If you’re planning on picking up a new iPhone 16 model during pre-order day, the key is to have the smoothest and quickest checkout experience possible. With a ton of Apple users ordering at the same time tomorrow morning at 5:00 a.m. PDT (Sept. 13), just a few minutes can make a huge difference in how long it will take to actually receive your device.
Head below for 9to5’s pre-order tips to get prepared for tomorrow’s launch.
9to5Mac’s iPhone PreOrder Hub is brought to you by Torras. 9to5 readers can get a limited time deal on the Torras Magnetic Ostand 360 Spin Case with code 925mac20 to help celebrate the launch of iPhone 16.
How to get ready to preorder iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro & 16 Pro Max:
Preorder start time: Since preorders begin at 5:00 a.m. PDT (Sept. 13) — that’s Apple’s local timezone in Cupertino – ideally you’re awake as close to that time as possible in your local time zone. You can confirm your local preorder time here. The iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max officially go up for preorder in 58 countries and regions tomorrow, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Türkiye, the UAE, the U.K., and the U.S. It will then become available in Macao, Vietnam, and 19 other countries and regions beginning Friday, September 27.
Get your account and cart ready:
The first step is to check that your Apple account is up to date and ready to go. Head over to Apple.com or open the Apple Store app and confirm that your credit card, shipping address, etc are current and valid in your account. If it’s been a while since your last purchase with Apple or your payment information has changed, it’s possible you will need to reconfirm your payment method or shipping info. Failing to do that before the preorders can mean you’re behind many millions of other people that are trying to preorder. How much available stock and demand there will be for the various models and configurations will determine how long you have to wait to receive your new device, so the faster you’re able to complete your order the better.
Configure and add products to your cart:
To save time when preorders open, you can add products to your cart on Apple.com or in the Apple Store app before preorders start. This means you can select your model, configuration/color, accessories, and other options in advance to have it ready to easily click buy as soon as preorders open. You’ll also be able to have your trade-in ready to go (if you’re trading in with Apple).
Upgrade, Trade-in, and Payment Options
Check Upgrade eligibility:
You can also check your upgrade eligibility for Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program in advance if you’re planning on going that route. The Upgrade Program offers monthly payments starting at $39.50/month for iPhone 16 (full list of rates pictured below). Apple also has a program available for users to trade-in their old device in return with the amount going towards or your new device or the equivalent value on an Apple Store Gift Card, and it will prompt you for that option when adding your new iPhone to your cart.
Check carrier status and deals:
You might also want to review your account status for accurate info on buying the device on contract or with a monthly payment option with your carrier of choice. Through Apple’s website you can check your account status and available deals with your carrier to view your upgrade eligibility. Apple’s website also includes pricing and payment program options for most of the major carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc..) as well as shipping estimates.
Lock in your trade-in:
If you’re planning on trading in your old device with Apple, you can also set that up while configuring and preparing your preorder. Apple is currently offering from $180 (U.S.) to $650 (U.S.) in credit for trading in an iPhone 12 or higher, or up to $1,000 (U.S.) in credits to put toward an iPhone 16 Pro with a carrier offer. Customers can take advantage of these offers by selecting the trade-in option when configuring their device and adding it to their cart. For carrier offer eligibility requirements and more details, see apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/carrier-offers. To see what your device is worth and for trade-in terms and conditions, you can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.
Apple Card Monthly Installments or Affirm
Another option for payment is to pay for your iPhone 16 through Apple’s new interest-free Apple Card. Simply choose Apple Card Monthly Installments as your payment option when adding your device to cart and connect your iPhone to one of Apple’s carrier options including AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. Apple is also offering a 3% Daily Cash back up front when you use the Apple Card installments option.
You can alternatively pay with Affirm monthly installments. You’ll have to fill out a form and provide all of your information for if you’re going this route, so doing it in advance is smart to save time before preorders actually open.
9to5Mac’s iPhone PreOrder Hub is brought to you by Torras. 9to5 readers can get a limited time deal on the Torras Magnetic Ostand 360 Spin Case with code 925mac20 to help celebrate the launch of iPhone 16.
Torras Magnetic Ostand 360 Spin Case
TORRAS, which is a pioneer in making cases with a magnetic flip ring, has created the Ostand Spin cases for the iPhone 16. The Ostand series of cases is known for being a pocket knife for iPhones. The product combines a protective case with MagSafe, a 360-degree stand, and also a ring grip.
The upgraded Ostand 360 case for iPhone 16 features a new curved design that enhances the grip and matches the iPhone’s original form-factor, resulting in better comfort without compromising on style. This means you can still enjoy the new iPhone 16 Pro design with thinner bezels.
- [Pioneering 360° Spin Stand] The phone case for iPhone 16 Pro Max with stand provides a wider and more flexible adjustment Angle: Place it in landscape mode for watching movies which is adjustable to prevent screen glare, switch to portrait mode with a unique angle up to 90°, it can stand perfectly vertical for a timer photo like a mini tripod. No matter how high or low your desk is, just spin it boldly to achieve any of your viewing angles! Undergoing 30,000 rotation tests, the spinning stand has a longer service life than ever before
- [3-in-1 Versatile Kickstand] Stand, ring holder, and wireless charging, all at once! With fixed support points, the stand won’t slip, every time you open it, it forms a stable triangular structure, ensuring your phone stands securely with just a simple placement, even on a soft surface. Compatible with iPhone 16 Pro Max case with stand, the o-ring provides secure grip when you use the camera button to prevent drops, it also works as a ring holder to hook your phone when your hands are full. Meanwhile, the zinc alloy kickstand enables fast, safe charging without taking off the case
- [Protective to drops of 12FT] Gone are the days of thick and bulky cases. This case fits like a glove with a streamlined profile, it quickly snaps into place and fits snugly without adding bulk. With military-grade protection certification (Certified MIL-STD 810G-516.6), it can absorb 98% of the impact force when dropping from 2.44m. Not only is the finish sturdy, with raised 1.2mm camera edges and 1.5mm screen edges, it’s built to protect your iPhone from scratches
- [18N Powerfully Magnetic] This case for iPhone 16 Pro Max magnetically aligns perfectly with your phone for a seamless attachment and safe wireless charging. No more wobbling—your magnetic wallet will stay securely attached. Compatible with the iPhone 16 Pro Max magnetic case, the stand also doesn’t sag when it’s holding the phone up magnetically. Employing exclusive Halbach-Mag technology, it boasts 40% stronger magnetic force (18N) than the ordinary 16 Pro Max magnetic phone cases for a stable connection
- [Premium Quality & Fine Craftsmanship] Crafted with a blend of hard polycarbonate on the back and flexible materials on the side, it’s built to offer you a premium experience. The sides of the case have a matte finish like soft textured leather, providing a decent amount of resistance to slip. Compatible with iPhone Pro Max 16 case, it fits right over with individually designed buttons for easy use of sensitive clicky. It undergoes 9 years of verifying throughout the design and manufacturing process, popular since our 1st Ostand generation launched 3 years ago
9to5Mac’s iPhone PreOrder Hub is brought to you by Torras. 9to5 readers can get a limited time deal on the Torras Magnetic Ostand 360 Spin Case with code 925mac20.
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