I'm hoping we can start this thread a bit early to better help users get pro-tips for ordering from the best place to order iPhone - the Apple Store.
Per the MacRumors News Page, iPhone 11 will go on sale September 20th (One site is suggesting the 27th as the ship date, however that would be unlike any previous years), which means pre-orders will open at 5:00 AM PST on Friday, September 13th.
Lori Gil has a great article from iMore last year.
The absolute fastest way to preorder iPhone XR
Some things to start:
Additionally take the following steps in the Apple Store App:
Missed the boat? Use iStocknow as a way to determine stock of iPhone retailers. (@ruslan120)
@Jinjin has an amazing FAQ for the UK iPhone Delivery thread which inspired me to make this one. If he doesn't mind, I'll take some time this weekend to revisit his FAQ for US iPhone Sales.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/uk-iphone-11-2019-orders-and-dispatch-thread.2193847/
2019 iPhones
OLED Models
5.8" OLED - iPhone 11 Pro
Taking the same form factor as the existing iPhone X
Pricing
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
Pricing
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
Available in Silver and Space Grey and Gold.
LCD Model
6.1" LCD - iPhone 11
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
FAQ
When is the Keynote?
Keynote is Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
Where can I watch the Keynote?
The Keynote can be streamed online on apple.com
Where can I watch a replay of the keynote?
Apple will provide a stream of their keynote on Apple.com
Should I pre-order from the desktop store, or mobile app?
I strongly recommend using the iOS app on iPad or iPhone.
Can I reserve for collection in store?
Yes. This is a great choice if you won’t have the ability to get the shipment on launch day.
How do I know if stores have certain stock available?
iStockNow also have great tracking and notifications for stock and also cover non-apple retailers.
Do iPhone Upgrade Program payments to Citizen One count for 3% cash back with Apple Card?
Payments to Citizen One for an iPhone loan qualify for 3% cash back.
Will my iPhone order be delivered on the Launch Date?
If the pre-order indicates an arrival date as launch date, usually it takes an “act of God” type circumstance like weather or a carrier mistake to not get your phone on release day, but anything is possible.
Is there a limit to how many iPhones I can order?
Apple typically imposes a limit of ordering 2 iPhones per Apple ID.
Will my order be delayed if I order a case/Apple Care with the iPhone?
In the past, people have experienced delays in receiving their orders if they order any accessories along with the phone. It is recommended that you order the iPhone separate to any accessories to avoid the potential delay.
Once I pre-ordered, Apple placed a hold on the funds in my account but released it a few days later without taking the money. Is there something wrong with my order?
When you pre-order from Apple and pay by credit or debit card, Apple will at some point place a ‘hold’ on the amount with your card company. This checks you've got the funds, and stops you spending them. However, a hold only lasts a few days, after which time your card company will automatically make the funds available to you to spend again. When you see this happen, it is nothing to worry about, it DOES NOT mean Apple has cancelled your order. Apple will not take the money out of your account until the day of shipping.
Apple has taken funds buy my order still shows 'preparing for shipment’?
Pre-orders which are due for launch day delivery will usually see a change of order status to Shipment in Progress the day before delivery. Launch day stock is typically sitting at UPS (Louisville, KY). The stock usually travels through Anchorage, AK on the way to their shipping location.
What courier will my order be delivered by?
UPS.
My order has been shipped, how can I track it?
On some occasions, you can use your phone number as a reference number through the couriers. This works some of the time.
How can I pay for my iPhone?
There are multiple ways to pay for iPhone, but I’ll highlight the best ones
I ordered iPhone for pickup in store. Can I get tracking information for that device?
When you order for pickup in store, you are reserving a phone which is issued on launch day. Because of this, you cannot track the phone. The good news is it will be available on launch day waiting for you.
iPhone Upgrade Program
iPhone Upgrade Program is now live in the Apple Store App! New users or returning users can pick the device and get pre-approval now
Mashable has a good article on how to get pre-qualified
If you're in the iPhone Upgrade Program and you want the iPhone XS Max, you need to read this
iMore has a ton of how-to's, but here's the one for getting pre-qualified if you're new to the program
How to get loan pre-approval for the iPhone Upgrade Program
Per Apple.com:
Will my new iPhone be unlocked?
Nearly all iPhone models sold on apple.com and at the Apple Store are unlocked. This means they aren’t tied to a single carrier. The exception is when you buy an iPhone with AT&T Next. It will be tied — or locked — to AT&T.
Here’s how Apple Trade In works.
You’ll get a trade-in email.
It explains how to get your old device ready to ship and how to track your trade-in status.
You’ll receive a trade-in kit.
It includes a box, prepaid shipping label, and instructions on how to prep your device.
You’ll ship your old device within 14 days.
Once we get it, a team inspects and verifies the condition. If everything checks out, we credit your original payment method and you’re all done. And if you pay using Apple iPhone Payments, the trade-in value is credited up front toward your monthly payment amount.
If there’s any remaining amount, we’ll send you an Apple Store Gift Card by email.
