Apple has added a new feature to its online store, now offering a text message alert notification service to keep shoppers up-to-date on their orders. Apple will send users a text message once their order ships or is ready for pickup at a retail store. Texts are only send between 8AM and 9PM in the recipients' time zone.

Trackyouritems

Apple Notifications is a text-message-based alerts service designed to keep you up-to-date on your shipment and/or pickup notification status. In addition to standard email notifications, you can also request text message updates when you're in Checkout. The number of messages you'll receive will vary depending on the orders you placed.

As noted by The Next Web, Apple Notifications are only available in the US and Canada. Customers can choose to receive text messages notifications during the order process.

Top Rated Comments

177 months ago
Where was this last month when I couldn't stop hitting refresh on my Retina MacBook Pro order? :o
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
177 months ago
Now I can be waiting for the text while I refresh FedEx's website! WooHoo!

Or they could add your Apple ID to your computer and you could use Find My Mac. :D:D
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rhett7660 Avatar
177 months ago
I actually like what Apple is doing with their retail stores and sales. I don't order a lot from them but this is a nice little option.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Seamaster Avatar
177 months ago
Not US and Canada only — I ordered a new Mac today from the UK Apple Store and was offered this option.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
autrefois Avatar
177 months ago
This is great news, especially considering this tidbit in the original article:



It appears that if a customer already owns an iDevice, the text update will be displayed as an iMessage (given that the notification bubble in the above screenshot is blue).
Assuming this is true, the option for people using iMessage to get a free heads-up (and for others to get an SMS) is definitely a nice addition.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
177 months ago
About time! I loathed hitting that refresh button every 3 seconds. Nice one Fl:apple:
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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