Ordering After Launch at Apple
Store Stock
Store stock is generally added to the store system at 6am each day following launch. The only time this gets updated through the day is cancellations. There are generally no devices for walk ins – this is true for the high demand devices. This year the high demand appears to be all Pro Max devices.
Store stock is paid for up front either in App or website. The device is held for 7 days.
Checking Stock via Apple
You can check individual store stock on the Apple website or via the Apple Store App. Select your model, choose a store location, and you'll see whether it's available for pickup. If you aren't picky about colour and size you can flick between models to see what's in stock. You will get a collection time when you add to basket. The limitation is that you can only check one store at a time.
Checking Stock via StockTrackr
StockTrackr is a free desktop application (Windows & macOS) that monitors Apple Store stock availability across every store in every country in real time. Rather than manually checking each store one by one on Apple's website, StockTrackr tracks all stores simultaneously and sends you live push notifications via Pushover when your chosen model becomes available for pickup. It supports multi-country and multi-language monitoring, making it the fastest way to secure a device after launch.
Stock for Flexible Finance
The following is based on expectations from how the previous iPhone Upgrade Programme worked. The exact process for Apple’s new Flexible Finance Account may differ.
Apple’s new Flexible Finance Account (provided by Creation) is not 0% interest and offers 20 or 30-month plans. It is expected to allow you to reserve a device for pickup without paying upfront. When you arrive at store you would complete the finance agreement and collect. You must collect within the collection window – if you miss it the item goes back into stock and becomes available for others to reserve.
Stock for Flexible Finance is expected to be separate to standard store stock. This stock would constantly change as and when collections take place.
Based on previous experience, stock is typically available from 6am on launch day then throughout every day, with stock appearing closer to closing time of the local store.