Some AT&T and Apple Store Customers Faced Unexpected Delays When Trying to Pre-Order iPhone X

[DannyBlizz]

Well, In my case, I was the AT&T queue for about 20 minutes, onces I got in, I was able to upgrade my wife's iPhone 6 and mine with a delivery date of Nov 3... But here is the kicker... my order was tripled (it made 3 different orders for mine) and one for my wife... I Had to log in and cancel two of those.

 

[greadlee]

Same!! I filled in all the information and stuffs and got the preapproved notification saying I just simply need to use the apple store app to submit and finalize my preorder at 3:01AM EST. But when I got up and tried to load up the app, it was down for like 10-15 minutes! but when I finally got in and finished my order it had already slipped to 2-3 weeks delivery. This is just so incredibly frustrating.

 

[fj1852]

iPhone X pre-orders began at 12:01 a.m. on the West Coast and 3:01 a.m. on the East Coast in the United States, with throngs of Apple customers rushing to purchase the device as quickly as possible in the middle of the night.

While many customers were able to complete their order quickly enough to receive a delivery date of November 3, the day the device launches, some using the AT&T app to pre-order faced unexpected delays of 10 to 15 minutes or longer.

One AT&T subscriber, for example, tweeted screenshots of the app showing that her estimated wait time was 18 minutes until she could pre-order an iPhone X, but once she got down to one minute remaining she lost her position in the virtual queue.

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A second AT&T customer Chris tweeted a screenshot of the app saying "there's been an error tracking your place in line" with a "try again" button. When he tried again, he said he was placed into another 35-minute queue.

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Meanwhile, some customers attempting to pre-order on Apple.com or with the Apple Store app said the storefront remained offline for around 10 to 20 minutes after iPhone X pre-orders officially began.

iPhone X shipping estimates slipped to 2-3 weeks for most models within just 15 minutes, and to 4-5 weeks within 30 minutes, so these hiccups mean that some customers might not receive their iPhone X until early December.

Apple typically underpromises with its shipping estimates, however, so some customers may receive their iPhone X earlier than expected.

A bit of good news is that some customers who received a message from Apple stating they "can't reach the carrier systems" have received an email with instructions to complete their order for delivery as early as November 3.

iPhone X shipping estimates are now holding steady at 5-6 weeks in the United States.

Article Link: Some AT&T and Apple Store Customers Faced Unexpected Delays When Trying to Pre-Order iPhone X

[doublepost=1509138774][/doublepost]How long did it take to get the follow up email. I tried ordering at 12:01, but apple store app was still down. It came online around 12:07 then through the ordering process just gave me a confirmation code and said it would email me. Just wondering how long it typically takes to get the email?

 

[thisandanickel]

I had to get an iPhone X for someone I work for, so I did my research, had the phone lined up to go on my Apple Store app on my iPhone and the credit card ready in my Apple Pay wallet. Then I called Apple (business advisors) to verify that I'd done everything correctly, and they all agreed I had. Not a single person agreed on how the check-out process would unfold, so I kept calling to make sure - 8 times - still no agreement, but I figured if nothing else I was ready for all scenarios.

The Apple Store app was up around 12:08. With a few glitches I finally clicked for an in-store pick-up, and the closest store (I’m in the San Francisco Bay area) was sold out, and the shipping option was grayed out with a note that they didn’t ship to PO Boxes - though the credit card address I had all lined up on Apple Pay isn’t a PO Box.

Had to empty my cart and start all over to see that ALL the Apple Stores in the Bay area and Sacramento were sold out (this was by about 12:15 or 12:20), and the shipping option was still not a possibility.

Turns out the shipping address it defaulted to was not the billing or shipping address of the credit card but of THE CARRIER (which was a PO Box), so I had to go into my Verizon account and add a new credit card and a new billing address, make them the default, verify by email, etc. By the time I did all this and signed out of everything and back in, deleted the order and started over (for the 7th or 8th time) so Apple would recognize the new card and address and let me check the shipping option, the shipping dates had slid to 4 to 5 weeks.

NOTE TO APPLE ADVISORS: TELL PEOPLE TO MAKE SURE THE BILLING ADDRESS FOR THEIR CARRIER IS NOT A P.O. BOX!! Not a single person mentioned this, PO Boxes OR Carrier addresses, after I’d specifically asked each one about any possible snags with addresses. They’d only mentioned (when asked) credit card billing addresses, but nothing about PO Boxes.

