The online Apple Store was still "Almost There" until around 5:06 am PST, but fortunately got the Fri Sep 16 delivery. iPhone 14 Pro Max 1TB Silver. No trade-in setup - Gotta sell my iPhone 13 Pro Max with the same configuration by myself since the official $720 trade-in is so lame for 1TB, and I've only used it for 11 months. Last year I thought I may skip the 14, but the camera update plus the Dynamic Island are worth the update. I mean my favorite feature of the iPhone 13 is the camera, which fits my video-producing hobby. A big update since my 2-year-old 11 Pro Max. While no 8K recording is a bummer, the support of 4K HDR in cinematic mode, Action Mode, and the 48MP main camera update is definitely what I want. Overall, I may not feel like this is a big leap forward as I felt when upgrading from 11 Pro Max to 13 Pro Max, but when I got the phone in my hand on the 16th, maybe I will say I was wrong.
Also able to order the Apple Watch Ultra for the Sep 23 delivery - even though I changed my mind to cancel my order and switch to another band 30 minutes after. Went for the one with Trail Loop (my fav), but it delivers Oct 20 - 27 (I thought I was late in line?), then I saw the Ocean Band and the Alpine Loop option, and it delivers on the launch day. It turns out that the Trail loop is delayed, and the band itself is even delayed to November. For now, I will still keep my Series 6 silver stainless steel for formal occasions when I'm wearing a suit, for example.
Another surprise is that in the meantime, the 2021 iPad mini has been $100 discounted on Amazon and Best Buy. Updating from my mini 5 that looks so 2012.
Overall a smooth purchase for this year's launch. A huge upgrade year for my small products.
Also able to order the Apple Watch Ultra for the Sep 23 delivery - even though I changed my mind to cancel my order and switch to another band 30 minutes after. Went for the one with Trail Loop (my fav), but it delivers Oct 20 - 27 (I thought I was late in line?), then I saw the Ocean Band and the Alpine Loop option, and it delivers on the launch day. It turns out that the Trail loop is delayed, and the band itself is even delayed to November. For now, I will still keep my Series 6 silver stainless steel for formal occasions when I'm wearing a suit, for example.
Another surprise is that in the meantime, the 2021 iPad mini has been $100 discounted on Amazon and Best Buy. Updating from my mini 5 that looks so 2012.
Overall a smooth purchase for this year's launch. A huge upgrade year for my small products.