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Apple to restore in-store iPhone 5s pickup option as soon as Monday

Screen Shot 2013-09-27 at 6.08.25 PM

Last week, Apple briefly allowed people who wanted to order a new iPhone 5s to purchase the device via its online store (or Apple Store app) and pick it up at their local Apple Retail Store. However, after just one day, the feature was retracted.

Apple did not reply to a request for comment regarding why the service was made available then quickly removed, but we speculate that it was due to two factors: a general lack of iPhone 5s supply and Apple’s want to save as much iPhone 5s inventory for customers that walk into stores wanting to buy a new iPhone 5s. (Update: Now hearing that Personal Pickup went live last week early due to a glitch.)

Now we’ve heard from two sources that Apple will restore the Personal Pickup option for the iPhone 5s as soon as this upcoming Monday, September 30th. Users will be able to reserve an iPhone via Apple’s website and then pick it up in-store on a day of their choosing. Sources added that Apple will continue to use a “queue card” system for walk-in purchases until the strong demand for iPhone 5s normalizes.

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Comments

  1. Duke A. - 11 years ago

    Jesus answers prayers. a 64GB Gold 5S has been harder to find than blackberry user in 2013.

  2. Matthew Ellis - 11 years ago

    This is why I like your site the best you topic things we actually care about

  3. Dustin D'Andrea - 11 years ago

    An employee at an Apple Store in NYC said the system would most likely go up at 6:30 AM EST on Monday (assuming it goes up at all) and “you should get on in the first hour for the best chance to get your reservation completed without issues.”

    That’s what I was told.

  4. Jim Phong - 11 years ago

    They should restore the option to buy standard AppleCare online too.
    They removed AppleCare and only AppleCare+ is available to buy online.
    BUT AppleCare+ can be activated only on new hardware during the first 30 days.
    The standard AppleCare that was available to extend warranty on devices until the first whole year it’s gone. Previously even when checking serial number or IMEI codes for an Apple device like and iPhone the option to buy AppleCare and extend warranty was immediately available.
    Now it’s no more. And that’s a really bad thing.

  5. Rahul Rana (@iRahulRana) - 11 years ago

    Actually, last week when the in-store pickup was available, I called my Apple Store and they said that “they are trying to avoid lines” and that to get a iPhone 5s I would have to “order online and select for in-store pickup”. They were not letting people walk in and buy a iPhone.

  6. Any rumors about when iPhone 5s comes to the rest of Europe? I’m waiting for it in Poland. iPhone 5 was in Poland just a week after the USA launch and it’s already been a week since 5s came out and still nothing in the Polish web Apple Store. :/

  7. Do you know is this will be available to pickup an iPhone 5s unlocked

  8. D R (@davester13) - 11 years ago

    I wish AppleCanada could figure out this whole “in-store pickup” thing…

  9. Fred Flintsone - 11 years ago

    online or instore you still have to wait for it.. With the gold and silver 5S sold out inside first 1/2 hour of launch Not best planning Ive ever seen for a phone in such demand. Created a lot of buzz though for Apple

  10. Roger Nadel - 11 years ago

    Bought my iPhone last Monday online. Minutes later, got the “Ready for Pickup” email. Drove 20 minutes to the store, only to spend 2 hours in line waiting to actually pick up the phone. Needless to say, “ready for pickup” didn’t mention I might be in line for 2 hours. Was not pleased. Perhaps they’ve come up with a better solution this time around.

  11. amm2192 - 11 years ago

    I ordered a 16gb gold verizon iphone 5s 8am on release day and I’m still currently waiting for it to ship. With this option becoming available tomorrow, am I able to switch it from being shipped to my home to the in-store pick up? Does apple allow that or will I have to fully cancel that order and try to do a faster route with a in-store pickup and lose my spot in the shipping que?

    • Matthew Ellis - 11 years ago

      You have to cancel your current order first or apple will tell you that your not eligible and make u pay the full price. And just so you know it takes a moment for the cancel to show up in the system but I’d advise you to carefully think about canceling for 2 reasons;

      Even with the in store pickup option going on it does not guarantee you will get a phone it’s all about timing

      Once your order has been shipped u can not cancel so if u ordered in launch day you phone could be shipped as early as the 1st of October

  12. Kunal Patel - 10 years ago

    i have been waiting for the apple to restore in store iphone 5s pickup option since today morning but no positive response from them. is it really going to allow this option.?
    does anybody know the exact time when they are going to open this option.?
    help me if any one has got some releasing time for this option.

  13. kunal526 - 10 years ago

    hong kong – i have been waiting for the apple to restore in store iphone 5s pickup option since today morning but no positive response from them. is it really going to allow this option.?
    does anybody know the exact time when they are going to open this option.?
    help me if any one has got some releasing time for this option.