Order Status Information
iPhone orders happen in stages. You can check your status on the order page
Searching UPS by Reference Number (@BobRoss)
When Apple shows "Preparing Shipment" on your order, there's a decent chance your device has already shipped. Apple doesn't usually show "shipped" until the device is stateside. Follow the below to determine where your phone is before Apple issues a tracking number.
UPS MyChoice is a free service (basically just a UPS account) which allows you to view the tracking information and a tracking calendar for all your packages. Sign up on ups.com. Shipments from Apple are listed as from "AI".
Per the MacRumors News Page, iPhone 11 will go on sale September 20th (One site is suggesting the 27th as the ship date, however that would be unlike any previous years), which means pre-orders will open at 5:00 AM PST on Friday, September 13th.
Lori Gil has a great article from iMore last year.
The absolute fastest way to preorder iPhone XR
Some things to start:
- Delivery requires signing, so an adult needs to be there
- Pickup at Apple Store is a great option. When you have a sign-in time you just skip the line and can set up your phone then and there
- By and large, the best way to order an iPhone is through the Apple Store app on iOS, not the carrier and not the Apple Online store on Mac.
- Most years, the most popular model (the one to sell out first) is the 64GB Space Grey model and whatever the feature model is For 2019, that model is called "Midnight Green". For example, in 2018, the iPhone XS Max 64GB Gold and Space Grey were most likely to sell out.
Additionally take the following steps in the Apple Store App:
- If you're paying outright, test your credit card before you go to bed that night (literally buy an extra charger or a lightning to headphone jack dongle.
- Make sure to unfreeze your credit if you hope to finance your phone through Apple. This is key and can be a big problem in the middle of the night.
- Have your carrier information ready - some years factory unlocked models haven't been available at launch.
- For those of you who want Apple cash through Apple Card, make sure your Apple Card is your default card for Apple Pay.
- Pick the model, size, color, and storage for the model
- Add to favorites
- Add any additional accessories. I have found cases can be very difficult to get on launch day depending on the time of day (sometimes even more difficult than iPhones)
- When you wake up in the middle of the night, you can buy from your favorites list
- Apple Store (trade in) - This is the convenience forward method. Apple gives you a fairly below market value estimate but it's convenient and available at launch.
- Gazelle - This is the ultimate non-Apple convenience seller. They ship you a box and then you ship them the phone. Simple as that. You get a little kickback if you accept Amazon cash.
- Swappa - This online seller tends to get good prices, but has the strongest buyer protection. As such, be ready to accept returns if the old iPhone isn't exactly as described. The nice thing is, swappa builds the fees into the sale price so you won't be billed later.
- eBay - The traditional online seller's option. Offers more limited buyer protection but the prices tend to be a bit lower.
- Craigslist - offers almost no buyer or seller protection. I don't usually advise selling here but some have likely had some luck.
Missed the boat? Use iStocknow as a way to determine stock of iPhone retailers. (@ruslan120)
@Jinjin has an amazing FAQ for the UK iPhone Delivery thread which inspired me to make this one. If he doesn't mind, I'll take some time this weekend to revisit his FAQ for US iPhone Sales.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/uk-iphone-11-2019-orders-and-dispatch-thread.2193847/
2019 iPhones
OLED Models
5.8" OLED - iPhone 11 Pro
Taking the same form factor as the existing iPhone X
Pricing
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
- 64GB - $999
- 256GB - $1149
- 512GB - $1349
Pricing
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
- 64GB - $1099
- 256GB - $1249
- 512GB - $1449
Available in Silver and Space Grey and Gold.
LCD Model
6.1" LCD - iPhone 11
Unlocked, Contract-Free prices
- 64GB - $699
- 128GB - $749
- 256GB - $849
FAQ
When is the Keynote?
Keynote is Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
Where can I watch the Keynote?
The Keynote can be streamed online on apple.com
Where can I watch a replay of the keynote?
Apple will provide a stream of their keynote on Apple.com
Should I pre-order from the desktop store, or mobile app?
I strongly recommend using the iOS app on iPad or iPhone.
Can I reserve for collection in store?
Yes. This is a great choice if you won’t have the ability to get the shipment on launch day.
How do I know if stores have certain stock available?
iStockNow also have great tracking and notifications for stock and also cover non-apple retailers.
Do iPhone Upgrade Program payments to Citizen One count for 3% cash back with Apple Card?
Payments to Citizen One for an iPhone loan qualify for 3% cash back.
Will my iPhone order be delivered on the Launch Date?
If the pre-order indicates an arrival date as launch date, usually it takes an “act of God” type circumstance like weather or a carrier mistake to not get your phone on release day, but anything is possible.
Is there a limit to how many iPhones I can order?
Apple typically imposes a limit of ordering 2 iPhones per Apple ID.
Will my order be delayed if I order a case/Apple Care with the iPhone?
In the past, people have experienced delays in receiving their orders if they order any accessories along with the phone. It is recommended that you order the iPhone separate to any accessories to avoid the potential delay.
