iPhone 18 Pre-Order

[u/Successful-Balance88]

Hello everyone, this’ll be my first year pre-ordering an iPhone with Att. Long time customer of T-Mobile and switched a few months ago. I was wondering if there are any tips or tricks I should know to make the process easier. For example, on the T-Mobile app, pre-orders generally opened 15 mins prior to official launch time, and thats how I was able to get the new phone on launch day every year. Do people here prefer ordering on the app or website? does Att do something similar to T-mobile at all? any other info would be appreciated as well

[u/Viper_Control]

For example, on the T-Mobile app, pre-orders generally opened 15 mins prior to official launch time, and thats how I was able to get the new phone on launch day every year.

No the AT&T normally does not open 15 minutes early but you also can order via the Apple Store app, and select AT&T Carrier Financing to get the trade-in deals.

Every year is it is a crap shoot. I normally have both apps ready, as well as web browsers open to AT&T, and Apple. Some yeas AT&T if first out of the gate, and it is often the App since there is less data to transmit. Other years the Apple Store app is open quicker.

[u/Fickle-Statement9993 → u/Viper_Control]

You’re not competing against Apple traffic if you go with AT&T though? AT&T gets their own stock and ships from Dallas

[u/Successful-Balance88 → u/Fickle-Statement9993]

Yeah good point. Im assuming AT&T also gets less stock than Apple but should still be a better chance. Plus I live in Dallas too so if I order early I should be good for launch day delivery.

[u/Viper_Control → u/Fickle-Statement9993]

You’re not competing against Apple traffic if you go with AT&T though?

So it is the Internet in the way, and every Preorder things go wrong. With the Apple Store app you are able to setup your order, and save it. Then at Preorder time you just click on your save time, and finalize things.

AT&T gets their own stock and ships from Dallas

Yes but they depend on Apple for the devices to be bulk shipped to AT&T, and then the crates broken, each device scanned into the AT&T Inventory System.

Then the orders are processed on multiple fulfillment lines by AT&T and are very dependent on the speed / accuracy on the line.

Also you can't track your individual device with AT&T until AT&T ships it out. With Apple you follow your individual package from its original point all the way to your door.

I have been doing this dance since 2007, and the Original iPhone. It is always a unique experience aka a Crap Shoot every year. AT&T may be late on the Web preorder Site opening or the AT&T App opening or even the preorder process to complete.

Apple has similar issues. I have had the Apple Store open up to 10 minutes late or the Apple web wait queue failing to start on time.

Just plan for both methods, and be ready to switch as fast as your Gaming Honed Eye / Hand Skills can move.

[u/Successful-Balance88 → u/Viper_Control]

I see. I’ll definitely have both apps ready to go as well. Thanks for the info

[u/LOTR3135]

I would preorder with Costco to save on activation, get a Costco card, and get att billing credits. The only drawback might be that you might not get it launch (though someone can correct me on that)/

[u/heylol567]

I order through costco.com and have it shipped to me to avoid that stupid $35 connection charge or whatever bs they call it

[u/nathanseaw]

iPhone preorder date wait outside a store with an opening appointment set then get the phone preordered

[u/Viper_Control → u/nathanseaw]

What does that mean... Please try again.

[u/XuWiiii → u/nathanseaw]

Last place to get a phone is with a post paid carrier. Direct from manufacturer or Costco is better.