Apple Stores Receiving Large Quantities of iPad Air Stock Ahead of Friday's Launch - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Stores Receiving Large Quantities of iPad Air Stock Ahead of Friday's Launch

Both Apple Retail Stores and Apple resellers have begun receiving iPad Air stock to prepare for Friday’s launch, reports 9to5Mac. Shipments have begun showing up at Apple Stores and third party locations such as Walmart.

According to the site, major Apple retail locations across the United States are getting more than 500 units of the iPad Air, suggesting that supplies of the tablet will be plentiful, as we initially reported earlier this week. International stores are also receiving decent quantities of the iPad Air.

ipadair

We've heard similar from resellers of iPads internationally with some chains indicating that they will have a solid number of iPad Airs on tap for Friday. These stores say even more supply is promised for the next couple of weeks…

Due to seemingly adequate supplies of the iPad Air, Apple will reportedly accept requests for Personal Pickup, allowing prospective buyers to reserve an iPad Air online beginning at 12:01 AM Pacific Time and pick it up at an Apple Store later that same day, avoiding lines.

Online orders for the iPad Air will begin at 12:01 AM Pacific Time in the United States, and at varying times in other countries. Apple retail locations will open at 8 AM local time in the U.S. and other countries in order to begin in-store sales. Third party outlets, such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, will also offer the iPad Air beginning on Friday.

Apple's iPad Air, which features a Retina display, an A7 processor, and an all new thin-and-light design, will be available in white/silver and black/space gray and begins at $499 for the entry-level 16 GB Wi-Fi only model with a $100 price increase for additional storage options up to 128 GB and an extra $129 for comparable cellular models.

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

8 CarPlay Features in iOS 27 Feature

Which iOS 27 CarPlay Features Actually Work in Your Car?

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:17 am PDT by
In iOS 27, available now, CarPlay gets its biggest update in years, but some features depend on what type of car you have rather than your iPhone model. Some of the biggest additions won't do anything in the vast majority of vehicles on the road today. Here's how the new features pan out. Works in Any CarPlay Vehicle Custom widgets: In iOS 27, CarPlay is no longer limited to Apple's handful ...
Apple Watch New Charging Puck

Here's Why a New Apple Watch Charging Puck Was Just Released

Wednesday September 16, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
The new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 have hardware changes that allow for faster charging, but you will need to use the new version of the Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger included in the box in order to achieve this boost. If you need extra ones for your own charging stands or travel or so forth, Apple released the new version of the charger on its online store last week, with...
iphone 18 pro max prepare

iPhone 18 Pro Max Requires 'Prepare to Ship' Battery Drain Before Shipping

Friday September 18, 2026 4:27 pm PDT by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a battery capacity over 20 watt-hours, which means there are additional shipping requirements. If an iPhone 18 Pro Max needs to be shipped somewhere, its maximum battery capacity has to be limited through firmware. According to Apple, the iPhone 18 Pro Max uses an "innovative battery-firmware solution" that limits battery capacity to below 20Wh between when the...

Top Rated Comments

Nicky G Avatar
168 months ago
Going to be soooooooo hard to decide between the Air and the Retina mini!

First world problems... :o
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Tankmaze Avatar
168 months ago
thats... good news, can't say the same for the gold 5s :rolleyes:
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Aluminum213 Avatar
168 months ago
Going to hit the AT&T Friday morning when they open at 8am. No Apple store in my town and I think I'm going to get it on Next in case next years model is significantly better.


Next year

A8
2gb ram
Touch ID
8MP iSight camera
Offered in gold
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
168 months ago
Going to be soooooooo hard to decide between the Air and the Retina mini!

First world problems... :o

Since they both have the same performance, it all comes down to screen size. For me, the bigger screen was a quick decision. :)
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
musika Avatar
168 months ago
Showing some manufacturing muscle after that 5s launch.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
168 months ago
Wow! Cool... :apple:

Now that you have a picture and likely a subpoena-able IP address on this site and twitter, can (will??)Apple security come after you and seize or make you forfeit the iPad Air?? Maybe some lawyers on the site can provide inputs on what Apple could do legally here, if anything? :confused:

If be ok with that, I did NOTHING wrong so I'd get a refund AND an awesome story. Also I feel that a couple people getting them early is not on Apple's radar :-)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)