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Apple Stores Experiencing 'Global' Issue With iPhone and Apple Watch Reservation Pickups

Friday September 21, 2018 2:42 pm PDT by Eric Slivka
We're hearing from a number of readers over the past hour or so that Apple's retail stores are having problems completing in-store reservation pickups for the new iPhone and Apple Watch models. Multiple customers have been told there is a "global" issue affecting Apple's systems and we're hearing there are some long lines building up as customers wait for the issues to be resolved.

Pickup line at Manhattan Village store in Manhattan Beach, California

Some customers have reportedly been told to cancel their existing reservations and make walk-in purchases from available stock, while others are simply being told to wait things out while staff members discuss how to handle the situation.

We'll update this post if we hear more about the situation, but if you have an upcoming pickup window, you might want to be prepared for some delays.

Update: Apple's systems appear to be coming back online and reservation pickups are now being processed. There is, however, still a backlog of customers to work through.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5, iPhone XS
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral), iPhone XS (Neutral)
[ 173 comments ]


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AngerDanger
22 weeks ago
Way to bury the lead:



Rating: 25 Votes
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oldwatery
22 weeks ago
It’s the end of the world. I can’t live without my new iPhone for an hour let alone a day or three. That’s sarcasm for those who actually live in that bubble.
Rating: 10 Votes
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mattopotamus
22 weeks ago
What’s the appeal to in store pickup?
Rating: 8 Votes
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Black Magic
22 weeks ago

Surprised MacRumors hadn't said more about Watches (and probably phones) stuck in customs in China. Was looking like same-day delivery to home, then stalled there with no release indicated for any time soon.


China flexing their muscles sending a message about the trade war?
Rating: 8 Votes
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pcaleb
22 weeks ago

It's a scandal. How will these people make phone calls or tell the time without their new gadgets? Can they really be expected to go without for a few days? Apple should be ashamed of themselves ;)

I know! With delivery delayed until Monday, I had to cancel all my weekend plans and am hiding out in my apartment. I’d rather die than be seen around Manhattan with last year’s phone.
Rating: 7 Votes
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bbednarz
22 weeks ago

What’s the appeal to in store pickup?

Don't have to wait for the UPS truck or risk them not delivering the package because you weren't available to sign for it.
Rating: 7 Votes
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duervo
22 weeks ago

Standing here in Houston waiting for Apple to get their **** together. I can’t believe that they could drop the ball this badly. Heads need to roll for this.


Heads need to roll? That’s rather extreme. It’s only a delivery for an electronic device. It’s not like 3000 people are dead or anything like that.
Rating: 6 Votes
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PhilMacbook
22 weeks ago
It's a scandal. How will these people make phone calls or tell the time without their new gadgets? Can they really be expected to go without for a few days? Apple should be ashamed of themselves ;)
Rating: 6 Votes
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sualpine
22 weeks ago
You are all overgrown children with too much money.
Rating: 5 Votes
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Eorlas
22 weeks ago

Standing here in Houston waiting for Apple to get their **** together. I can’t believe that they could drop the ball this badly. Heads need to roll for this.


I get that you’re upset, but it’s just a cell phone and watch. No need to be a bad medieval ruler.
Rating: 5 Votes

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