Called in Apple to cross reference the intel the kind people of the internet have been sharing.
Yes, it seems that I too, won't be getting my iPhone 5 order this Friday. Instead, it's going to be on the 25th!
I asked a couple of questions, here are the answers and I have paraphrased 'em to what I best remember:
Q: What does "Preparing for Shipment" actually means
A: The package has been passed onto the carrier (UPS/FedEX), it's up to them to have it delivered.
Q: Do you know which carrier?
A: Apple typically use UPS or FedEX (gee, that helps). You will be receiving a shipping confirmation through Email from the carrier, fairly soon.
My take: yes yes
tell me something I don't already know. Fairly soon
as in
late tonight? I HOPE? Or Early tomorrow? 
Q: So, is it still within the scheduled delivery time frame, between the 21-25?
A: Yes, and it seems that you're going to be receiving them on the 25th.
My take: if Apple passed it on to the carrier, how would they know when I'll be receiving the iPhone? There's way to many factors that could affect the delivery date, now that it's on the hands of an entirely different party. Driver being ill and took a sick-day, accident while the truck is en route to the delivery destinations, flat-tire on the truck, packages got stolen off the truck, the package rolled out of the door, etc. Apple also doesn't handle these deliveries themselves and can't possibly know the carrier specific information, such as: the load amount a truck is carrying, in a particular route/area. The optimistic way of looking at it, Apple is simply playing it safe by stating September 25th is going to be the delivery date. Worst case scenario, it is on the 25th (which is actually still within the projected delivery date! So, Apple didn't break their promise ;P). People do blame Apple for the strangest things that are entirely out of Apple's control (the irony of a control-freak company), and this is their way of keeping it cool; and they do under promise, over deliver for most of the time.
Q: Do you know where the iPhone is coming from? Overseas or a distribution hub in North America?
A: iPhone are manufactured overseas, but we (Apple) have several distribution centres in North America. So, to answer your question, your iPhone is coming from overseas.
My take: O RLY? Thanks, captain obvious! . I didn't wanna press the agent further. Seems like the agent's been instructed to give that answer. The reason I asked, is because some clever people of the internet have suggested that Apple have iPhone 5 (in large quantities) sitting in their distribution centres. Which makes perfect sense since Rogers/other carriers have received shipment. This puts a less strain on initial shipment from China to North America. Just my uneducated guess.
Q: How come my AppleCare+ is still showing as "Processing"?
A: That's actually expected. The coverage will be activated as soon as you activate your iPhone
My take: standard procedure; except the last time I ordered online was way back and the process was slightly different. Learned something today about the new online store system.
A bit of background information on my iPhone 5 order:
Device: iPhone 5, Black & Slate, 64GB, Unlocked. Week 35 build (late Aug/early Sept)
Ordered on/Email Confirmation: Through Apple.com, September 14, 3:07 EST
Shipping to: Toronto, delivery zone 1
AppleCare+?: Yes (not that it matters. Worth noting the charges between the iPhone and AppleCare+ are on two separate charges).
Current Status (as of this posting): Preparing for Shipment, since early Saturday afternoon.
Credit Card Charged?: Yes, on September 17 for $1,015.87 (for iPhone only, AppleCare+ charge has yet to appear; but a hold is in place).
Hope that'll calm your horses. Or I might've just make things worse. Take your pick.
