really wish this iPad would’ve kept its $499 price point. You guys think we could see Black Friday deals for this iPad even though it’s so new?

Nope, not without some contract or commitment of $.

 

[azentropy]

I'm really surprised online ordering didn't start today. Maybe they are waiting until next Friday when they also open it up for iPhone 12 orders.

 

[Dwalls90]

The release of this iPad is just bizarre. If stock is hitting stores then after the event makes most sense to me.

 

[Wags]

Stores here haven’t reopened. No launch day n my mania.

 

[vmistery]

I’m now debating whether to get the new Air or a new iPhone. My iPad Pro 9.7” is a little long in the tooth and so is my X. However my X is fine other than the battery which I could just get replaced but the iPad is looking quite dated and is only 32GB...

 

[MacPoulet]

I have a feeling people waiting for the new Air will get it before Apple ships me the iPad Pro I ordered last month...

 

[xgman]

Not sure why this didn't go to pre-order/ship later status like every other product they sell.

 

[easy4lif]

Not sure why this didn't go to pre-order/ship later status like every other product they sell.

I’d guess with pandemic and reduced air travel, shipping cost have gone up. Especially from China to US.

 

[orbital~debris]

It is good to hear that the release is drawing near.
Waiting not-so-patiently for that 'View Pricing' button to change to a 'Buy' button.

That said, it was even more exciting back in the day when there occasionally used to be reports of mystery shipments either en route to / already arrived at stores, to be opened at a later date… another way that Apple's retail theatre game has been so strong.

 

[kyleh22]

I really wish this iPad would’ve kept its $499 price point. You guys think we could see Black Friday deals for this iPad even though it’s so new?

Prob not.

 

[cobioguy]

I'm really surprised online ordering didn't start today. Maybe they are waiting until next Friday when they also open it up for iPhone 12 orders.

I think they are waiting for their back to school promotion to expire Monday

 

[kyleh22]

Not sure why this didn't go to pre-order/ship later status like every other product they sell.

I think they're waiting until the end of the iPad + Airpod student deal before releasing. That deal ends on 10/12.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

If Apple had released a 12.9" version of this I would have jumped on it immediately.

As it is, I'll have to do some more waiting for the next big Pro to come out before I put my Macs to rest once and for maybe.

I'm a bit disappointed with this year's lineup (even if there's nothing really wrong with it), but it looks like next year is when I'll finally take the plunge.

EDIT: I also hope they release folios for these in matching colors. I'd never ever ever use an iPad (or iPhone) naked.

 

[JPack]

I think they are waiting for their back to school promotion to expire Monday

Apple already eliminated the iPad Air (2020) from the promo several weeks ago.

 

[dannyyankou]

My local target already put up the demo display for it. Not the iPad itself, but the promotional signage for it.

 

[BenConlin44]

I think they're waiting until the end of the iPad + Airpod student deal before releasing. That deal ends on 10/12.

I think ordering will open on the 13th but not because of the student deal expiring as the air was removed from that deal when the new one was announced and because the student deal is still live in Europe until the end of the month