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:
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.
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…
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.
Way to go @Apple!! Thank you for this! pic.twitter.com/6fGkS9XkZz
— Bryn Behrenshausen (@brynbehr) September 14, 2016
@apollozac @9to5mac black. All colors were available for pickup on Friday at my store except jet black.
