What pre-ordering means and why Apple does it

Pre-ordering means you reserve a phone before it officially goes on sale, pay for it in advance, and Apple ships it to you on the release date or shortly after. Apple uses pre-orders to measure demand, plan production, and give customers a way to find a specific model and color without waiting in line or refreshing a website on launch day.

When you pre-order, you are not paying a deposit — you pay the full price upfront. Apple holds your order and manufactures your specific unit. This is different from a waitlist, where you express interest but do not pay until stock arrives.

Pre-orders typically open three to five days before the official release date. The iPhone 17 will follow Apple's usual pattern: announcement event, pre-order window opens, then general sale begins about a week later. If you pre-order during that first window, your phone arrives on day one. If you order after pre-orders close, you join the regular queue and may wait weeks depending on demand and your chosen model.

Key Takeaways

  • Pre-orders open a few days after Apple announces the iPhone 17 and close when general sales begin, usually about a week later.
  • You pay the full price when you pre-order, not a deposit, and Apple ships your phone on the official release date.
  • You can pre-order through Apple's website, the Apple Store app, your wireless carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), or authorized retailers like Best Buy.
  • Pre-ordering guarantees you a specific storage size and color, whereas waiting until general sale means those options may sell out.
  • Canceling a pre-order is straightforward — you can cancel through your account up until your phone ships, and your payment is refunded.

Where to pre-order the iPhone 17

You have four main routes: Apple directly, your wireless carrier, a retailer like Best Buy, or a third-party seller. Each has a different timeline and set of perks.

Apple's website and Apple Store app open pre-orders first, usually at 8 a.m. Eastern time on the Friday after the announcement. You log into your Apple ID, choose your model, storage, color, and finish payment. Shipping is free to your address or you can pick up at a nearby Apple Store. This route gives you the earliest access and the clearest timeline.

Wireless carriers — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others — open pre-orders at the same time as Apple but may offer trade-in credits or carrier-specific deals. You pre-order through their website or app, or by calling a store. Carriers ship to your address or let you pick up in-store. If you have an existing plan with them, they can explore credits directly to your account.

Best Buy and other retailers also open pre-orders on the same day. You can order online or reserve in-store. Best Buy sometimes offers gift cards or other incentives for pre-orders, and you can choose in-store pickup if you want your phone when ready on release day.

Step-by-step: pre-ordering through Apple

This is the most straightforward route because Apple controls the entire process.

Before pre-orders open: Make sure you are signed into your Apple ID on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, or that you have your Apple ID username and password ready. Know which storage size you want (likely 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB) and which color. Have your shipping address and payment method ready.

When pre-orders open: Go to apple.com or open the Apple Store app. You will see the iPhone 17 prominently featured. Click or tap it, then select your model (standard, Plus, Pro, or Pro Max — Apple typically offers four versions). Choose your storage size, then your color. Review the price, which includes tax. Enter or confirm your shipping address. Choose your payment method — credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or financing through Apple Card Monthly Installments. Review your order and tap "Place Order" or "Complete Purchase."

You will receive an order confirmation email when ready. Apple will send you tracking information when your phone ships, usually the day before or the morning of the release date. Most pre-orders arrive on release day or within two business days.

What to know about storage, color, and model choices

The iPhone 17 will likely come in four models: a standard version, a Plus (larger screen), a Pro, and a Pro Max. Each has different cameras, processors, and prices. Decide which model fits your needs before pre-orders open, because popular combinations sell out quickly during the pre-order window.

Storage sizes typically start at 256GB and go up to 1TB. Choose based on how many photos, videos, and apps you keep on your phone. If you stream most content and back up to iCloud, 256GB is usually enough. If you record video or keep large libraries offline, 512GB or higher is safer. You cannot upgrade storage later, so choose carefully.

Colors vary by model. Standard and Plus models usually come in five to six colors. Pro models come in four metallic finishes. Popular colors like black or silver often sell out first during pre-order, so if you have a specific preference, order as soon as pre-orders open. Less popular colors may still be available weeks later.

Financing and payment options

You can pay in full at pre-order, or spread payments across months. Apple Card Monthly Installments let you pay interest-free over 12 months if you have an Apple Card. Most carriers offer 24-month financing plans where you pay a monthly fee added to your phone bill. Best Buy offers similar financing through their credit card.

If you are trading in an older iPhone, you can explore the trade-in value toward your pre-order. Apple, carriers, and Best Buy all accept trade-ins. The trade-in value is deducted from your total price at checkout. You mail in your old phone after your new one arrives, or drop it off in-store.

If you are financing through a carrier, the monthly payment is locked in at pre-order, even if the phone's price drops later. If you pay in full through Apple and the price drops within 14 days, you can request a refund of the difference.

Timing and what happens after you pre-order

Pre-orders typically open on a Friday morning and close the following Thursday evening, when general sales begin. If you pre-order during that window, your phone arrives on the official release date or within two days. If you order after pre-orders close, you join the regular queue and may wait two to four weeks depending on demand.

After you place your pre-order, you will see an estimated delivery date in your order confirmation and in your Apple ID account. You can check this date anytime by logging into apple.com or the Apple Store app and viewing your orders. About a week before your phone ships, Apple will send you a tracking number via email. You can use that number to track your package with the carrier (usually UPS or FedEx).

If your delivery date slips, Apple will notify you by email. This is rare for pre-orders but can happen if there are manufacturing delays. You can contact Apple Support to ask about your order, but you cannot speed up shipping once your phone is in transit.

Canceling or changing your pre-order

You can cancel your pre-order anytime before your phone ships. Log into your Apple ID on apple.com, go to your orders, find the iPhone 17 pre-order, and select "Cancel Order." Your payment is refunded to your original payment method within three to five business days. If you financed through Apple Card Monthly Installments, the installment plan is canceled and you owe nothing.

You cannot change your pre-order after placing it — for example, you cannot switch from black to silver or from 256GB to 512GB. If you need a different configuration, cancel your current order and place a new one. Do this as soon as possible, because popular combinations may sell out.

If you pre-ordered through a carrier or retailer, the cancellation process is different. Call the carrier's customer service or visit a store, or log into the retailer's website and cancel through your account. Refunds take three to seven business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pre-order if I do not have an Apple ID?

You need an Apple ID to pre-order through Apple's website or app. Creating one is free and takes about five minutes — go to appleid.apple.com, enter your email and password, and follow the steps. If you pre-order through a carrier or Best Buy, you do not need an Apple ID; you use your account with them instead.

What if I miss the pre-order window?

You can still order the iPhone 17 once general sales begin, but you may wait longer for delivery. Popular models and colors can have two- to four-week wait times. You can also check back regularly — as Apple manufactures more units, wait times usually drop after a few weeks.

Do I pay tax on top of the pre-order price?

Tax is included in the price shown at checkout. The total you see is what you pay — there are no hidden fees added later. If you pick up in-store, tax is calculated based on your store's location.

Can I switch carriers when I pre-order?

Yes. If you pre-order an unlocked iPhone through Apple, you can use it with any carrier. If you pre-order through a specific carrier, the phone is locked to that carrier for a set period (usually 60 days), after which you can unlock it or switch. Ask your new carrier about their process before you switch.

What if my pre-order arrives damaged?

Contact Apple Support or your carrier when ready. Do not open the box if the packaging is visibly damaged. Apple or your carrier will send you a replacement at no cost. Keep the damaged phone and packaging until the replacement arrives, then follow the return instructions.