In the event you’re planning to place a shiny new Apple toy underneath the tree for a liked one this 12 months, you’ll be completely happy to know that you’ve loads of time to resolve.
Not like in some earlier years, it seems that Apple has loads of inventory of each one among its merchandise, from the iPhone 15 Professional Max to the HomePod mini.
Earlier this month, Apple posted a useful vacation transport information that lists the dates by which you’ll want to position your orders for every of Apple’s merchandise to obtain them in time for December 25.
The excellent news is that almost each product on the record is at present displaying a deadline of December 21, together with each iPhone mannequin from the iPhone SE to the iPhone 15 Professional Max, the Apple Watch Sequence 9, Apple Watch Extremely 2, and Apple Watch SE, and the complete lineups of iPads, MacBooks, AirPods, and HomePods. Even the Apple TV 4K and AirTags are on the record, each additionally displaying deadlines of December 21.
Nonetheless, if you wish to go for one thing customized, there’s a catch. Add engraving to any qualifying objects — that’s iPads, AirPods, or AirTags — and also you’ll want to permit for a bit bit extra lead time.
For all iPads and most AirPods, you’ll should put your order in by December 19 if you need them engraved. For no matter motive, the AirPods Max and AirTags require a bit extra time, with an order by date of December 13.
The sooner dates are possible as a result of the engraving is completed throughout manufacturing, utilizing laser engravers within the factories. This implies these orders must ship immediately from China and different nations the place Apple merchandise are made slightly than out of your nearest Apple warehouse.
The longer lead occasions for the AirPods Max and AirTags may mirror the truth that Apple isn’t manufacturing many of those anymore. The AirPods Max are almost three years outdated and never usually in excessive demand. The identical is also mentioned for AirTags, the place Apple could have already got tens of 1000’s sitting in warehouses world wide. Whereas the second-generation AirPods are even older than the AirPods Max, their a lot decrease promoting value makes them a fantastic stocking stuffer.
Earlier deadlines apart, you could wish to suppose twice earlier than choosing engraving, as that personalization will cut back the resale worth down the street and make it extra difficult to return to an Apple Retailer. That’s in all probability not an enormous deal for one thing like an AirTag, which is nearly disposable, however the $549 AirPods Max or $2,199 iPad Professional is one other matter.
It’s additionally necessary to do not forget that the dates on Apple’s vacation transport web page aren’t carved in stone, nor do they essentially apply to all colours and storage configurations, a few of which can be in greater demand than others.
We’d suggest checking Apple’s web page often to see if any dates have moved and getting your orders in as quickly as you’ve decided. In spite of everything, Apple’s beneficiant vacation return coverage offers you till January 8 to return an merchandise even if you happen to purchase it as we speak.
You may additionally wish to order earlier to make sure you have sufficient time to get your Apple presents into a reasonably bundle since Apple not affords gift-wrapping companies.
Nonetheless, even if you happen to can’t fairly make up your thoughts now, last-minute present orders are attainable, due to Apple’s two-hour supply service obtainable in most metro areas. Since these orders come from an area Apple Retailer, you received’t be capable of use that service for engraved merchandise or customized Mac configurations — solely what’s already in inventory. Nonetheless, since most cities have a number of Apple Shops, it shouldn’t be arduous to search out almost anything Apple sells for same-day supply.