Skip to main content

Apple adds more iPhone 7 stock for iPhone Upgrade Program, but has limited or no stock for walk-ins

apple-store-launch

Following complaints regarding iPhone 7 availability through Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program, Apple has started informing customers that it’s making more reservations times available to pick-up the device at Apple Stores this Friday. Additionally, 9to5Mac has learned that most Apple Stores will have limited or no stock of iPhone 7 units for walk-in customers on launch day. 

In an email sent out to customers in its iPhone Upgrade Program, Apple notes that it has added more reservation times but confirms that “there are no reservations available to pick up the jet black model on Friday.” In other words, those that have tried unsuccessfully in recent days to set up a pick-up time for the new iPhone 7 may now be able to find the model they are after for pick-up on launch day. Here’s a snippet from the email:

If you tried to upgrade through the iPhone Upgrade Program, you may have had difficulty reserving a new iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus due to high demand. We’ve made two important changes to help you.

We’ve added more reservation times for this Friday, September 16. Simply confirm your eligibility and then see if the model you want will be available at an Apple Store near you… 

For those that still can’t find availability for their model, Apple will contact customers within 48 to 72 hours with information on when the device will be available for pick-up after filling out a form linked within the email.

We’ve also learned that most Apple retail stores will have very limited or no stock of iPhone 7 units this year. In a change from previous iPhone launches, many Apple retail stores won’t have stock of iPhone 7 reserved for customers lining up for launch day later this week on September 16. Instead, customers will be mostly limited to stock of iPhone 7 available to order online.

In previous years, most Apple Stores have kept a certain amount of iPhone 7 units aside for walk-in customers in most markets including the U.S. But this year, according to sources involved in the process, many Apple retail employees have been instructed to tell customers to check availability of iPhone 7 units online, allowing them to reserve a device for pick-up at a local store if available.

Many complaints regarding Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program surfaced this year when those hoping to pre-order iPhone 7 through Apple’s website were faced with limited availability for in-store pick-up. While models may have been in stock for at home shipping or elsewhere, pick-up through an Apple Store is the only way that members of the iPhone Upgrade Program can get the device on day-one.

Earlier this week we reported that Apple was hit with a class action lawsuit over the iPhone Upgrade Program issues.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s Logic Pros series.