Once Apple verified it was a regular address and not a PO Box, I could then change the shipping address for the iPhone to whatever I wanted.

Fortunately the person I work for was nice about it (and he actually needed the phone for work), but I looked incompetent (mea culpa).

 

[greadlee]

Exact same situation for me. And I was forced to order this way because I had been pre approved on the iUP.

I had the store loaded in Safari on my iPad at 3:10 AM and my model (64GB silver) was still showing Nov 3, but then a minute later when the app loaded on my phone, 2-3 weeks.

ME TOO!! exactly same issue. Since I got the preapproved thing. I could ONLY preorder through the apple store app. It just feels like we did extra preparation and in the end it not only not helped but put us at a disadvantage ?!!

 

[0920730]

And that’s why I pay for Verizon, I see it in their CSR responsiveness and call quality.

I had all these issues everyone is mentioning with Verizon also. I got the 'order has been queued' message and got an email over three hours later that I was able to finish my order. I luckily was able to keep my Nov 3rd date.

 

[bobswika]

I am an AT&T customer and used the Apple Store app...finally allowed me to begin the process about 4 minutes after start, and it even said "delivery or pickup by Nov. 3" but when I went to activate, I got the "can't reach the carrier servers" error...which ultimately prompted an alert from Apple that my iPhone X reservation was made, but that they would follow with an email later to complete my order. I just received the follow-up email an hour ago, and now delivery is scheduled between Nov. 17 - Nov. 24. Frustrating for ordering 4 minutes after availability, and frankly, as SOON as the app allowed me...

Same exact thing happened to mean the Apple app. This morning I was able to order one on the Att site with a delivery of November 3 - 10. Got an email from Apple this afternoon that I could complete my order. To my surprise the delivery date is November 3. I won’t cancel either order till one ships to be sure.

Space grey 64g

 

[dunxxx]

Haven't upgraded since the iphone 6. Got into the app store around 12:02AM. Signed up for AT&T Next with a 64GB Space Gray. Completed check out around 12:04AM. Confirmed Delivery of 10/3. Went smoother than I was expecting.

 

[archvile]

Oh wow, you've been to the store and tried to get one already? How were the lines?

Store pickup status for all models/configs says Unavailable for pickup on Nov 3... what does that tell you? Their website literally tells you if they will have any store stock for pickup on that day.

 

[EricMacRumors]

is there a benefit besides payment to have your phone tied to the carrier and these upgrade programs? I am weird and must have my phone day 1. So I added this issue to my issues with ATT. Back when there were subsidies and ATT stopped annual upgrades for the primary line (Another Issue). I switch to TMobile and pay cash. i also don't think there is an activation fee (Another Issue), especially when i can just move my sim card. Another issue is paying every year for 2 phones on unlimited using only 2 gigs, and getting throttled for using more that a few gigs in a month, perhaps 4 times in the 5+ years with this scumbag as my carrier. And screwed with the original iPad unlimited plan. Also slow in the NYC area. I also don't borrow money and this qualifies for me as borrowing.

 

[UL2RA]

My entire experience was a delay.

 

[nt5672]

...said the guy wishing he had been able to score one.

With my attitude you really think I would want one? Nope. Next year maybe, after Apple denies the problem, then releases a new version, maybe, after the return rate goes down, maybe. My self worth is not determined by which unreliable Apple device I just overpaid for.

 

[jackchlaRT]

Hi everyone long time lurker couldn’t log into my old account here but

My experience with ATT was by far the best this time

I was in at the ATT website about 11:30pm and logged in with my account when at 11:55pm PDT my browser loaded up the page to upgrade my line to the X

By 12:05am I was done and received a confirmation email with my delivery date of Nov 3

The weird thing is my gf at first didn’t want the X and after I showered she changed her mind I told her by now her delivery is probably going to be in Dec so I went ahead and ordered it at 130am PDT with about 10 min wait and still got Nov 3 delivery date

I got the 256GB space grey and her is the 256GB silver

 

[UL2RA]

Hi everyone long time lurker couldn’t log into my old account here but

My experience with ATT was by far the best this time

I was in at the ATT website about 11:30pm and logged in with my account when at 11:55pm PDT my browser loaded up the page to upgrade my line to the X

By 12:05am I was done and received a confirmation email with my delivery date of Nov 3

The weird thing is my gf at first didn’t want the X and after I showered she changed her mind I told her by now her delivery is probably going to be in Dec so I went ahead and ordered it at 130am PDT with about 10 min wait and still got Nov 3 delivery date

I got the 256GB space grey and her is the 256GB silver

You suck. Also ... grats!

