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What's the best way for me to (pre)order the new iPhone?

J

JohnApples

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Mar 7, 2014
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So the new iPhone is right around the corner and I figured it was time to get the answer to this question. Assuming I even like the new iPhone and want it, I'm going to want to trade in my 6 to put some cash toward the new purchase. I've done Craigslist and the like before, but this time I just want the easiest method and will be trading in my 6 to Apple for the ~$200 gift card.

However, Im not sure if there's a way to trade-in via that method and still preorder so that I can put the gift card toward the purchase. I can't be without a phone, so I can't trade-in right before preorders start a week prior to the release. However if I wait till after I preorder, then I can't put this gift card toward the purchase.

Is there a way around this? Is it possible to preorder through Apple for an in store pickup and not pay until I get to the store? Am I better off just waiting a while and going to the Apple Store normally to do the trade in a few weeks after release?

Thanks for the help!
 
JohnApples said:
So the new iPhone is right around the corner and I figured it was time to get the answer to this question. Assuming I even like the new iPhone and want it, I'm going to want to trade in my 6 to put some cash toward the new purchase. I've done Craigslist and the like before, but this time I just want the easiest method and will be trading in my 6 to Apple for the ~$200 gift card.

However, Im not sure if there's a way to trade-in via that method and still preorder so that I can put the gift card toward the purchase. I can't be without a phone, so I can't trade-in right before preorders start a week prior to the release. However if I wait till after I preorder, then I can't put this gift card toward the purchase.

Is there a way around this? Is it possible to preorder through Apple for an in store pickup and not pay until I get to the store? Am I better off just waiting a while and going to the Apple Store normally to do the trade in a few weeks after release?

Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Day 1 show up early and walk in and buy they days of massive line ups are over.
 
Eau Rouge said:
Start standing in line now.
Click to expand...
Depends on where you are. In Charleston, SC, you can get in line at 4am the day of, and get one, like I did on the 6 launch. (I got there at 2am, and was about 40th in line)

It's a fun thing, though. Meet people you don't normally meet, and have a blast hoping with them.

If you're in NYC, Seattle, or the Bay Area, YMMV, and why aren't you in line now?
 
I've actually never done this, but isn't the easiest thing to do just to go online when orders open up, buy the phone and just let it be delivered right to your door? I figured that people only go to the Store or wait in line these days because they want that experience.
 
joeblow7777 said:
I've actually never done this, but isn't the easiest thing to do just to go online when orders open up, buy the phone and just let it be delivered right to your door? I figured that people only go to the Store or wait in line these days because they want that experience.
Click to expand...
Same. I never have pre ordered any iPhone, always got mine at random times during the year and not at launch. First time I pre-ordered and got an Apple device at launch was the Apple Watch, and my experience with that was excellent. Set an alarm, ordered, went back to bed, and got it on launch day. I'm assuming the iPhone 7 should be the same.
If you pre-order through Apple can you use the carrier payment plans? Or do you have to pre order through the carrier? And do those pre orders basically work the same way?
 
joeblow7777 said:
I've actually never done this, but isn't the easiest thing to do just to go online when orders open up, buy the phone and just let it be delivered right to your door? I figured that people only go to the Store or wait in line these days because they want that experience.
Click to expand...

Normally yes, but this time I want to trade in my phone so I can put the gift card I get toward the purchase of the 7.

I guess I should have added in the OP that I'm *not* interested in standing in a line for hours/days. I'm wondering if there's a way to preorder *and* still get my trade in credit put toward the 7. So far it's not looking like there is.
 
JohnApples said:
Normally yes, but this time I want to trade in my phone so I can put the gift card I get toward the purchase of the 7.

I guess I should have added in the OP that I'm *not* interested in standing in a line for hours/days. I'm wondering if there's a way to preorder *and* still get my trade in credit put toward the 7. So far it's not looking like there is.
Click to expand...
I'm pretty sure gazelle and nextworth allow you to "lock in" a trade in offer and give you a bit of time before you ship the iPhone to them. That way you could lock in your trade in price and then get the 7, and when you're ready send your old one. Unofortuantely that would not allow you to use the actual trade in money to put towards the 7, but at least you wouldn't have to go without a phone.
 
Talking about pre-orders does anyone know if it's posible to pre-order using Apple Pay on the iPhone?

To answer your question tho can you not use the gift card and then pay the rest using a credit card or something like that?
 
abdulkar.im said:
This is what I'll be doing! Maybe a couple of cookies though, can't just have one!
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Of course not! ;) maybe some milk too
[doublepost=1469733809][/doublepost]
ggibson913 said:
Step 1: Wait for the announcement.
Step 2: On Preorder day get up, go online order phone. (it may take a couple of tries).
Step 3: Have a cookie.
Step 4: Go back to bed.
Click to expand...
Will be doing this. Way easier than going to the store.
 