Once I pre-ordered, Apple placed a hold on the funds in my account but released it a few days later without taking the money. Is there something wrong with my order?
When you pre-order from Apple and pay by credit or debit card, Apple will at some point place a ‘hold’ on the amount with your card company. This checks you've got the funds, and stops you spending them. However, a hold only lasts a few days, after which time your card company will automatically make the funds available to you to spend again. When you see this happen, it is nothing to worry about, it DOES NOT mean Apple has cancelled your order. Apple will not take the money out of your account until the day of shipping.
Apple has taken funds buy my order still shows 'preparing for shipment’?
Pre-orders which are due for launch day delivery will usually see a change of order status to Shipment in Progress the day before delivery. Launch day stock is typically sitting at UPS (Louisville, KY). The stock usually travels through Anchorage, AK on the way to their shipping location.
What courier will my order be delivered by?
UPS.
My order has been shipped, how can I track it?
On some occasions, you can use your phone number as a reference number through the couriers. This works some of the time.
How can I pay for my iPhone?
There are multiple ways to pay for iPhone, but I’ll highlight the best ones
I ordered iPhone for pickup in store. Can I get tracking information for that device?
When you order for pickup in store, you are reserving a phone which is issued on launch day. Because of this, you cannot track the phone. The good news is it will be available on launch day waiting for you.
iPhone Upgrade Program
iPhone Upgrade Program is now live in the Apple Store App! New users or returning users can pick the device and get pre-approval now
- 24 monthly payments at 0% APR from Citizen Loan Bank (@mattguy10)
- Apple Care+ has to be taken
- Able to upgrade phone after 12 payments when trading in existing phone (@mattguy10)
- Note, the upgrade program gives you less than trade in value, but you get the new phone and it’s extremely convenient.
- Also, Citizen Loan Bank handles the finance, not Apple.
Mashable has a good article on how to get pre-qualified
If you're in the iPhone Upgrade Program and you want the iPhone XS Max, you need to read this
iMore has a ton of how-to's, but here's the one for getting pre-qualified if you're new to the program
How to get loan pre-approval for the iPhone Upgrade Program
Per Apple.com:
Will my new iPhone be unlocked?
Nearly all iPhone models sold on apple.com and at the Apple Store are unlocked. This means they aren’t tied to a single carrier. The exception is when you buy an iPhone with AT&T Next. It will be tied — or locked — to AT&T.
Your iPhone will be unlocked when you:- Choose any carrier and select One-time payment.
- Choose any carrier and select Apple iPhone Payments.
- Choose any carrier and either join or upgrade with the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program.
- Purchase a SIM-free model. This is like any other iPhone, just without a carrier nano-SIM card.
Your iPhone will be locked when you: - Choose AT&T as your carrier and pay with AT&T Next.
Here’s how Apple Trade In works.
You’ll get a trade-in email.
It explains how to get your old device ready to ship and how to track your trade-in status.
You’ll receive a trade-in kit.
It includes a box, prepaid shipping label, and instructions on how to prep your device.
You’ll ship your old device within 14 days.
Once we get it, a team inspects and verifies the condition. If everything checks out, we credit your original payment method and you’re all done. And if you pay using Apple iPhone Payments, the trade-in value is credited up front toward your monthly payment amount.
If there’s any remaining amount, we’ll send you an Apple Store Gift Card by email.
Order Status Information
iPhone orders happen in stages. You can check your status on the order page
- Order Placed — We’ve received your order and payment information and will start preparing your item shortly.
- Processing — As soon as the item is ready, we’ll send you an update and prepare the shipment. Usually your credit card gets a temporary charge if you purchased the whole device outright
- Preparing to Ship — We’re completing some final details before we ship your order. As soon as it ships, we’ll email you the delivery information.
- Shipped — Your item is on the way. Tracking information will be available within 24 hours. Your credit card will be charged upon shipment
- Delivered — The package has been delivered to the shipping address specified in your order.
- Shipping to Store — Your item has shipped and is on the way to the Apple Store.
- Check in Today — Your item will be available at the Apple Store later today.
- Ready for Pickup — Your item is ready to be picked up. Please make sure to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your order number to the Apple Store.
- Picked up — Your item has been picked up from the Apple Store.
Searching UPS by Reference Number (@BobRoss)
When Apple shows "Preparing Shipment" on your order, there's a decent chance your device has already shipped. Apple doesn't usually show "shipped" until the device is stateside. Follow the below to determine where your phone is before Apple issues a tracking number.
- Go to UPS website:
- Click your region
- Click on three parallel lines on the top right of your screen.
- Click tracking>track and track history> Track by Reference number
- Use your phone number as reference number. This will show tracking
- Note: You can also use your iPhone order number with the final 2 digits removed. For example if your Apple order number is W123456789, you can use W1234567 as a reference number.
UPS MyChoice is a free service (basically just a UPS account) which allows you to view the tracking information and a tracking calendar for all your packages. Sign up on ups.com. Shipments from Apple are listed as from "AI".
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