 

[jackchlaRT]

You suck. Also ... grats!

Haha I’m sorry I hope you get yours soon

I’m convinced this ordering is a crapshoot, when I ordered the 6S it was a nightmare

 

[Moi Ici]

I think the Apple Upgrade Program was a real advantage this time. On Monday I was able to get all the approvals out of the way (Citizens Bank, AT&T, Credit Card info), so when I finally broke through the front door of the app this morning, I was immediately presented with a "Finish your upgrade" button, then selected a delivery option and then done. If I had been required to fill all that information in at 3 AM I'm sure it would have been a nightmare.

I had the opposite situation. If I had just bought outright I’d have it nov 3.

 

[Jefe's MacAir]

I've been trying all day using myAT&T Business app. No luck. Glad I went direct through Apple and bought TMobile phones.

 

[840quadra]

I just switched from AT&T to T-Mobile.... and since I'm old I switched to their Unlimited 55+ plan

https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/t-mobile-one-unlimited-55?icid=WMM_TM_Q31725GOAT_V53D05SGJSG9625

Two lines everything unlimited for $ 60.- including Tax and fees..... I will be saving a boatload over AT&T.

I had a great call with their Tier 2 (or whatever) customer support specialist. Really understanding of my frustrations, sent me tech links, and explained how their network deals with issues I am having (swapping sims between my Android and Apple devices). They didn't blow smoke up my bottom, and they explained how I may have some frustrations on their network in some situations, but, how theirs is better in other areas.

The honesty, and understanding is all I was asking for. I think I will give them a try in a couple weeks when my current cycle is over (not giving ATT and free days,), and I use up all my data allowance with them .

 

[TheMacDaddy1]

Serious first world problems! People tweeting about their lust problems is simply hilarious.

In 6-7 years at the very most these X's will be clogging up landfills.

 

[Cameroncafe10a]

First world problems...

 

[B4U]

The Apple App store would not come up for about 11 minutes for me. When it finally did, i was at 2-3 weeks out.

And to make that worse, received an email from Apple at 05:17 Eastern that reads:
There was a problem processing your application for the iPhone Upgrade Program or iPhone Payments with Citizens One because we were unable to verify your information.
Please place a new order on apple.com.
Thank You,
Apple
By the time I got back up to read it, the shipping date is well into December 11 - 17, making the wake up in the middle of the damn night to order being completely pointless!

 

[dbarbatti]

Used ATT site. Kept coming up with some kind of redirect error and I had to keep logging back in. However eventually got it done 256G Sliver... scheduled for Nov 3. Strangely there is some extra item listed in my order with "NOT_AVAILABLE" listed as the description. Contacted ATT and they said that was a some of dummy entry? Anybody else see that on their order.

 

[chase1150]

I Was able to successfully get mine Nov 3rd through signing up for the iPhone Upgrade Program, but my wife wasn’t so lucky. She was told her zip code was wrong and she had to wait an hour to try again. -_-

Was there ever an outcome for her? I'm having the same problem STILL and I started my preorder at 2:01 AM this morning. It's saying my billing zip code doesn't match but that they reserved me a phone.... but how am I supposed to finish the transaction if my info is incorrect lol. Help if you can! Thanks!

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

So, once again, AT&T hoses their customers.

Why the have any by now is incredible...

 

[jarofclay73]

I wasn't really going to preorder an iPhone X. But, I decided to try anyway. The Apple Store ran out. Best Buy ran out. AT&T seemed to be working. But, yes, I had to wait a while. I also had periods of thinking before hitting the "preorder" button and lost my place in line.

But, eventually, I did get a preorder. My email says anywhere from Nov. 2 through Nov. 10. I don't have to have it on Day 1. I'm just lucky to get a preorder.