Last year I walked in to my local ATT store when they opened. No line, picked up my new 6S+ in about 20 minutes.

I don't see lines at that store this year either.
 
ggibson913 said:
Step 1: Wait for the announcement.
Step 2: On Preorder day get up, go online order phone. (it may take a couple of tries).
Step 3: Have a cookie.
Step 4: Go back to bed.
Click to expand...
Didn't answer my question but thanks anyway.

JerTheGeek said:
I'm pretty sure gazelle and nextworth allow you to "lock in" a trade in offer and give you a bit of time before you ship the iPhone to them. That way you could lock in your trade in price and then get the 7, and when you're ready send your old one. Unofortuantely that would not allow you to use the actual trade in money to put towards the 7, but at least you wouldn't have to go without a phone.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this, I forgot Gazelle locks in your price beforehand. This is probably the best solution I'll get for my scenario.

EDIT: In case anyone was interested, I was told of 2 possible solutions on another forum:
1. One person claims to have preordered the 6S normally, and then after they received the phone, took in their 6 to the Apple Store and traded it in. But instead of getting a gift card, he claims the rep did a $200 credit to his credit card. Would be nice to verify this.

2. Another person suggested doing Apple's installment plan (NOT the upgrade plan) and then taking my current phone in after I receive the 7, getting a gift card, and then applying it to the installment plan via customer service. Then I could pay off the rest immediately if I wanted. Need verification on this one as well.
 
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JohnApples said:
Didn't answer my question but thanks anyway.


Thanks for this, I forgot Gazelle locks in your price beforehand. This is probably the best solution I'll get for my scenario.

EDIT: In case anyone was interested, I was told of 2 possible solutions on another forum:
1. One person claims to have preordered the 6S normally, and then after they received the phone, took in their 6 to the Apple Store and traded it in. But instead of getting a gift card, he claims the rep did a $200 credit to his credit card. Would be nice to verify this.

2. Another person suggested doing Apple's installment plan (NOT the upgrade plan) and then taking my current phone in after I receive the 7, getting a gift card, and then applying it to the installment plan via customer service. Then I could pay off the rest immediately if I wanted. Need verification on this one as well.
Click to expand...
I'm amazed nobody has yet mentioned this...

You can pre order for in store pickup. They've done this the last few years. When you get to the store, should you want to still arrive early, there is a separate line for in store pickup orders. You pay in store. Not online. They hold it for the day so you can roll in any time that day.

Trade in your phone. Get the gift card. Oay outright minus the $200. Or you can trade in and they apply it towards your monthly payments (verify that last option since I've never done that).

No reason to stand in a physical line overnight these days unless it's just your preference. As easy as the last two devices were to order I doubt you will need to wait for anything if you're willing to stay up online for the night of preorders.

Pro tip: have your login and preferred store selected and ready for when the servers are up so you can order faster,
Should things get slammed. But like I said, that hasn't been an issue for s couple years.
 
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Though, what members have mentioned above are some nice ways to book your iPhone in advance. But, there are many online shops that are taking pre-orders for the iPhone 7 in advance. Do you let me know if you need to book your iPhone 7 in advance! I will give you a link of that website - where I book it in advance.
 
for those of us in Canada or elsewhere, i wouldn't be surprised if we get the 2016 iphone a week or two later. unlike in the states, we are rather limited unless you go through your carrier. however, i might consider buying one in the USA since Apple is still using horrible currency exchange rates to price the iphone in Canada. So if anyone has a reputable website that is an authorized Apple reseller that takes preorders, please post the link.
 
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Alexrat1996 said:
Is September 9 a confirmed date or just a possible preorder date to order the iPhone I have it in my calendar as a possible preorder date
Click to expand...

Nothing is really confirmed until Apple stand in the stage and announce it. But a very reliable leaker (Evan Blass) has said that pre-orders will start on the 9th of September. This means the event will probably be on Tuesday the 6th of September.
 
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lordofthereef said:
I'm amazed nobody has yet mentioned this...

You can pre order for in store pickup. They've done this the last few years. When you get to the store, should you want to still arrive early, there is a separate line for in store pickup orders. You pay in store. Not online. They hold it for the day so you can roll in any time that day.

Trade in your phone. Get the gift card. Oay outright minus the $200. Or you can trade in and they apply it towards your monthly payments (verify that last option since I've never done that).

No reason to stand in a physical line overnight these days unless it's just your preference. As easy as the last two devices were to order I doubt you will need to wait for anything if you're willing to stay up online for the night of preorders.

Pro tip: have your login and preferred store selected and ready for when the servers are up so you can order faster,
Should things get slammed. But like I said, that hasn't been an issue for s couple years.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much, I had no idea you could preorder for in store pickup (and pay) but this is exactly what I'm looking for! There's an Apple Store right by my work too, so it would be amazingly convenient for me to swing by afterwards.
 
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